Collars for cats against fleas and ticks: principle of operation and method of use

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.

Approximate cost of anti-flea accessories

The cost of collars varies depending on the manufacturer. Imported analogues are priced at 500-800 rubles, depending on the duration of action. There are copies priced at 3,000 rubles.

Russian analogues are priced from 50 to 250 rubles, depending on the composition and duration of action.

It is not recommended to use cheap Chinese analogues. The active substances included in their composition have not been studied. This can negatively affect your pet's health.

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.

Kinds

Antiparasitic collars have a repellent and destructive effect. Devices can be divided into 2 main groups.

Flea collars with scent

They are destructive means. They are made in the form of a rubber strip that releases an insecticidal substance. When the poison enters the flea's body, it becomes lethargic and less mobile. After some time, the parasite dies. Such models can be used for no more than 7 months.

Wrap collars are suitable for wearing by kittens from 1.5 months. But a person should remember that after treating a cat with other antiparasitic drugs, the rubber product can be worn only after 10 days. Otherwise, the pet’s body will be poisoned.

Bio collars

These are natural accessories that are made using essential oils of wormwood, eucalyptus, rosemary or cedar. Bio collars simultaneously have two positive effects - they repel parasites and treat the fur along with the skin.

But models made from natural ingredients are not able to kill fleas. You should first treat the animal with other anti-flea drugs, and only then apply the collar.

Comparison table of characteristics

In order to compare the presented products, we recommend that you study the table with all the characteristics of the models.

How to use a flea collar: instructions

Safety rules for putting on and wearing

After purchasing a collar, it is important to consider the recommendations of the manufacturer and veterinarians:

• Use the collar as intended. The collar should not be used on dogs or other pets if it is intended to be worn by cats.
• Do not cut the device into pieces. One collar should be used for one pet, taking into account its weight.
• Attach the tape correctly. It should not hang loosely or put too much pressure on the neck. The best distance between the strap and the animal’s body is 1–2 cm.
• Store the product only in a closed polyethylene bag.
• It is forbidden to use the collar simultaneously with other anti-flea drugs. If you do not follow the instructions carefully, the interaction of substances will lead to an overdose and poisoning of your pet.

Using the collar is easy and simple. It is enough to open the package, take out the product, unfasten it and put it on the cat’s neck.

At what age can a collar be used?

Each model has its own individual indications for use. Before purchasing, it is important to read the manufacturer's instructions and advice. Typically, collars can be worn from the age of two months.

Does a domestic cat need a flea collar?

Every cat needs a flea collar. But whether to purchase it or not is up to the owner to decide. There are times when fleas, lice or other pests enter the house from outdoor plants, from the basement, along with humans or other animals. It is better to protect your pet so as not to torment him with various drugs later.

When can you put a flea collar on a kitten?

It is recommended to put an anti-flea product on a kitten when black dandruff or adult dandruff is noticeable on its body. A small pet is more likely to be attacked by parasites due to its thin skin. Fleas enter the house from a walking cat or from the basement.

How long does a flea collar for cats last?

Different manufacturers set different expiration dates for collars. Thus, standard products are ready to last 60 days, American analogues - 6 months, German products - 7 months. The established deadlines must be strictly adhered to, otherwise the straps will no longer perform their tasks.

Is it possible to remove the collar at home?

Yes, you can. To ensure that the collar retains its properties, it should be placed in a plastic bag.

Are flea collars harmful for cats?

Unfortunately, some domestic manufacturers produce cheap analogues of low quality. They impregnate the products with a strong flea poison intended for cattle. Such straps provoke allergies and skin diseases.

Study customer reviews, listen to the advice of veterinarians, do not fall for the trick of low cost, carefully study the composition of the product. To save your cat from suffering, you should forget about saving.

Rules of application

The instructions for the protective product are simple:

1. Take the accessory out of the package.
2. Unfasten the buckle.
3. Wrap the ribbon around your pet's neck.
4. Fasten the tape so that it fits snugly, but does not choke.

For the product to work, the accessory must be on the animal at all times. When swimming, the collar can be removed, but it will need to be wrapped in a bag so that the active ingredients do not “fizzle out.” It is recommended to remove the tape only in rare and exceptional cases.

IMPORTANT ! The average validity period of the protective tape is 2 months. American and German tapes are effective for 7 months.

Which collar is better to choose?

Today, consumers have access to a wide selection of models of both foreign and domestic production. The most popular straps will be described here, and the cat owner decides which one to choose.

