When it comes to fleas infestation in cats, a lot of people are concerned about the safety of their pets. They want a solution that is both effective and safe, and they want an oral flea treatment that doesn’t require a vet’s prescription.
Fleas are among the most common pests that infest your cat. They can be a serious health threat to your cat, causing irritation and discomfort. This is why you need to find a way to get rid of fleas on your cat as soon as possible.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are small, blood-sucking parasites that live on cats. Fleas are found on pets, people, and in the environment. They are most common in warm climates, but they can also be found in colder climates.
Fleas can cause irritation of the skin, which can be a sign of flea allergy dermatitis, or it could lead to more serious problems like anemia. Fleas also transmit tapeworms and other parasites that can affect your cat’s health.
Symptoms Of Flea Infestation In Cats
Flea infestation in cats can be a scary thing to deal with. Here are some signs you might see if your cat is infested with fleas:
- Red, irritated areas around the neck and head
- Scratching and biting at its skin
- Infected hair loss or discoloration of fur
- Redness around the nose, mouth and eyes
- Paw inflammation and swelling
- Lack of appetite
What Fleas Do To Cats
Fleas can be a major problem for cats. They don’t just bite your cat, they carry diseases and make the cat miserable. Fleas can also be a serious health problem. Fleas feed on cat blood and can cause anemia in cats if they’re not treated quickly.
Fleas can also transmit tapeworms, which can cause diarrhea and vomiting in cats and kittens. Fleas can cause a variety of health problems in cats, including:
- Skin irritation and dermatitis (redness, itching, and scaling)
- Infection of the ear canal
- Infection of the eye (can cause blindness)
Flea bites look like small red bumps on your cat’s skin. Flea saliva contains an anticoagulant that keeps blood flowing to the bite site, which makes it look like a huge red bump with a tiny pinpoint of an insect bite in the middle. The irritation caused by flea bites can make your cat scratch its skin until it gets so irritated that it actually starts bleeding.
How Do Cats Get Fleas
Cats are most likely to get fleas if they live in an area where there is a high population of fleas and poor environmental conditions for pest control (such as low humidity, and dryness). Cats who spend time outdoors may be more prone to getting fleas because they are more likely to come into contact with these pests outside than indoor cats who spend most of their lives indoors only meeting other pets when going out for walks.
Fleas lay their eggs on the cat’s fur and in its fur, which is how they are able to spread so quickly. Flea eggs hatch into larvae that burrow into the cat’s skin and begin feeding on its blood. Once they mature, they drop off the cat and begin laying eggs of their own.
You can help keep your cat flea-free by making sure that you have a clean home and yard, and by washing your pet regularly. The best way to do this is with regular baths or by using flea shampoo every few weeks. If you think your cat might be carrying fleas, check them out under a hand lens or microscope at the veterinarian’s office. A positive result means they need to be treated immediately.
Can You Give Cat Oral Flea Treatment Without Vet Prescription
Yes, you can give your cat oral flea treatment without a vet prescription.
You can purchase over-the-counter (OTC) flea treatments for cats at any pet or vet store. In addition to these OTC options, there are also some prescription flea medications available if your cat has been diagnosed with fleas.
If you choose to use an OTC option, make sure it is formulated for cats and that it is safe for kittens and small breeds of dogs. If you’re using a prescription medication, be sure to follow all instructions carefully and only administer the medication as directed by your veterinarian.
