Flea shampoos for cats: choose and use correctly

Not a single decent, sedate and homely cat is immune from flea infestation, not to mention those that like to walk on their own. But these small blood-sucking insects not only cause pets a lot of anxiety and inconvenience, but are also carriers of various diseases and worm eggs. Therefore, the fight against them must begin immediately, as soon as the animal begins to itch intensely and show signs of nervousness and anxiety.

• 2 Flea shampoos: composition and method of action on parasites
  2.1 Video: how flea shampoos work

The main criteria for choosing flea shampoo for cats

When choosing an antiparasitic detergent for cats, consider 5 factors:

1. Age of the animal. Small kittens need specialized products that are less toxic.
2. Purpose of application. In case of severe infestation, more effective insecticide-based preparations are used for treatment. For preventive purposes, gentle products, which are dominated by natural soft ingredients, will be sufficient.
3. Pet's condition. Sick or weakened animals, as well as pregnant and lactating cats, require more careful treatment.
4. Features of the coat. There are special means that take into account the length of the coat or its complete absence.
5. Shelf life.

To make an informed decision, it is better to consult a veterinarian who will help you choose the right product.

For small kittens you need to select a special shampoo

Flea shampoos: composition and method of action on parasites

Anti-flea detergents for cats include the following components:

• foaming agents (surfactants);
• decoctions of medicinal herbs (plantain, celandine, coltsfoot, etc.);
• nutritional and caring components;
• essential vegetable oils (citronella, lavender, cloves, etc.);
• insecticides that have a detrimental effect on fleas: synthetic pyrethroids (cypermethrin, phenothrin, permethrin, decamethrin, etofenprox and others);
• natural pyrethroids or similar ones obtained from natural raw materials (pyrethrin contained in the flowers of Caucasian, Persian or Dalmatian chamomile).

A paralyzed flea dies quickly

When the active substance enters the insect's body through the protective chitinous cover, the permeability of nerve cell membranes is disrupted. As a result, the passage of the nerve impulse is blocked, and the paralyzed flea dies after a few minutes. The toxic substance is equally effective on adult insects, eggs and larvae.

Preventive flea shampoos do not contain toxic substances, but are limited to repellent components - extracts of tansy, tea tree, burdock, wormwood and other plants.

Video: how flea shampoos work

Reviews

1. Svetlana Vasilyeva, 38 years old, Sochi: “I recently picked up a kitten on the street. I was horrified - it was not a kitten, but a complete collection of insects. Without exaggeration! His skin and fur were literally moving. A salesperson at a pet store recommended “Clandestine” to me. Helped a lot!”
2. Anna Shipilova, 27 years old, Saratov: “In my grandmother’s village, all the cats have fleas. I bought “Dana” for washing. It is inexpensive, the smell is pleasant, it can be used both against fleas and just for washing. The fleas are out. Now grandma washes them every 2 months using shampoo. Fleas don’t have time to get started”
3. Sergey Avdeev, 35 years old, Chekhov: “The shampoo just didn’t help us. The fleas disappeared only after complex use. We combined the detergent composition with Advantix flea drops. The procedure had to be repeated 2 times. I'm happy with the result."
4. Alena Mirgorodskaya, 22 years old, Yekaterinburg: “My domestic cats also grabbed these insects somewhere. I figured it out like this: first of all, I washed them with shampoo and put on a collar. Plus, I washed the floors and furniture in the apartment with this same shampoo, but only with diluted shampoo. It helped. By the way, I used “Apit”.
5. Elena Oleynikova, 33 years old, Perm: “I use shampoo from the Bio series. It is completely natural and absolutely safe. Kills not only fleas, but also ticks. I bathe my cat with it at least 2 times a season. During this time, insects simply do not have time to appear.”

Types of flea shampoos

Anti-flea detergents for cats are divided into two groups:

1. Therapeutic (aggressive). Such shampoos contain active ingredients - insecticides. The products are intended for treating animals to kill parasites.
2. Preventive (non-aggressive). These shampoos are regularly used to prevent fleas from infesting your pet. They contain non-toxic ingredients.

According to the form of release, zoo shampoos are:

• liquid - ordinary detergents of liquid consistency;
• dry - a fine powder, reminiscent of powder, which is generously sprinkled on the animal’s fur, and then be sure to comb it out thoroughly.

There are a lot of different flea products and shampoos available in stores.

Which to choose

The selection of the product is carried out depending on the needs of the animal. If, in addition to fleas, the animal’s fur is dull and constantly falling out, it is necessary to ensure that the composition includes sulfur or its derivatives.

For itching and dry skin, choose shampoo with herbal ingredients and essential oils.

It is better to use professional lines of care products - they are the most effective and are better tolerated by sensitive animals.