Hartz flea collars

They are among the most effective due to the rapid destruction of fleas, lice, and ticks. The product copes with the assigned tasks perfectly, even when wet.

The manufacturer does not produce collars for kittens, but recommends its product from the age of three months. The cost of models starts from 100 rubles.

Bolfo: flea collars for cats

They belong to the category of elite products. Models are divided according to the weight of the animal. They can be used for cats of any age, as well as for small breeds of dogs. The validity period is up to 4 months against fleas, and against ticks - 2.5 months.

Water resistance and high level of efficiency are guaranteed. The collar has a higher cost of 200 rubles.

Beaphar collar

This is a Bio collar based on a plant insecticide - margosa extract. The manufacturer produces models for adult cats and kittens from one and a half months of age.

Consumers consider such products to be leaders due to their good price-quality ratio. The cost of one product is 64 rubles, and the quality can be compared with collars from Bolfo and Hartz.

Collar Leopard

A domestic product, or more precisely, an analogue of foreign collars. The product is impregnated with insecticides, so it is recommended to use only for adult cats. Great for outdoor pets.

Starting price 45 rubles. But there are more expensive models. It is recommended to carefully read the manufacturer's recommendations.

Collar Doctor Zoo

This is an analogue of Bars. It costs the same, lasts 2 months, does not cause allergic reactions. Suitable for killing fleas and ticks. Can be used for cats and small breeds of dogs. But the manufacturer's advice should be taken into account.

Collar Bolfo

The products belong to a more prestigious category with a high price. The collars are characterized by excellent water resistance and are safe for cats. Models are divided into types depending on the weight of the pet. An overdose of toxins is excluded.

There is only one drawback - short validity period. Collars stop protecting a cat from fleas after 4 months, and from ticks after 2-3 months.

Flea collar for cats Rolf

Elite products based on insecticides. The collar begins to act within 2 minutes, and the complete destruction of bloodsuckers occurs within 1 hour. Use only for cats who are already 3 months old. Valid for 8 months.

Price from 300 rubles. But the effectiveness and safety of the collar has been proven by many positive customer reviews.

Flea collar for cats 4 paws

Four Paws is a domestic manufacturer of elite analogues of collars from the foreign manufacturers described above. The cost of such products is significantly reduced, but no less effective. The composition and validity period have not been changed, but you should still be careful when choosing.

Wearing rules

Many collars emit a specific unpleasant odor, so cats do not like wearing them around their necks. Basic tips for the correct use of collars:

• open the package;
• put the collar on in such a position that your fingers can be easily held between it and the animal’s neck;
• secure it with a special fastener;
• trim the excess length of the tape.

The instructions on the package or from the manufacturer indicate a maximum shelf life ranging from a few weeks to six months. It is best to replace it at least once every 2-3 months.

Important! The period of protection against fleas is 4 - 6 months, against ticks is much shorter - no more than 2 months.

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.

Is it possible to do it yourself?

Many cat owners are interested in whether it is possible to make a flea collar with their own hands. Does it help? Experts still do not advise experimenting in this case and spraying insecticides on ordinary collars. An animal can easily get toxic skin damage.

Dermatitis or an allergic reaction will soon appear. During production at the plant, a certain volume of an insecticidal-acaricidal substance is sprayed onto a polymer tape. This allows the product to gradually release and protect the pet. Unfortunately, it is impossible to achieve this effect at home.

Reviews from veterinarians

Veterinarians strongly recommend that consumers carefully study the composition and instructions for use. Especially take into account the age category of cats to eliminate unpleasant moments. Experts also advise owners of furry pets to keep their home clean and take preventive measures. In their opinion, this is the only way to protect cats from attacks by parasites.

Flea collars for cats are a simple and effective means of controlling fleas and other blood-sucking insects. It is important not to forget about tips and recommendations, use products only for their intended purpose and treat your little charges with care. Also, you should not save on your pet’s health, but buy high-quality and proven devices.

Precautionary measures

Using a collar requires the following precautions:

1. If the tape is ineffective and your pet exhibits unpleasant symptoms, change the brand . Perhaps the model is not suitable for your pet.
2. Buy only those products whose effects have been tested by your friends . When choosing, you should not focus on low cost.
3. You cannot combine the tape with other antiparasitic agents ; this can lead to hair loss, dermatitis, and allergies in your pet.
4. Make sure that your pet does not chew the end of the tape , as this can lead to poisoning. In this case, conscientious manufacturers indicate the antidote substance in the instructions.