Flea Pills For Cats Without A Vet Prescription
You may have a hard time finding a vet who can prescribe flea medication for cats. But there are some great alternatives that you can try on your furry friend. Here are some top products you can use for cat flea treatment without a vet prescription:
Seresto Cat Vet-Recommended Flea & Tick Treatment & Prevention Collar for Cats | 8 Months Protection
Price : $67.98
Features :
- Vet-recommended, premium flea & tick protection for cats & kittens
- Long-lasting flea collar kills & repels fleas for 8 continuous months
- Seresto is the #1 selling non-prescription flea & tick brand, stocked by 8,000 vet clinics (Elanco Animal Health, data on file)
- Starts working within 24 hours to kill & repel fleas by contact so pests don’t have to bite your cat to die
- Hassle-free, non-greasy, easy-to-use flea & tick protection
Flea and Tick Collar for Cat, Made with Premium Plant Based Essential Oil, Waterproof and Natural Treatment Prevention, Protection of Small Kittens, Free Comb, 13.8 in (2 Packs)
Price : $27.99 ($14.00 / Count)
Features :
- SAFE COLLAR: The collar is made of pure natural plant essential oils that repel pests in a safe and natural way.
- The Shengkou flea and tick Collar’s innovative sustained release technology repels fleas, ticks, easy-to-use, Natural citronella smell, non-greasy flea collar.
- UPGRADE DESIGN – The flea and tick collar adds a emergency breaking point design that allows your dog and cat to walk and play in the rain or wet snow without worrying about their Safety and the effectiveness of the collar.
- PERFECT SIZE: This collar is suitable for cats older than 10 weeks and with a neck circumference of 13.8 in or less. Simply adjust the collar to fit the length you need and cut off any remaining length.
- WATER RESISTANT COLLAR: ShengKou Collar allows your beloved cats full protection at any time or places even in the rain, swimming or bathing. The collar will not need to be removed from your cat’s neck until you want to replace it. However, immersing in water for a long time will shorten the protection time.
- Responsible customer service team, if the product has any problems in the process of use, please contact us in time.
Advantage II Kitten Vet-Recommended Flea Treatment & Prevention | Cats 2-5 lbs. | 2-Month Supply
Price : $29.98
Features :
- Advantage II Kitten is a leading brand in cat flea treatment and prevention for kittens 2-5 lbs., at least 8 weeks of age
- Vet-recommended, easy-to-apply monthly topical treatment – no hard-to-swallow pills, no prescription needed
- Same-day effectiveness – kills fleas within 12 hours of application and keeps working for 30 days
- Delivers total flea protection – kills adult fleas, flea larvae and flea eggs through contact
- Fragrance-free formula, waterproof after 24 hours of application
PetArmor CAPACTION (nitenpyram) Oral Flea Treatment for Cats, Fast Acting Tablets Start Killing Fleas in 30 Minutes, Cats 2-25 lbs, 6 Doses
Price : $40.48
Features :
- FAST-ACTING: One oral flea tablet starts killing fleas within 30 minutes of administration.
- SAFE TO USE: This oral flea medication is safe for kittens and cats from 2-25 lbs. 4 weeks and older, when used as directed.
- TREAT RE-INFESTATIONS FAST: If your pet gets re-invested with fleas simply apply another dose as often as once a day. CapAction Flea Pills are even safe for use on pregnant or breeding cats.
- EASY TO USE: Without the mess and rubbing off of a flea and tick topical treatment and without the need of a veterinarian prescription this cat flea tablet is administered orally to kill adult fleas fast.
- KILL FLEAS EFFICIENTLY: CapAction flea treatment has 6 doses and kills adult fleas that may cause allergy dermatitis.
NEXTSTAR Topical Flea & Tick Treatment & Prevention for Cats Over 3.5 lbs, Fast Acting, 1-Month Supply
Price : $19.99
Features :
- STARTS TO KILL FLEAS AND TICKS IN 15 MINUTES: Start your cat’s flea and tick protection in just 15 minutes with NEXTSTAR flea and tick treatment for cats.
- VET STRENGTH FORMULA: This flea and tick preventive formula is available without a prescription.
- 30-DAY PROTECTION: Easy-to-use topical application that kills fleas and ticks for 30 days. This flea and tick for cats preventive offers long-lasting protection.
- PREVENTS REINFESTATIONS: NEXTSTAR cat flea treatment kills ticks and stops reinfestations by preventing flea eggs from developing into biting adults.
