Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Program, Advantage, Revolution and Frontline are among the new
products that have revolutionized flea control. Program is administered
orally or by injection. The other three products are spot-ons, which
means you place them on the back of the cat's neck. Although expen-
sive and available generally through veterinarians, they are very safe,
effective and work for up to a month.These products have made sham-
poos, dips, sprays, powders, collars and foams obsolete. Flea experts rec-
ommend using an insect growth regulator, such as Program, and an
adult flea killer, such as Advantage or Frontline, in combination to pre-
vent the emergence of resistant fleas.
Cats who stay indoors generally have fewer problems with fleas
than cats who go outside. It is more difficult to control fleas if you have
several pets.These factors are all important in deciding which flea con-
trol products to use.The flea has historically developed resistance to all
products developed to eradicate it, so it will be interesting to see what
happens with the newer products available. Will fleas continue to beat
the system?
Fleas like to live in warm, moist environments.They can live inside
all year round, and in warmer climates they can survive outside all year.
The best way to monitor a cat for fleas is to comb him regularly with
a flea comb.The comb will catch fleas in its teeth and also trap flea dirt
(little black spots that are actually digested blood). If you find signs of
fleas, continue to comb and try to pick them all off, or you can use the
comb as a gauge of your success with other products.
Other Parasites That Can Make Your Cat Itch
Cats can be infested with other external parasites, including mange,
mites and lice. Luckily, these feline-specific parasites are not usually
contagious to humans. More information on these parasites is included
in Chapter 15. Your veterinarian can make recommendations on rid-
ding your cat of these parasites.
