Anti-flea collars for cats and kittens: operating principle and selection rules

How does a flea collar work?

Manufacturers make the product from a rubberized material, which is additionally impregnated with repellent or insecticide. The substances are similar in that they cope well with their tasks. But they also have differences in the principle of operation.

• Impregnation with repellent. Contains essential oils of citrus, lavender, bergamot, mint. They have a smell that repels insects. The collar is sold together with instructions, which clearly state the period of action of the substance. The normal service life of such products does not exceed 3 months. Therefore, the repellent is not a medicinal composition, but only helps prevent flea attacks on the cat.
• Impregnation in the form of an insecticide (organophosphate, carbamate poison, imidacloprid, permethrin, Sevin, etc.). Substances accumulate in the cat's skin. When a flea bites through the skin, the insecticide kills it. Such collars are suitable for preventing attacks by blood-sucking insects and subsequent treatment of the animal (insects will no longer settle in the fur).

According to manufacturers, fleas leave the pet in droves when wearing a collar. But it is important to understand that the larvae remain and they cannot escape from their victim.

How does a cat flea and tick collar work?

The way a flea collar works depends on what type it is. In total, such collars are produced in the following types:

• Gas. The principle of its operation is based on the fact that a collar made of rubber and impregnated with an insecticidal composition gradually releases the active substance, which leads to poisoning of the parasites and their subsequent death. When it is used, fleas become inactive and die. This collar is valid for 4-6 weeks, after which it is recommended to replace it with a new one.
• Radiating. This collar does not contain insecticides and is usually odorless. It produces radiation that is safe for cats, which, nevertheless, repels insects, and if they still hit the purring body even earlier, they prevent fleas from multiplying. Such a collar, put on a cat, is valid for about 60 days.
• Ultrasonic. Their principle of operation is to emit ultrasonic waves that do not pose a danger to the cat, but at the same time repel insects at a distance of a certain radius from the animal. The validity period of such a collar may vary and, as a rule, depends on its configuration.
• Herbal. They are impregnated with extracts of plants that are poisonous to blood-sucking insects, such as wormwood, rosemary, celandine, eucalyptus, geranium and others. Such collars are designed not only for adult pets, but also for kittens from 1.5-3 months.

Important!

The action of insecticidal collars is aimed at releasing an active substance that penetrates the upper layers of the animal’s skin and accumulates there. When bitten by an insect or tick, it is poisoned by this substance and dies.

Advantages and disadvantages

Anti-flea collars for cats create an invisible but reliable barrier against insects. Therefore, the cat is always protected from infection. Also, an accessory on a pet indicates that it has an owner. The main advantages of the product include:

• Ease of use. If you compare the collar with shampoo or flea drops, it does not require additional procedures (you just need to buy it and put it on the cat’s neck).
• Safety. The device does not poison the furry pet’s body. But there are cases of intoxication associated with the wrong choice of product and its further use.
• Wide selection of models. There are flea collars available to protect kittens and pregnant and lactating cats.
• Large selection of models in terms of quality and price. Even the cheapest devices effectively fight bloodsuckers.
• Versatility. Collars repel and destroy not only fleas, but also lice, lice, ticks and other parasites. Insects are carriers of worm eggs. When a cat chews on fleas, the eggs enter the gastrointestinal tract. If you wear such a product, your pet will be additionally protected from helminth infection.

The main disadvantages include: the possibility of poisoning, short service life, the occurrence of allergic reactions and a weak therapeutic effect. If the cat is heavily infested with fleas, the collar will not help. It is better to use anti-flea shampoos or drops.

How to use it correctly

The cat collar is taken out of the package and immediately put on the animal, securing it so that 2 fingers can pass freely between the preventive accessory and the pet’s neck. While the cat is bathing or if there is another need to remove the product, it is placed in a sealed package (plastic bag, cling film). How long to wear a flea collar is strictly determined by the instructions. At the end of the validity period specified by the manufacturer, the collar is replaced with a new one.