Preparations with antiparasitic properties, including shampoos, are recommended for use at the first manifestations of fleas:

• the animal becomes restless and constantly meows;
• cats constantly scratch and lick the bite sites due to severe itching:
• formation of wounds, redness, scratches on the animal’s skin;
• the presence of flea feces, dried drops of blood on the animal’s fur;
• with severe damage to the skin, the color of the coat changes: it acquires a brown tint and becomes duller;
• Often a person can detect parasites himself, during an in-person examination.

Flea shampoos have a number of advantages over drops and sprays with a similar effect:

• ease of use;
• budget cost;
• suitable for newborn kittens, pregnant cats;
• the absence of aggressive soap, which dries the skin and causes hair loss;
• the possibility of using zoo shampoo when treating animals with sensitive skin;
• insecticide with caring properties;
• products with a prophylactic composition can be used several times a month. The treatment has to be repeated again after the cat has been outside.

The best flea shampoos for cats are hypoallergenic. Animals are more sensitive than humans. The presence of aggressive detergent components can not only eliminate fleas, but also negatively affect the well-being of the pet.

Possible allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, hypersensitivity reactions, dry skin, hair loss.

Table: comparative characteristics of different types of flea shampoos

All pet shampoos against parasites belong to the group of low-toxic drugs (group 4) and are not dangerous to humans.

Photo gallery: anti-flea shampoos for cats

The series of shampoos Four with a tail has a mild preventive effect

BIO-GROOM zoo shampoo has a strong healing effect

Biovax zoo shampoo can be used for kittens from a month of age

Zoo shampoo Doctor Zoo has a therapeutic effect with repeated use Insecticidal shampoo for cats Lugovoy is very popular

Ms.Kiss flea shampoo is inexpensive and effective

Rolf Club flea shampoo is contraindicated for kittens and pregnant cats

The Phytoelite line includes shampoos for cats with different coat types.

Phytoelita shampoo is suitable for cats and dogs

Bars flea shampoo is a preventive product

Insecticidal shampoo Celandine has a positive effect on the condition of the coat due to the content of aloe vera and provitamin B5

Rating of the best drugs

Despite the fact that the assortment is so large, there are also undisputed leaders in popularity.

After making sure that your pet has blood-sucking insects, you should rid your cat of fleas.

The product consists exclusively of natural ingredients, so there is no threat to the life and health of your pet.

Foresto flea collar (Bayer). Suitable for cats aged 7 months and older, valid for up to 8 months, waterproof. This method of getting rid of “unwanted guests” is popular, primarily due to its quick effect and long-term prevention of the reappearance of insects. The effectiveness is determined by the presence of two components: flumethrin and imidacloprid. The drug affects the central nervous system of insects. Effective not only against fleas, but also ticks and lice. A flea collar prevents flea larvae from developing on the animal's body. Judging by the reviews, this is an excellent remedy for treating an infected animal. It has no side effects or unpleasant odor. Can even be used for pregnant cats. The main condition is continuous wearing of the collar.

Frontline flea spray. The active ingredients are fipronil and S-methoprene. Can be used even for kittens aged 2 months and older. Pet owners speak very highly of this product. It begins to act 24 hours after application and protects against the reappearance of fleas for two months.

Guaranteed protection against lice eaters – for one month.

Zoetis flea drops (Pfizer) Stronghold. The main feature of this drug is that it is effective against both mature and immature forms of parasites. A single application is enough, and after a couple of days your pet will forget about all its inconveniences. The active substance is selamectin. The main thing in use is to adhere to the exact dosage. Many cat lovers agree that this is the most effective remedy. Getting rid of insects occurs quickly and without any discomfort for the cat. No side effects were noticed: itching, irritation, etc. Perhaps the only drawback is that the drug is recommended to be used at least from the age of seven weeks.

The drug has a wide spectrum of action; it is used against scabies, ear mites, ascaris and hookworms.

Inspector Total drops. The solution for external use is used only if your pet is already 1.5 months old. The main active ingredients are fipronil and moxidectin. These substances are absorbed into the blood through the skin, and their maximum concentration is observed approximately 4 weeks after the procedure.

Shampoo RolfClub. The composition has a cosmetic and therapeutic-prophylactic effect. Judging by the cost and volume of packaging, the product is quite affordable. Thanks to this shampoo, the coat becomes smooth and silky. It is prevented from falling out. The active substance is permethrin. It has an insecticidal, anti-pediculosis, acaricidal effect. Most often this is the remedy used at home. Disadvantages include a short period of validity - up to one month, as well as the lack of a dispenser, and the fact that the shampoo does not foam well.

Ultrasonic keychain SITITEK TickLess Pet. This is truly modern technology to protect your pet's health! The keychain is completely safe for cats, there are no odors or harmful toxic compounds. There are no restrictions on the age and weight of your pet. The only caveat is that it will be very uncomfortable for a one and a half month old kitten to wear such an “accessory”. The keychain is most often used for cats prone to allergies, when other means are difficult to use.

The device generates ultrasonic vibrations, too “loud” for parasites, and invisible to cats and people.

