Flea shampoo for cats and kittens - composition, effectiveness and instructions for use

Flea shampoo for cats and kittens differs from conventional detergents in the presence of an insecticidal component. The substance can be of natural or synthetic origin. In the first case, pyrethrum, obtained from Caucasian chamomile, is used, in the second, permethrin and its analogues. Plant extracts and essential oils are used as additional components. The effectiveness of the product directly depends on the active component.

Types of flea shampoos for cats and kittens

The choice of products is extremely wide, but conditionally all shampoos can be divided into 2 types:

1. Insecticidal. They work on the basis of permethrin. The active component remains on the fur, skin, and gets onto the body of fleas by contact. The toxic substance disrupts the functioning of the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death. For cats, the dosage is too small, so the product is safe for its health. Insecticidal shampoo is used to kill fleas and prevent infection. The protection lasts from 10 to 20 days, depending on the concentration of the poison. Additional components care for the skin and coat, and accelerate the healing of wounds after bites. There are age restrictions, side effects may occur, do not use for pregnant or lactating females, use with caution in kittens.
2. Natural . The active substances are plant extracts and essential oils. They repel fleas and act as repellents. May be used for treatment and prevention of parasites. In the first case, be sure to comb the pet’s fur with a comb after bathing. The shampoo has no contraindications other than individual intolerance. In rare cases, it causes irritation of the epidermis. Additionally, it has an anti-inflammatory, soothing, bactericidal, antipruritic effect. It is allowed to be used by pregnant and lactating females, weakened and sick pets, and kittens from birth. Inferior to insecticidal shampoos in effectiveness, maximum results are 7 days.

It is advisable to use shampoos as an independent means of protection against fleas in cases where the pet is rarely outdoors and does not come into contact with yard animals. In other situations, other anti-flea drugs are used in parallel.

Shampoo selection criteria

To choose the most effective and safe remedy, you should pay attention to several main points:

• First you need to decide whether the shampoo will be used for preventive purposes, or to eliminate an existing problem;
• You should pay attention to the age of the pet, possible individual intolerances and its state of health;
• If it is possible to identify areas of mass accumulation of parasites, the product should be used in combination with other drops, sprays, etc.
• Before use, be sure to read the instructions. This way you can choose the right dosage so as not to harm your cat’s health.

DIY flea shampoo

If you study the composition of special flea products, you will notice that there is nothing supernatural in them. The main component is an insecticide or essential oils, herbal extracts. It is not recommended to make an insectoacaricidal agent at home, since a dosed amount of the active substance is required. In case of an overdose, skin allergies appear and the pet’s general well-being worsens. Making a natural flea shampoo is not difficult. You need to buy regular shampoo for cats and kittens and add essential oil to it.

Has a repellent effect:

• Lavender;
• Citronella;
• Eucalyptus;
• Geranium;
• Rosemary;
• Mint.

Repellent properties last 1-2 days while the scent is present. It is recommended to bathe a cat or kitten no more than once a week. Therefore, homemade shampoo can be used as emergency protection if there are no other means, as well as for infrequent visits to the street.

At what age can you use shampoo?

Unlike many other flea medications, the active components of the shampoo do not enter the systemic bloodstream and are concentrated in the fur and on the surface of the epidermis. Thanks to this effect, the shampoo does not cause side effects, which is what attracts pet owners.

At what age the product can be used depends on the active ingredient. Shampoo based on essential oils and plant extracts is used from 1 month, but there are exceptions when babies are treated almost from birth. The worst side effect is irritation of the epidermis.

Insecticidal shampoos have age restrictions, as indicated in the instructions. Preparations for kittens differ from those for adult cats in the concentration of the active substance. The toxic component can cause skin allergies and intoxication of varying degrees of intensity. In case of an overdose, increased salivation, lacrimation, tremors, diarrhea, increased body temperature, etc. appear. Age restrictions are indicated in the instructions. As a standard, it is not allowed to use insecticidal shampoo before 1 month. Some manufacturers indicate an age of 2-3 months.

At the first signs of an allergic reaction, you need to buy a cat or kitten again and wash off any remaining toxic substance. The condition returns to normal within 24 hours. If this does not happen, turn to specialists for help.