- 7-WAY CONTROL: NEXTSTAR Flea & Tick Topical for Cats provides effective cat flea and tick control for 30 days with just one application. This fast-acting waterproof topical kills fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, chewing lice, flea eggs, flea larvae, and prevents the development of flea pupae.
Flea and Tick Collar for Cats & Kittens, 8 Months of Flea and Tick Protection, 2 Collars, Made with Premium Plant Based Essential Oil, Waterproof and Natural Treatment Prevention, Free Comb
Price : $29.99
Features :
- ALLERGY-FREE: The Collar can prevent and treat fleas infections, inhibit the growth of fleas, assist in the treatment and prevention of allergic dermatitis.
- LONG-TERM PROTECTION: Collar is committed to preventing cats from being injured by fleas and ticks. It provides continuous effective protection for cats for 8 months
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Flea and tick collar based on the herbs and oils that can repel fleas and ticks effectively, but friendly and safe for pet and owners as well.
- WATERPROOF COLLAR: Great for use at the beach, on vacation, at campsites, on the boat, on hikes, at the pool. No need to take off the cats collar when swimming or bathing
- COMFORT TECHNOLOGY: Unique and flexible collar design keeps your kitty comfortable yet protected with a smooth surface interior, Each tin comes with 2, 8-month collars that provide 16 consecutive months of flea & tick protection.
Common Diseases Cats Get From Fleas
Fleas can be a real problem for cats, and not just because they’re annoying. Fleas carry diseases that can seriously harm your pet if you don’t get rid of them. Here are some common problems caused by fleas:
1) Feline Infectious Anemia: If a cat gets fleas, it’s possible to get Feline Infectious Anemia (FIA). This is a serious blood disease that results in anemia and death. It’s caused by the cat’s body having antibodies against the parasite, but the antibodies aren’t strong enough to fight off the infection.
2) Tapeworms infestation: Tapeworms are segmented flatworms that live in cats’ intestines. They cause diarrhea and digestive issues, which can make cats feel sick and irritable—and they can even cause death if left untreated.
3) Flea Allergy Dermatitis: Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is caused by an allergic reaction to flea saliva on your cat’s skin. It causes intense itching, bald patches on the skin, swelling around the eyes or face, and sometimes even seizures in severe cases.
4) Cat Scratch Disease: Cat scratch disease is caused by a bacteria called Bartonella henselae that lives in the environment and on cats’ claws. It spreads through contact with infected fleas and their feces. When you touch an area of your cat’s body where there is an open wound from scratching, you may contract Bartonella henselae yourself.
How To Prevent Cats From Getting Fleas
Cats are prone to flea infestation, but there are many ways to prevent them.
A cat’s grooming behavior plays an important role in flea prevention. Cats groom themselves for a variety of reasons, including preening and removing loose hair, dirt, and debris from their coat, and eliminating dead fleas. This grooming behavior allows fleas to be picked up by the fur or skin surface on which they land. Aside from the grooming behavior of cats to eliminate fleas, you can try the following measures:
Keeping Cat Indoor: The best way to prevent fleas is to keep your cat indoors for as long as possible during the summer months so that it doesn’t bring fleas inside with it when it goes outside. Keep your home clean and free of clutter where pets can’t hide things like toys or food scraps that could become a hiding spot for fleas or other insects.
Use of Flea Comb: Try using a flea comb on your cat regularly. The teeth of the comb remove the dead fleas from your cat’s fur. If you notice that some of the hairs are missing after being brushed with the comb, it means that some fleas remain on your pet’s body and need removal.
Use of Insecticide Spray: Use an insecticide spray on your pet’s coat at least once per month. Insecticides work by killing adult fleas and larvae (which can cause allergic reactions) as well as eggs (which hatch into larvae). You should also bathe your pet regularly to remove any dead fleas from its fur before they hatch into larvae.
Final Thoughts,
In conclusion, it is important to remember that fleas are a problem that can be treated at home. The best way to manage the problem is with oral flea treatment for cats. This article has provided you with information on the best oral flea treatment for cats without a vet prescription, so you can choose the right one for your cat.