Particularly careful owners who are trying to try everything on themselves first should note that this may not work with a collar. Human and cat bodies are different from each other. If a product worn on a person’s wrist does not cause any reactions, this does not mean that the cat will not be allergic to it. Although, if, as a result of such experiments, the owner has an allergy to the action of the anti-flea collar purchased for the cat, then it is better to refuse the product.

Kinds

Flea collars

Antiparasitic collars can have both a deterrent and destructive character. Therefore, you need to know how and when to put a flea collar on a kitten. After all, models designed for adult animals are not suitable for use by children.

Products with smell

Destructive agents are made in the form of a rubber strip that releases an insecticidal substance. Under the influence of active components, parasites become lethargic, less mobile and die after a while. Intended for kittens older than six months. The validity period of such devices is no more than 7 months.

Important!

Do not use the collar immediately after treating the kitten with antiparasitic drops or shampoo. The break after interaction with the protective drug should be at least 10 days.

Bio collars

Bio flea collars for kittens are an ideal option for protection against parasites. They do not contain chemical insecticides and are based on natural essential oils of wormwood, eucalyptus, rosemary, and cedar. Therefore, you can put a flea collar on your kitten when it reaches two months of age. In addition, the natural composition has a beneficial effect on the animal’s fur and skin.

Such models are used only for kittens that are not infected with fleas. Otherwise, the effect will not be achieved. Therefore, when an animal is infested with parasites, it is necessary to remove fleas from the kitten. The prolonged effect of the bio product is about 4 months.

Is it possible for pregnant and lactating cats

Is it possible for pregnant and lactating cats to wear an anti-flea accessory? This is a rather difficult situation in the fight against bloodsuckers. A veterinarian should be consulted regarding the collar. During pregnancy, you can choose a collar for a cat with a small concentration of plant components that repel insects.

After the cat has lambed, you should not use a collar until the kittens are 2 months old.

For nursing cats, protective straps are dangerous in any case, since kittens can come into contact with the collar, lick and chew it while feeding and playing. Therefore, it is better to use gentle shampoos to treat the cat and care for the area where the nursing cat and kittens are located.

Some companies have samples in their range of flea accessories that are recommended for pregnant cats and kittens over 4 months of age.

What you should know

Flea collars for kittens

Before purchasing an anti-parasitic accessory, you must:

1. Find out from how many months a kitten can wear a flea collar.
2. It is necessary to put the product on correctly: it should not squeeze the pet’s neck, and vice versa, it should not sit too loosely. There should be a gap of 2 fingers between the neck and the accessory.
3. Excess tape is cut off, leaving 5 cm to allow the device to be loosened as the animal grows.
4. You should periodically check whether the kitten is comfortable wearing the anti-parasitic device. It is also necessary to monitor the condition of the skin for allergic reactions.
5. An accessory that has not lost its protective properties and odors should be sealed when removed.
6. When using an antiparasitic device, it is contraindicated to eat, drink or smoke.
7. After contact with the antiparasitic product, you must wash your hands thoroughly.

Below is an overview of the most popular models of anti-parasitic collars for kittens.

General instructions for use

The best collars for kittens and cats are selected by a veterinarian, taking into account the individual characteristics of the pet. The doctor will explain in detail why this type of product is needed and tell you how to use it correctly. But there are also general rules of operation, following which you will be able to avoid complications:

After putting the product on your pet, you should check that it does not put pressure on his neck.

1. Before putting a flea collar on your cat, you should read the attached instructions in detail. You need to buy a product intended only for a specific type of animal; do not use products for cats intended for dogs.
2. Remove the rubber band from the sealed package and unwrap it.
3. Secure it around the pet's neck so that the animal does not experience inconvenience or discomfort. The optimal gap between the neck and the tape is 1-1.5 cm.
4. The excess length is cut off, but it is worth leaving a small margin in case the collar becomes loose.
5. At the end, you should wash your hands well with warm water and soap.

At what age can a kitten wear a collar?