Advantages and disadvantages of using anti-flea shampoo

The undoubted advantages of liquid flea products include:

• versatility - suitable for cats of all breeds;
• low toxicity;
• ease of use;
• efficiency - fleas die on the second day maximum;
• low cost;
• no side effects;
• positive effect on wool quality.

The disadvantages include the following:

• the possibility of allergic reactions to some components;
• short period of protection (no more than 20 days);
• cheap products are ineffective, and high-quality shampoos are much more expensive;
• Some cats cannot stand water treatments, so shampoo cannot be used.

If our cat suddenly has fleas, we always wash her first with a special anti-flea shampoo, and then put on a protective collar to avoid re-infestation.

How to wash a kitten with shampoo correctly

Cats themselves do not like water; frequent bathing is contraindicated for them. There are no problems with those pets who enjoy bathing. Pour warm water, immerse the kitten in it, apply shampoo to the fur, foam it, distribute it evenly over the entire body except the face. You need to make sure that the product does not get into your eyes, mouth, or ears. Leave for 5 minutes, rinse thoroughly. Dry the wool with a towel or napkin and carefully comb it with a comb.

The procedure is somewhat different for pets that are afraid of water and do not like to swim. Shampoo is foamed in a basin. The wool is sprayed from a spray bottle until moistened. Apply foam, distribute over the entire body, leave for 5 minutes. All that remains is to rinse the wool, which will take no more than 3 minutes. After drying, the wool must be combed with a comb. Immobilized fleas remain on the hairs, which can be easily removed with a cat comb.

The effect of shampoo for kittens lasts for 5-14 days; babies should be bathed no more than once a week. If there is no urgent need, it is better to do water procedures twice a month.

Pros and cons of shampoos

Each remedy has its own advantages and disadvantages. The shampoo is effective if used correctly. It is recommended to use for cats that live in the house, do not walk outside often, and do not have contact with yard animals. Otherwise, additional protection is required. Natural shampoos are less effective than insecticidal ones, but are absolutely safe for pets. It can be used at any age, in pregnant, lactating, weakened animals, as well as in the presence of an allergic reaction to special medications.

Benefits of insecticidal shampoos:

• Ease of use;
• Affordable price;
• Quick results;
• Prolonged action up to 20 days;
• Relative safety;
• The presence of additional caring, therapeutic components;
• The active substances are localized on the hair and skin and do not penetrate the systemic bloodstream.

Flaws:

• Need for frequent processing;
• Not all cats love to bathe;
• It takes time to carry out the procedure, drying, and combing the wool.

The shampoo is inferior in effectiveness to drops, collars, tablets, and injections, but superior in terms of safety. Often special detergents are used if an allergy develops to other methods of protection against fleas.

Contraindications and side effects

It is prohibited to use shampoos to treat an animal if there is an individual intolerance. It is better to avoid such therapy even if there is a strong reluctance to bathe or fear of washing.

Adverse reactions include intoxication when the drug enters the gastrointestinal tract or respiratory organs, and the accumulation of toxic substances with regular use.

If vomiting, excessive salivation, a general asthenic state, weakness, lethargy and other symptoms of poisoning are observed, you need to show your pet to a veterinarian.

Flea shampoo for kittens from 1 month

The product for kittens contains a smaller amount of permethrin or only natural ingredients.

Doctor Zoo

This universal drug is used for the treatment and prevention of fleas in cats and dogs. It is allowed to be used by kittens from birth, as it has a completely natural composition. The active components are essential oils. They repel parasites and help remove existing ones. Additionally, they care for the skin and stimulate recovery after bites. Relieves irritation and itching. The protection lasts 3-7 days, depending on the environment in which the kitten lives. Bathing is allowed once a week if necessary. The price of the product is within 300 rubles.

Phytoelite

Permethrin-based insecticidal preparation. Kills parasites and prevents infection. The protective properties last for 2 weeks or more. Bathing is allowed no more than 2 times a month. Additionally, the shampoo contains essential oils and herbal extracts. The product has a calming, anti-inflammatory, healing, antipruritic effect. Foams well, washes off easily, smells nice. Costs about 90 rubles. Kittens are allowed to use from 2 months, in emergency cases - from 1 month.

