Flea and tick products

[CathyLonghurst]

Thank you to everyone here for all the help you have given. Squeak has been OTJ for over 2 weeks!

I live in Kentucky and the ticks are really bad this year, so I need to put some flea and tick product on the cats and the dog. Is there one that is better for a diabetic cat? I also have one with asthma. I will ask the vet, but I wanted to hear from others with a diabetic cat.

Again, Squeak and I thank you so much.

 

[BJM]

Congrats on getting Squeak OTJ!

The best product will be the one that works where you are. Up in Columbus, Ohio, I found that Frontline Plus wasn't working well any more. Advantage II was still OK.

You may want to develop an integrated pest management approach.
Indoors
- Capstar may be used as a quick way to kill adult fleas if you get infested. It is oral and daily (expensive as sole option), so something else must be used with it. It is possible to get a larger sized dose and cut it into pieces as the safety profile is good.
- Monthly treatment with Advantage II, etc may be helpful.
- It may help to lightly dust the pets with food grade diatomaceous earth; be careful with the asthmatic.
- Flea combing and dropping the fleas into a bowl of soapy water to kill them is time-consuming and works. Think of it as bonding time if your cats enjoy grooming.
Outdoors
- Flowers in the mum family (mums, marigolds) have naturally occurring pyrethrins which deter some of the biting insects. I believe these like full sun.
- Food grade diatomaceous earth may be sprinkled where you don't want earthworms or beneficial nematodes (ie NOT your garden. The sharp exoskeleton of the diatoms scrapes the insects and causes them to dessicate and die. Avoid this around the asthmatic cat and avoid breathing it in yourself when applying it.
- Yard insecticides may be used IF they are pet safe.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Hi Cathy,

I use Frontline on my cats here in the UK and it seems to be OK for them (ticks are the main problem where I live, rather than fleas, and it seems to kill ticks for a period of a few weeks but no longer). But I've heard others say that Frontline no longer seems to work for their cats (as indeed BJ also says above).

Eliz x

PS. I know I've already congratulated you and Squeak on Squeak's new OTJ status, but I really welcome the opportunity to say it again:
Congrats Cathy and Squeak!!! :mrgreen:

And the fact that Squeak went into remission while on Vetsulin/Caninsulin could be very encouraging to others who are using the same insulin.
Excellent result!

 

[CathyLonghurst]

You guys are great!