Spinosad: Comfortis Flea Control for Cats

Comfortis is a chewable tablet used as flea control medication in dogs. Ctenocephalides felis is the most common flea that affects both cats and dogs. Fleas latch on to the cat's skin and feed on essential nutrients present in the blood. In addition, cats are likely to develop flea allergy dermatitis as the skin is hypersensitive to flea saliva. Dermatitis eventually causes severe itching and skin lesions. In order to control fleas it's necessary to use medication to kill fleas in all stages of the life cycle.

Comfortis Flea Control Medication

Comfortis contains the active ingredient spinosad that effectively kills adult fleas soon after initial administration. It's a prescribed medication available in tablet form in varying potencies. The medication is administered according to pet weight and should be used according to vet instructions. The duration of treatment is also decided by the vet. Comfortis is formulated specifically for use in dogs. Pet owners should avoid using products labeled for dogs on cats as the dosage varies and cats may suffer from toxicity. Spinosad may also fail to benefit certain pets. Pet owners should read and follow package instructions and inform the vet if the dog experiences any unusual side-effects.

Precautions:

  • Spinosad is formulated for use in dogs and contains pork protein that's allergic to few pets.
  • Dogs suffering from known allergic reactions to the ingredients shouldn't be administered the drug.
  • Comfortis is known to have certain drug interactions. Pet owners should inform the vet about other prescribed medicines administered to the dog.
  • Pets may suffer from few side effects such as drooling, redness of the skin and lack of appetite. If the pet develops adverse reactions it's best to seek medical help.

Flea Control Treatment for Cats

Since Comfortis is not ideal for cat flea control, it's necessary to use other alternatives to treat cats suffering from flea infections. Commercially available drugs such as frontline plus and revolution effectively kill fleas and inhibit flea growth. Pet owners should also avoid using flea control solutions that contain permethrin on cats. Permethrin may be safe for use on dogs if administered correctly. However, it causes toxicity in cats and should hence be avoided. Most topical solutions should be applied to the base of the neck on the skin between the shoulder blades. It's important to prevent the solution from coming in contact with the cat's eyes, nose and genitals. There are several commercially available insecticides used to treat outdoor areas for flea infections. It's best to ensure that the products are safe for use around cats.

Flea Prevention

In order to obtain a long term solution to flea infections, it's necessary to adopt a multi-pronged approach. Along with medication used to treat individual cats, the home and surroundings should be thoroughly disinfected to kill flea larvae. Steam cleaning carpets eliminates flea eggs and larvae. It's also best to thoroughly wash pet bedding and use a flea comb to detect flea dirt and possible flea infections.

Pet owners should treat other animals living in the same household, if flea infection is detected. If the cat develops severe dermatitis it's necessary to conduct a vet check to administer medication suited to the pet.

 

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