Beaphar

Imported hypoallergenic drug made in Holland. The active substance is permethrin. Used for treatment and prevention of fleas. According to manufacturers, the protective properties last for 20 days. Additionally, it contains caring components. After using the shampoo, the coat is shiny, easy to comb, and the epidermis stops flaking. The price of the product is 285 rubles.

Celandine

Universal shampoo for kittens and cats is based on permethrin. Auxiliary components – essential oils. The protective properties against fleas last for 2 weeks. You are allowed to bathe your pet no more than once a month. The age limit in the instructions is 3 months; veterinarians often prescribe the drug to kittens from 4 weeks of age if there is a special need. The price of the domestic drug is 68 rubles.

Symptoms of flea infestation and why they are dangerous

Cat fleas belong to the species Ctenocephalides felis. The popular name for this insect is “cat flea”. At the same time, other types of fleas that are characteristic of dogs or mouse-like rodents can also be found in cat fur. Fleas are facultative ectoparasites that use the animal's body as a source of food. They can live not only in cat fur, but also in the external environment - in garbage dumps, in rodent burrows, under fallen leaves, and carpets.

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By settling in the fur, fleas create anxiety for the animal. The saliva of these insects contains about 15 active substances, which, when bitten, can cause allergic dermatitis. It is accompanied by redness and itching. But an even greater danger is that cat fleas are carriers of several serious diseases:

• anthrax;
• microplasmosis;
• rickettsiosis;
• plague;
• salmonellosis;
• encephalitis;
• brucellosis;
• hepatitis A;
• typhus

Many of these infections are dangerous not only for the pet itself, but also for humans. Considering that fleas can also bite people, the risk of danger increases. It is very important to recognize the symptoms of fleas in a cat in time and take appropriate measures to destroy them. The most characteristic signs of infection are:

1. Increased cat anxiety and nervousness.
2. Constant itching, in which the cat constantly scratches.
3. Pink, dotted rashes or spots on the skin.
4. Local hair loss and the appearance of wounds.
5. An accumulation of eggs and larvae in wool, determined visually.

IMPORTANT!

Fleas do not live on the human body, but they are able to bite through his skin. When bitten, the insect's saliva enters the human bloodstream.

Once the diagnosis has been made, it is necessary to decide on treatment tactics. To do this, you should take into account the pet’s age, state of health, and weight. Not only the cat itself, but also the home must be treated. Only in this case can you count on a 100% result.

The best shampoo for cats

When choosing the best flea treatment for your pet, here are some things to consider:

• Age;
• Health status;
• Individual characteristics of the body.

Allergies can manifest themselves both to the insecticidal substance and to additional components and essential oils. If there are alarming symptoms, the drug should be abandoned and another one with a similar effect should be selected. The following brands are especially popular:

Miss Kiss

The Swiss-made drug contains 0.5% permethrin, which makes it more effective than its competitors, which contain 0.4% of the active substance. Additionally, the composition includes a conditioner that protects the wool from drying out and tangling. It has a pleasant aroma, foams well, rinses off well, and takes care of the skin. Kittens are allowed to use from 4 months; it is not recommended for pregnant females, nursing, sick, or convalescent pets. Protective properties last up to 20 days.

Biobaks

The production is carried out by the Biosphere company. Contains permethrin, wormwood extract. Provides destruction of parasites and repels for 2 weeks. The shampoo smells good, improves combing of the coat, and restores the skin after parasite bites. It is allowed to use kittens from 2 months; pregnant and lactating cats should not use the shampoo.

Rolf Club

The drug is produced by Ecoprom. It is based on permethrin and plant extracts. Additional skin and coat care is provided by vitamins. Used for treatment and prevention of blood-sucking parasites. The action lasts for a maximum of 2 weeks. A pleasant aroma is provided by plant fragrances.

BIO-GROOM

The company Bioderm, USA produces a whole line of shampoos for cats and kittens. There are products that do not irritate the mucous membranes, special dry shampoos for those who are afraid of water. Permethrin kills and repels fleas. Additionally, the composition contains caring and nutritional components, synthetic and natural. The products are hypoallergenic and do not cause irritation or side effects.

