Topical Flea & Tick Medications for Cats
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Unless your cat stays inside 100-percent of the time and is an only cat, fleas and ticks will simply be a regular part of pet ownership. Treating and preventing pests in your home and on your pet proactively will ensure that you and your cat will remain protected against infestations and the types of problems that arise from them.
Topical pest treatments are an effective way to manage common household pests including fleas and ticks, and many topical preventatives will even ensure protection from mosquitoes. If your cat is allowed to roam the yard or surrounding areas, or he shares the home with another indoor/outdoor pet, making pest treatment a normal part of your routine will be critical to his - and your family's - overall health and wellbeing.
Why Treat Fleas So Aggressively?
Because fleas have a somewhat unpredictable maturation cycle, they may remain dormant in your home or yard for months. That means that when you see a few fleas on your cat, you're only catching a fractional glimpse of a larger problem. It is estimated that 95-percent of fleas in your home have either not hatched or are currently in a developing stage, which means that 100 fleas could already be invading your home for every five you actually see.
Fleas are incredibly prolific breeders and hunters. They can sense even seemingly imperceptible movements, so if your cat has any access to your yard or another place where fleas can readily hatch, they'll be a target.
Once a flea hitches a ride, it doesn't procrastinate; after it bites, it'll quickly begin laying eggs - up to 50 a day. The eggs will subsequently drop back into the yard, your carpet or any other area your cat has access to, and this is how the cycle is perpetuated.
In addition to using a topical treatment, it is strongly recommended that you tackle the potential for fleas at the root by using area pest treatments outside. Additionally, keeping your yard clear of debris and leaves, and minimizing moisture in shaded areas is another effective way to keep problems from developing. When used correctly, a topical flea treatment such as Frontline is nearly 100-percent effective.
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