Small pets have a weak, still developing body, so previously putting on collars soaked in chemical mixtures can cause poisoning of the pet. When you can put a flea collar on a kitten, the instructions for the product or your veterinarian will tell you.

Protective accessories with natural impregnation (bio collars) can be used after the pet reaches two months of age. Chemically active rubber strips with a smell are put on the kitten from 4 months to avoid poisoning of the body with insecticides.

What is it and how does it work?

A cat flea and tick collar is a popular and widely used remedy that helps to permanently get rid of external parasites and prevent re-infestation. It is only important to learn how to use it correctly, strictly following the attached instructions. The principle of operation of such a collar is simple. The rubberized material is impregnated with an insecticide, which acts as a paralytic on the insect. As a result, the parasite dies, but the effect of the remedy does not end there. Substances that paralyze bloodsuckers accumulate in the cat’s fat layer, thanks to which the collar works for a long time as a prophylactic agent that prevents re-infestation.

Veterinarians have recorded situations where flea collars led to cat poisoning. This result is predictable if the pet has a severe allergy to an insecticide or the owner purchased a low-quality collar without first consulting a doctor.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a flea collar for your cat, you should pay attention to the following points:

1. Consumers quite often pay attention first of all to the price tag of a product. It can be tempting to buy the cheapest accessory. But you shouldn’t do this, because a quality product cannot be too cheap. At the same time, the best flea collars do not always have the highest price. It is best to purchase flea straps that are of average cost.
2. Protective straps should be selected taking into account the age category of the cat and its physiological condition. For adult cats, cats bearing offspring, or small kittens, there is a range of products that differ in size and concentration of active ingredients.
3. It is important to study information about the material of the strap and the components with which the protective product is impregnated. Preference should be given to those straps whose impregnation includes compounds with low toxicity. In this way, you can protect the animal from negative consequences that can significantly harm the animal’s health. It is important that the concentration of amitrazome, permethrin or organic phosphates does not exceed 15%.

In addition, the flea protective accessory must correspond to the size of the animal’s neck.

On average, the length of the product can be 35-40 cm. Using a special fastener on the tape, the strap can be correctly secured to the animal’s neck and, if necessary, adjusted in volume.

From what age

When choosing a flea collar for a kitten, you should remember that their use is not recommended for animals that are not yet 2 months old. At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to use a flea collar intended for adult animals, since the concentration of active substances contained in them is safe for cats and cats, and a kitten can be poisoned.

When choosing a product for a kitten, you should especially carefully examine the retainer. It should be as safe as possible and be able to easily unfasten if an active animal gets caught somewhere in the product. This safety criterion when putting on will protect the baby from sad consequences.

Is it possible for lactating animals

A flea collar is not recommended for a nursing cat. The insecticide with which the tape is impregnated has a prolonged effect and can cause severe poisoning in kittens or even lead to death. To treat a lactating cat against fleas, you can use Frontline drops.

Manufacturers

There is a wide choice of antiparasitic devices.

Products from the following manufacturers are popular among consumers:

1. Hartz products. Hartz products have many supporters who value quality and a good range. Hartz straps are resistant to various external factors (moisture) and effectively eliminate blood-sucking parasites.
2. Bolfo products. Bolfo accessories are water resistant. They may vary depending on the weight of the animal. This is very practical, since for a large cat you can select a product with the required concentration so that it is no less effective than on a small individual.
3. Beaphar products. Beaphar products are preferred by supporters of organic products. The strap is impregnated with an insecticide based on margosa extract. Such a substance is not capable of causing harm to the animal, which allows their collars to be used for the smallest kittens (from 1.5 months).

Collars against blood-sucking leopards are a fairly effective domestic product, which is in no way inferior to imported analogues. It protects not only from cat fleas, but also from ticks.

Possible negative consequences

Is a collar harmful? It is impossible to say that cat collars are absolutely safe for animal health. An anti-flea accessory can cause allergies in a pet, especially if permethrin or tetrachlorvinphos, as well as a significant amount of the active substance, were used for protection.