Lugovoy

Therapeutic and prophylactic shampoo for fleas and other parasites. It works on the basis of permethrin, plant extracts, essential oils. It has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, soothing, regenerating properties. Provides complete care for the epidermis and fur of the animal. Kittens are allowed to use from 4 months.

The cost of the best flea shampoos for cats, cats, kittens starts from 50 rubles. Up to 400 rub. They act identically. Efficiency is determined by the active substance. Buying an imported drug or a domestic one is an individual decision.

Mechanism of action

When the active substance gets on the chitinous cover of the parasite, the permeability of the nerve cell membranes is disrupted. Because of this, the conduction of nerve impulses becomes impossible. The flea turns out to be paralyzed. The insect then dies within a few minutes. Both larvae and eggs die from exposure to the insecticide. The medications help from the first bath.

There are no aggressive components in prophylactic products. Instead, they contain plant ingredients that insects cannot tolerate.

Reviews

Dear readers, you can leave your review of flea shampoo for cats and kittens in the comments, your opinion will be useful to other users of the site!

Marina:

“I bathe my cat twice a month. I buy Kis shampoo. There have never been any allergies, the skin does not dry out, the coat is shiny. Excellent protection against fleas. The cat lives in an apartment and we rarely go outside with her. Excellent, safe product."

Veronica:

“We have always used cat collars, but we bought ourselves a kitten who turned out to be allergic to this product. Protect yourself from fleas with shampoo. I'm buying biogroom. It’s expensive, but others don’t suit us.”

How to get rid of parasites: description of remedies

When choosing a drug, consider the age of the kitten and the individual characteristics of its body. It would be a good idea to consult a veterinarian. A note stating that the drug is suitable for kittens should be on its packaging. Flea control products come in a variety of forms.

For small kittens under 2 months of age, you can only use the following shampoos:

1. "Doctor ZOO" is a product based on herbal ingredients.
2. "Gamma for kittens."
3. "Cleanin for puppies and kittens."

If the insect infestation is more severe and the kitten is over two months old, in addition to shampoos, the following can be used:

• drops;
• aerosols;
• insecticidal solutions;
• anti-flea collars.

Aerosols must be sprayed from a can so that the animal’s fur is evenly moistened. The following products from this group can be used for kittens:

1. "Bars Forte" - for kittens from 10 weeks.
2. “Bolfo” – from 6 weeks.
3. “BlochNet” – for animals from 12 weeks.

There are liquid products available to combat parasites. Usually these are emulsions and insecticides in ampoules, which are diluted with water and evenly distributed over the animal’s fur, then you need to let them dry.

Aminat emulsion is suitable for kittens. It can be used to remove fleas from animals 2 months and older.

Other liquid preparations, such as Butox, Neostomazan and others, are not suitable for animals under six months old.

Flea drops are insecticides in plastic pipettes. The pipette needs to be opened and its contents squeezed out along the spine onto the skin, where the cat cannot reach while washing.

Popular drugs have age restrictions:

1. "Bars" is intended for animals from 10 weeks.
2. “Dana” – also from 10 weeks.
3. “Frontline” – from 8 weeks.
4. “Greenfort Biodrops” – for kittens from 4 weeks.
5. “Clandestine for puppies and kittens” – for animals older than 10 weeks.
6. “Stronghold for kittens and puppies” – over 8 weeks.

Collars do not help kill insects, but prevent re-infestation. Most are designed for cats 6 months and older, but some manufacturers offer collars specifically for kittens 2 to 6 months:

1. “Rolf Club” – from 2 months.
2. “BioVax” – from 8 weeks.
3. “Delix” – from 8 weeks.
4. “Clandestine Junior” and “Clandestine Maximum” – from 8 weeks.
5. Beaphar SOS – from 6 weeks.

There are a number of folk remedies. They can complement the main therapy. Here is one of the popular folk recipes:

1. Mix a tablespoon of salt in a glass of water.
2. Bathe the kitten in the saline solution for 10 minutes.
3. Wipe and dry the animal, while combing out harmful insects.

We invite you to watch a video about a folk method of removing fleas from kittens using tar soap: