The Importance of Using Flea Treatment For Kittens
If your kitten gets fleas, they can be made miserable, uncomfortable, and even lead to future complications if they ingest the flea or its larvae. Flea bites can cause skin irritation and allergic dermatitis, and fleas can pass onto other animals, humans and live in your home, infesting your space. Preventing fleas with flea treatment for kittens is essential to avoid the need for treating infestations and complications caused by the parasites.
Unlike adult cats, who can groom effectively to remove fleas, young kittens have limited self-grooming abilities. Fleas feed on blood beneath the skin, and because kittens are small with a lower blood volume, flea infestations can lead to anaemia, a dangerous deficiency in red blood cells. This condition is serious and can be fatal if a blood transfusion isn't administered. If your kitten exhibits signs of anaemia, such as pale gums, immediate veterinary attention is crucial.
Book an appointment for flea treatment for kittens today!
What's the Best Flea Treatment For Kittens?
While many flea treatments can be used on kittens 8 weeks and older, certain formulations are only appropriate for those aged 12 weeks or more because younger kittens are very delicate. In addition to age, the weight of your kitten is another consideration for flea treatments. Since many products are formulated for cats exceeding a certain size, you may need to delay treatment if your kitten is very small.
It's vital you only use flea treatment specifically made for cats and kittens and never any products designed for other animals or any household products. Despite their apparent convenience, flea collars may not be the ideal flea treatment for kittens. If a kitten grows quickly and needs a larger collar, the continuity of treatment can be broken. Additionally, there's a risk of the collar getting caught on something while the kitten is active, potentially causing injury.
How to Use Flea Treatment for Kittens
Spot-on flea treatment for kittens comes highly recommended by veterinary specialists; at Snadhole Vets, your vets will advise you on the best brands and teach you how to effectively apply their treatment at home.
To apply the treatment, take a pipette from the packaging, hold it vertically, and break off the pointed end. Create a parting in your kitten's fur at the base of their neck, revealing the skin, and then apply the treatment directly onto that skin.
After application, the medication will reside in the skin's sebaceous glands and naturally distribute across your kitten's entire body through their skin oils. Fleas and ticks will be eliminated upon contact with your kitten's treated skin and fur. This means, unlike some other products, they don't need to bite your kitten to be killed. Allow the application area to dry completely before stroking, cuddling, or allowing children to play with your kitten. For maximum effectiveness, avoid bathing your kitten and keep them dry for 48 hours following treatment.
How Often Does My Kitten Need Flea Treatment?
Even if your kitten stays indoors, fleas can still be brought into the home on your clothing or by other pets. Year-round preventative treatment is generally recommended
The frequency of flea treatment kittens depends on several factors, including:
- Age and Weight: As you mentioned, very young and small kittens have restrictions on what treatments are safe. Most treatments are suitable for kittens aged 8 weeks or older and weighing a minimum weight (often around 1 kg or 2 lbs), but some require them to be 12 weeks or older. Always check the product label and consult your vet if you're unsure.
- Type of Product: Different flea treatments have varying durations of effectiveness.
Spot-on treatments: These are typically applied monthly.
Oral medications (tablets/chews): Many are also given monthly, but some longer-acting options exist.
Flea collars: Effectiveness can vary greatly, and they aren't always the best option for kittens due to safety concerns and inconsistent coverage. Some newer, vet-recommended collars offer longer protection (several months).
As well as Flea treatment, your kittens will benefit from routine worming treatment too. Learn more about flea and worm treatments here and book an appointment today.