It is expressed in skin itching, redness and loss of hair on the neck, watery eyes, sneezing, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness, apathy, and loss of coordination of movements. Allergic manifestations, as a rule, appear within a couple of hours after the collar is put on the animal.

An equally common, although not universal, phenomenon is poisoning, the symptoms of which are similar to allergies, but appear later - 5 hours after using a strip soaked in poison.

Such complications can be avoided if you buy a collar responsibly: select it according to age, follow safety precautions, do not violate operating rules, and do not use dog accessories for cats.

It is necessary to monitor the behavior of the animal. Sometimes a cat licks the collar because it smells and it irritates her. And although all high-quality accessories are relatively safe, the inscription on the packaging stating that in case of poisoning you must contact a veterinarian is placed on them for a reason.

You can look for an unscented flea accessory, but they are much less common.

For cats prone to allergies or hypersensitivity, biocollars are recommended.

INTERESTING TO FIND OUT: Why does a cat shed a lot?

What types of cat collars are there?

Today, the range of products for cats and kittens is large; in pet stores you can find decorative, reflective and magnetic collars. They all have their own distinctive features and advantages.

Personal with address

Flea collar for cats and ticks: how it works

Personalized models are very convenient, especially if the owner lives with a cat in a big city. On such items the name of the pet, as well as its residential address, is embroidered or written.

This is necessary so that in case of loss, conscientious citizens can return the animal to the owner at the specified address or telephone number. Personal collars for cats with an address tag are most often made to order. Their design and style directly depend on the preferences of the client.

For reference! Today, such products are made from leather, silicone, rubber and various hypoallergenic materials.

Decorative and personalized

This classification includes products that contain personal inscriptions or various decorative elements.

• In the first case, collars help the kitten to be found during loss.
• The second option is less often used in everyday life. Most often, decorative products are used at themed exhibitions for animals and various events.

They can be made of any materials and come in different price categories. Today, collars for cats with a name medallion are made from sequins, rhinestones, silk ribbons, and stones. And prices for products vary from 150 rubles to several thousand.

Personalized product for a cat

Collars with GPS

Such models are equipped with a navigator that helps to monitor the kitten and determine its location.

The product can help if a cat likes to walk and run away from home. The principle of operation of the accessory is that a special GPS sensor is attached to a comfortable silicone collar, showing the animal’s navigation. He transmits information to the owner about any movements of the pet.

Important! You can organize tracking and control your cat’s actions using a smartphone or computer.

Sound with bells

These accessories are equipped with a special sound system that is triggered when the cat’s condition changes and its paws move quickly. The ringing of a cat collar with a bell can also be a helper for birds or mice that the pet intends to eat.

This product consists of a durable strap and a bell attached to it. If the strap breaks, it can be replaced with a new one. Such designs help to always be close to the animal. However, over time, both the cat and the owner may get tired of the sound.

Directions for use and precautions

Instructions for using a flea collar for cats, included with the product, will help you obtain maximum protection for your animal. To do this, you must follow the manufacturer's recommendations. The rules of use are simple, but differ in small nuances.

The flea accessory for pets serves as a good barrier for ear mites and lice-eaters from getting into the cat's fur.

When buying protection for a cat, you must follow the basic rules:

• Pay attention to the packaging. The product must be sealed in a foil bag. Products from the manufacturer always have original packaging. Other packaging will not retain the necessary protective properties during storage;
• A flea and tick lanyard designed for dogs should not be used on cats;
• There are different safety straps for kittens, adult cats and pregnant cats;
• It is necessary to check the expiration date, which should be marked on the packaging;
• You should obtain information about how harmful the collar is, which contains organophosphorus components, permethrin and amitraz as part of the impregnation.

Be sure to monitor your pet for some time. If your cat licks the collar, it may be due to the discomfort it experiences from the smell or the strap being too tight.

If the purchased collar does not help, you need to reconsider the range of products from other manufacturers.

