Flea 'Season' Approaching

BeenieCat

So we're getting closer to Spring and in my experience this is when the fleas start re-appearing after the cold winter.
My cats are guaranteed to come home with them since my neighbour doesn't appear to believe in neutering her cats so at least 4 (out of about 12) of them will undoubtably be having another litter each, thus them ending up keeping some of them :rolleyes:. With so many cats about it seems impossible to not expect fleas so i want to get organised!

I have bought Frontline Spot on previously but i just wondered if this was still the most effective flea treatment & prevention nowadays?

I will be needing flea treatment for 2 cats and a dog, any recommendations on sites with the best prices inc P&P?

Also, when do we need to start applying the flea treatment to prevent the infestation - i'm concerned about applying it too early before it's necessary and wasting the money!

On another topic, a tom of said neighbour is regularly howling at my female kitten, she's almost 6 months old (and really quite small), am i right in thinking getting her spayed now is a matter of urgency, or is she still too young?

Thanks in advance

foreign_correspondent

Spey the kitten - 6 months is fine, and many vets are happier to do it earlier!

Dunno about flea stuff for cats nowadays though, havent had one for years. My only advice is not to put the cat in a string bag and spray it with the de-fleaing stuff...
I used to flea my cat like that when I was about eight - it was very effective, but I now realise, with the benefit of hindsight it was probably a bit cruel to the cat!:eek:

It never held a grudge though! - sorry rambled on a bit there, the memory just popped into my head ... I am sure someone who knows much more will be along soon with some useful advice!

UKTigerlily

Nutrecare are good value with free delivery for normal Frontline. I dunno when to start applying it, I do it all year round, fleas don't care what month it is! I think Frontline is still considered one of the best yeah.

Paparika

Yup it's started already, the OH cat had them last week, so remembered to get the dog done this weekend *fingers crossed that we got them in time

meerkat2007

I buy Frontline Plus (equivalent to Frontline Combo) from www.pets-megastore.com.au.

It's about half the price of Combo from the vet, you don't need a prescription, and I've just had an email from them saying that they currently have free shipping to the UK. Delivery is via air mail, is a reasonable rate when there's no offer on, and usually only takes about 5 days or so, but don't quote me on that.

I've been very pleased with the service I've received from them, and have just recommended the site to a neighbour.

Rachel83

I always found frontline combi to be better than just frontline not sure if that is only available from the vet still?
I bought some normal frontline from the chemist yesterday and did my cats. They seem to be out already

RacyRed

My boy was absolutely riddled with fleas and mites when he first arrived and Stronghold seems to have sorted it.

Trouble is, because I couldn't treat him straight away when he arrived (trying to find his owners) I know that my home is going to be riddled with fleas when they start coming out in force. I need a really good flea treatment for the furnishings to protect the epileptic girl (don't really want to use a treatment directly onto her skin just in case it triggers a fit).

Has anyone tried those once a year treatments for the home? Do they work?

UKTigerlily

RacyRed wrote: »

My boy was absolutely riddled with fleas and mites when he first arrived and Stronghold seems to have sorted it.

Trouble is, because I couldn't treat him straight away when he arrived (trying to find his owners) I know that my home is going to be riddled with fleas when they start coming out in force. I need a really good flea treatment for the furnishings to protect the epileptic girl (don't really want to use a treatment directly onto her skin just in case it triggers a fit).

Has anyone tried those once a year treatments for the home? Do they work?

I think Indorex is a yearly one that's supposed to, but they all need to be used alongside treating the animal afaik. The Vet should know if treatments are safe to use on her, i'm sure some are?

RacyRed

UKTigerlily wrote: »

I think Indorex is a yearly one that's supposed to, but they all need to be used alongside treating the animal afaik. The Vet should know if treatments are safe to use on her, i'm sure some are?

The good ones are, the vet tells me it will be OK but I just have such a hang-up about it She is very short haired so that makes life a bit easier re grooming and keeping a check. I'll watch to see if she shows signs and make a decision then.

Thanks for the tip about Indorex, I'll give it a go.

janeys

Ive used the indorex and it really does work. It is expensive about £11 a can but shop around online and try and get it cheaper, and it does do quite a large area. If I remember right 1 can will do a 2 bed house.

hethmar

Dog fleas are very rare - when my dogs had fleas it was cat ones. We had literally dozens of feral cats in the area. Once we contacted a wonderful small feral cat rescue and had them taken away - they kept the kittens to domesticate and rehome, the adults were neutered and returned - I have to say my dogs havent needed flea treatments for several years now. Zilcho. One year when we had all the cats everywhere, my house was alive with fleas, jumping about all over the place - you could actually see them!!:eek:

I almost killed us all using flea powders and sprays on every carpet, wooden floor and even our bedding every night for a week.