Flea straps for cats have different compositions of flea insecticides, so the duration of action for each is not the same. Typically, its effect lasts two months. However, there are products that are valid for six months. These are mainly products from American and German companies.

Do not use other flea control medications at the same time. In most cases, this can be dangerous for the animal’s body due to the increased dosage of active substances.

The combined effects of drugs may manifest themselves in a new, possibly toxic, quality. They are dangerous for cats. Allergic reactions can be caused, as a result of which the cat will lose hair or develop skin diseases.

What to do if your cat is poisoned and drinks a lot. This is the correct reaction, since cats often treat themselves. The animal should be given plenty of fluids and immediately shown to a veterinarian.

Flea collars for cats from popular brands

When you go shopping for a flea collar for your cat, you may get confused when you see the variety of models and manufacturers on the shelves. First of all, pay attention to the length of the product, usually 35 or 40 cm. Depending on the cat’s build and weight, choose the optimal size. You can adjust the tape when putting it on using a lock, and the excess part is usually cut off with scissors. For teenage cats or kittens, special collars are sold with appropriate markings and a picture of the young pet on the packaging. They are not only shorter than their “adult” counterparts, but also have a reduced concentration of the active substance. If the intensity of the smell is of particular importance in the first days, try several options until you find the optimal one. Please note the expiration date. It can vary from 1 to 6–7 months. The device starts working after a few hours or after 1–2 days, depending on the repellent used. Let's take a closer look at the popular types of collars.

Hartz

One of the most effective and expensive collars from America

An American-made product, many breeders consider it the standard of safety and effectiveness. The active ingredient is tetrachlorvinphos, which is characterized by high water resistance and a long period of action - up to 7 months. The product begins to work within a few hours after opening the package. Protects against fleas and ticks, suitable for felines older than 3 months. The manufacturer offers a whole line of models. There are collars with reflective stripes, as well as with methoprene in the composition (affects the larvae and eggs of parasites, preventing their development and vital activity). However, the manufacturer does not produce collars for kittens; use on pregnant cats is also undesirable. Some animals have allergic reactions to the components of the impregnation. The cost of the product depends on the series, it can range from 250 to 700 rubles.

Bolfo

The Bolfo collar is suitable not only for cats, but also for small breed dogs

The products of the famous German concern Bayer belong to the category of luxury goods. It is considered a highly effective product due to its long service life (up to 4 months against fleas and up to 2.5 months against ticks) and resistance to moisture. Propoxur or 2-isopropoxyphenyl-methylcarbamate are used as active ingredients. Types are divided according to the weight of the animal - the concentration of the active substance and, accordingly, its safety for the pet itself depend on this indicator. The collar is not suitable for lactating and pregnant cats, weakened animals, and kittens under 3 months. Cases of allergies are rare, but rashes and skin irritation may occur. The cost of the collar is high, about 400–600 rubles.

Beaphar

The Beaphar collar is highly safe for cats

The active ingredient of natural origin is margosa extract. Considered safe for cats and has almost no odor. Kittens over 1.5 months of age are allowed to wear a collar of the appropriate series; the products are also suitable for pregnant/nursing cats. At the same time, many breeders note the effectiveness in the fight against fleas, comparable to the above-mentioned “chemical” analogues. Rarely causes allergies, protects against fleas for about 5 months, against ticks - 2.5. Products of the middle price category, the cost is about 200–250 rubles.

Celandine

The Celandine collar is an affordable option, relevant for protecting domestic cats and their cubs from fleas

Product against fleas and ticks made in Russia. The active ingredients are fipronil, diazinon, and in the series for kittens and puppies - permethrin. Contains citronella essential oil, which provides a strong insect-repellent odor. The collar is resistant to moisture, sun, and temperature changes. The product can be worn by pregnant and lactating females and sick animals on the recommendation of a veterinarian. Considering its chemical “origin,” the accessory may cause the development of allergies in the animal. Effective in the fight against adult fleas, and also has a detrimental effect on larvae. The validity period is not the longest - about 60 days against ticks and about 3 months against fleas. The cost of the collar is low, approximately 100–120 rubles.

Leopard

The Leopard collar is one of the most popular and affordable among Russian-made products

The collar is from a Russian manufacturer and belongs to the economy class of pet products. It has a moderate effect and is excellent for domestic cats to prevent fleas. Side effects are rare due to the relatively low concentration of the active component. However, the validity period is long - 4-5 months. The active ingredient is fipronil, which repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Suitable for kittens older than 2 months, does not deteriorate from exposure to liquid. In rare cases, individual intolerance to the impregnation components is observed. It is not allowed to use the product if the cat has existing diseases. The manufacturer recommends that owners of pregnant and lactating cats discuss the possibility of use with a veterinarian. The cost of the product is 120–150 rubles.

Doctor Zoo

The Doctor Zoo collar is characterized by its low cost and relatively short validity period

Another Russian economy option with good reviews from breeders. It is well tolerated by cats and rarely causes allergies, and does not lose effectiveness when wet. The validity period is about 2 months. The active ingredient is diazinon. The collar is not suitable for kittens under 2 months of age, sick and weakened animals, pregnant and lactating cats. The most affordable price, compared to competitors, is about 70–80 rubles.

The most effective

The selection process is complicated by the huge assortment. Many people ask the question: what is the best anti-tick collar for cats? To make it easier to decide on purchasing a flea product, below is a rating of the best companies.

Doctor ZOO

This bioproduct does not cause allergic reactions or other negative consequences. But the validity period does not exceed two months. Therefore, it is worth using it as protection if the cat does not have to stay outside for a long time. Produced in Russia. Costs about 50-70 rubles.*

Bolfo

Affordable Dutch biocollar. This is one of the most recognizable brands and leaders in its segment. The quality is excellent, there is protection from moisture. The German company has a range of products with different dosages of the active substance, which are suitable for any age and weight. Protects a cat from fleas for up to four months, and from ticks up to 2.5. Costs about 400-600 rubles.

Beaphar flea repellent

In no way inferior to the above products. The main advantage is that it can be worn by kittens over 1.5 months old. The impregnation is absolutely safe and contains no toxic chemicals. The action is based on natural ingredients.

Note! Active ingredients: margosa oil, neem tree seed extract. They have a beneficial effect on the coat and eliminate the odor that comes from the cat.

German quality collar

Cost about 250-450 rubles.

Collar "Leopard"

Bars is one of the most famous Russian companies. It has long established itself as a responsible manufacturer. The collar is intended for use by indoor cats that rarely go outside. Does not cause allergic reactions even in the most sensitive pets. Duration of action - 120 days. It is moisture resistant. Costs about 140-180 rubles.

Hartz

This company produces high quality products. Her drugs are effective and safe. The main advantage is its versatility; with the help of this product, not only fleas and ticks will die, but also all insects that are on the pet’s fur. Duration of action is about six months. The product is moisture resistant. Costs approximately 150-700 rubles.

Celandine

The collar contains substances that can paralyze and destroy blood-sucking insects. Produced in Russia. It should not be used on small kittens. Recommended for use only for adult cats over 8 months old. Costs about 50 rubles.

The most inexpensive but effective

So many options for flea collars help owners choose the most effective and, most importantly, suitable for their pet. It is impossible to say for sure which of the presented products is the best. You need to choose based on the individual parameters of the animal.

How the flea collar works

The base of the anti-parasitic collar is made of polyvinyl chloride.

It contains microcapsules containing repellents or insecticidal substances, including:

• fipronil;
• cyphenothrin;
• imidacloprid;
• carbamate pesticides;
• amitraz;
• ogranophosphates.

The device, worn around the cat's neck, is shaken, flexed and heated, which helps release the active substances. These compounds block the nerve impulses of the parasites, as a result of which the muscle fibers cease to function. The paralyzed insect dies. Some collars contain insect repellents. When released, such compounds settle on the fur, so fleas do not jump on the animal.

Types of collars and principle of protection

Externally, the anti-flea collar is a flexible plastic tape with a fastener, inside of which there are microcapsules with the active substance. According to the type of action, collars are divided into:

• repellent - scare away insects (biocollars);
• insecticidal - destroy pests;
• Ultrasonic - repels parasites.

Inside biocollars, as a rule, there are various essential oils and plant extracts (wormwood, celandine, eucalyptus, geranium, etc.), which are absolutely safe for animals, but intolerable by fleas. Contacting the animal’s fur, odorous substances are released from the collar, which gradually spread over the entire surface of the body, forcing insects to leave it and scare away new individuals. Repellents are effective for 2-3 months, after which the collar must be replaced. Models specially designed for puppies and kittens are available.

It is important to remember that the biocollar will not destroy existing fleas, so before putting it on, you should treat your pet with anti-flea products: wash with shampoo or treat with a spray. It is most effective to use a biocollar for walks, so as not to pick up parasites there and bring them into the house.

Insecticidal collars contain poisonous components inside and work to destroy parasites, so you should carefully read the instructions before using them so as not to harm your pet. The collar is activated by several stretches, after which it acquires a whitish tint, indicating readiness for work.

The active ingredients in insecticidal straps can be organophosphorus insecticides or pyrethroids, which act on insects through the contact-intestinal route and cause nerve reactions resulting in the death of parasites.

The usual duration of such a collar is 8-10 weeks, but some manufacturers guarantee an active period of up to 6 months.

Quite new on the market of antiparasitic products for animals is the ultrasonic collar. The manufacturer guarantees its absolute safety for cats and dogs and quick removal of insects. It is a flexible tape on which is attached a source of ultrasonic waves of a certain frequency that repel insects. Batteries are built inside to power the device. Their service life depends on individual characteristics. Due to the high cost, such products are not very common.

Possible consequences of use

Adverse reactions with collars are much less common than with insect repellent chemicals in the form of drops or shampoos. Pedigree cats may experience allergic reactions. Especially often, such manifestations occur with devices containing tetrachlorovinphos and permethrin. Allergies in cats begin to appear almost immediately after putting on the collar. It can be expressed by lacrimation and itching. In acute cases, the animal loses consciousness, signs of incoordination and convulsions appear.

Poisoning may occur when using the collar. Its symptoms appear after 5-6 hours. The pet begins to vomit and refuses water and food. The cat becomes lethargic. If signs of intoxication appear, the collar must be removed.

Safety rules when wearing

You should choose a product that is suitable for your cat. You should not put a device designed for dogs on a cat. It is not recommended to cut the collar tape in half. The thickness of the device is intended for one animal. Cutting the tape will reduce its effectiveness. Before use, the collar must be kneaded and stretched.

The tape must be fixed so that it does not squeeze the neck or dangle. The gap between the tape and the neck should be at least 1 cm so that it does not interfere with the pet’s movements. Some owners fix the device on the neck only while the animal is walking. After removal, the collar must be stored in a plastic bag in a place protected from sunlight.

Basic rules of use

There is no need to skimp on antiparasitic agents, so proven and well-established manufacturers in the market are preferred. To buy a collar, you should go to a veterinary pharmacy or pet store, and not to a market or a tent on the street. And if competent advice is required, they provide information about the breed, age and health characteristics of the pet.

It is important to check the integrity of the packaging and the date of manufacture - the insectoacaricidal effect will be higher the shorter the product has been in warehouses. All storage areas must be protected from direct sunlight, kept away from food products and at temperatures between 0 and 25 °C. The lack of instructions for use in the collar kit is alarming and forces you to refuse the purchase.

There is no need to rush to use the purchased product: first, the cat should be bathed with anti-flea shampoo, treated with spray or drops, and any existing parasites should be combed out. And then a week later they put on a collar. To do this, perform a number of manipulations:

• the packaging is opened only before use;
• the rubber or plastic tape is released from the jumpers;
• the collar is fixed on the animal’s neck, and its tip is threaded into the hole;
• the tape is tightened so that there is free space left;
• protruding excess is trimmed with scissors;
• The owner needs to wash his hands well with soap.

The remainder of the tape is placed on the animal’s bedding; this will serve to prevent and destroy possible parasites. Once fixed, the collar does not loosen, does not press or rub the skin. The optimal distance to the neck would be about 25 mm - the owner’s finger fits into the existing gap.

In the first days, it is recommended to monitor the pet, and if itching, rash or swelling occurs, remove the product and seek help from a veterinarian. Contact of small children with a cat wearing an antiparasitic collar is excluded. When this is not possible, after playing together, participants should wash their hands thoroughly and not put them in their mouths to avoid poisoning.

When the collar expires, it becomes necessary to replace it. When a cat begins to lick the tape, this indicates that he is irritated by the smell or is simply uncomfortable. After checking whether the collar is not pressing, loosen the tension if necessary, and if it’s all about the strong aroma, then buy another accessory that acts more gently.

Contraindications and side effects

It is not recommended to put a collar on a weakened cat with a low immune status, an elderly or a very small kitten. Products for wearing by pregnant and lactating cats are prohibited. Special collars have been developed for them, but at a higher price.

If the owner bought a cheap analogue, then side effects are possible. You should know what to do in this or that case.

The cat was poisoned by a flea collar, what should I do?

You should immediately remove the collar and call a veterinarian at home. While the specialist gets to the specified address, it is necessary to feed the cat with a large amount of liquid. If there is no one in the city, then it is better to immediately take your pet to the clinic.

Cat itches from flea collar

The animals are bothered by a new object on their neck, and they try in every way to get rid of it. If the cat feels great and there are no suspicious rashes on the skin, then you should wait until he gets used to the strap.

If rashes and red spots form on the skin, this is a sign of an allergic reaction.

Allergy to flea collars in cats

Here it is enough to rid your pet of the product and show it to a doctor. The veterinarian will prescribe medications that will quickly and painlessly eliminate allergies. Additionally, you can try to make a flea accessory with your own hands.

Manufacturers

These products for fleas in cats are widely represented on the modern veterinary market. The most effective are considered to be:

This product will be effective for up to two months.

• "Doctor Zoo" The Doctor Zoo bio flea collar from a domestic manufacturer has proven itself to be inexpensive, but quite effective. However, it is worth noting that the service life of the product is no more than 2 months, after which it must be replaced with a new one.
• "Leopard". The active substance, fipronil, provides reliable protection of the animal from parasitic infestation for 5-6 months. The product should not be worn by pregnant or lactating cats or kittens under 6 months.
• "Celandine". Anti-tick collar for cats, the active ingredient of which is permethrin. In addition to ticks, the toxin reliably destroys fleas and lice. The product is suitable for a cat that has reached the age of 4 months, but it is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating pets.
• "Befar". This European product contains a powerful flea insecticide that protects the animal from invasion for six months. This brand of flea collar is not suitable for kittens, as well as cats bearing and nursing offspring.
• "Dana-ultra". An effective combination product that can be used by pets from 2 months of age, but this product is not recommended for productive cats and kittens.

Precautionary measures

The substances in the collar are safe for humans. But some components may cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. At the first sign of irritation, you should consult a doctor. It is important to ensure that the collar does not fall into the hands of small children who like to taste everything. Otherwise, this may threaten the babies with serious poisoning.

Do not eat or smoke while working with the cat collar. After putting the product on your pet, you should immediately wash your hands with soap. This accessory must be stored separately from food. Children and animals should not have access to the collar.

As you can see, an anti-flea cat collar is an effective remedy that requires a serious and responsible attitude. The slightest disregard for operating rules can lead to negative consequences. However, making the right choice to take care of your pet will help you get rid of fleas for a long time, or even forever.