As you can see, the range of devices and drugs to combat parasites is more than sufficient. Even if your pet is capricious or allergic, you will definitely find a product that is ideal for him. And remember, the best treatment is prevention.

A veterinarian will help you choose the most effective and safest insecticidal agent, taking into account the physiological state.

Flea shampoos for kittens and pregnant animals

Since all antiparasitic pet shampoos are toxic to a certain extent, they can be safely used only for adult and completely healthy animals. Small kittens, sick and weak pets, as well as pregnant and lactating women should not be washed with such preparations. For this category, special gentle and non-toxic anti-flea detergents have been developed:

• Celandine for puppies and kittens - mild caring insecticidal shampoos with lavender essential oil, their use is recommended for animals from 8 weeks of age;
• Four with a tail - pet shampoos from this manufacturer are safe for kittens after a month of life, as well as for lactating and pregnant cats;
• Phytoelita insecticidal for kittens is a safe natural anti-flea detergent based on an extract of celandine and wormwood;
• Doctor Zoo for kittens is an insecticidal natural well-foaming detergent made using essential oils and herbal extracts, approved for pregnant cats, weak animals and kittens from the third week of life;
• insecticidal shampoo for kittens Gamma - suitable for babies from 8 weeks.

Photo gallery: anti-flea shampoos for kittens

Zooshampoo Gamma can be used for kittens from the third month of life

Good Cat anti-parasitic shampoo for kittens against fleas will help remove parasites and make the coat soft and silky. Dana shampoo belongs to the group of insecticidal preparations with contact action.

Doctor Zoo insecticidal shampoo for kittens is made from natural ingredients

Insecticidal shampoo for kittens Phytoelita is made on the basis of decoctions of celandine and wormwood.

Zoo shampoo Celandine for kittens and puppies contains lavender oil

All insecticidal shampoos intended for kittens can be safely washed by pregnant and lactating cats.

Video: how to remove fleas from a small kitten

Making your own detergent

Fleas are a nuisance that needs to be dealt with at the first sign. They not only annoy your pet, but also carry dangerous diseases. These are plague, worms, encephalitis, fungal infections, anthrax. An effective budget remedy can be made at home. Store-bought products are good, but sometimes they pose some danger in some cases.

Medicinal plants are known to repel parasites. Their effect extends not only to animals, but to people, interior items, and bedding. Near the place where your pet sleeps, you can hang a small bush of dried wormwood or mint. When fresh, it can be used for homemade detergent. It is enough to prepare a decoction, cool it, add tansy (optional) and some grated laundry soap.

Fleas, ticks, and other harmful insects react to strong odors. Here you can use cheap essential oils from any pharmacy. It is recommended to dilute 3-4 drops with warm water, add grated soap without additives (preferably made according to GOST). The procedure can be done 1-2 times a week.

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.

Contraindications and side effects

A clear contraindication to the use of pet flea shampoo would be individual intolerance to any components and the animal’s violent reluctance to undergo water procedures. A side effect may be intoxication caused by the detergent entering the digestive or respiratory tract, as well as the accumulation of toxic substances due to too frequent use.

If there are strong signs of poisoning (vomiting, weakness, drooling, etc.), you should immediately consult a veterinarian.

Some cats are categorically against water procedures

Safety rules when treating cats with shampoo

When treating an animal with flea shampoo, the following rules must be observed:

• first carefully study the instructions, act strictly according to them and strictly follow the dosage;
• to prevent water from entering, the cat’s ears can first be plugged with cotton tubes soaked in vegetable oil;
• thoroughly rinse the product from the fur and under no circumstances allow the animal to lick itself;
• do not bathe your pet too often.

The instructions must be read very carefully and the recommendations in it must be followed exactly.

Video: how to get rid of fleas in the house

How to wash a cat if there is no special shampoo

For regular care of animals, special products are needed. They are less aggressive in composition than regular shampoos. It is best to wash the cat with warm water and beaten egg yolk. If that doesn’t work, you need compounds with PVA.

In rare cases, you can wash cats with regular shampoo or soap, but it is not advisable to do this often. The animal's skin will begin to peel off.

Let's discuss what to choose from what is in the bathroom.

Regular soap

It is not recommended to bathe a kitten with soap with a strong fruity or floral aroma. Bath, pine, and baby soap are preferable. Experienced veterinarians do not advise excessive soaping of the animal.

It is enough to pour it with soapy water or apply foam to the wool. If the surfactants (surfactants) don't touch the skin, great.

You shouldn't bathe your pet too hard. He must have natural protection.

Baby shampoo

Products used to wash children under three years of age are hypoallergenic. They contain less of all kinds of synthetic additives and more natural ingredients. But you can’t get carried away with them either.

The product is pre-diluted 1:3 and foamed well. And then the kitten is treated with foam. You need to carefully clean the face.

Phrases like “washes without tears” are a marketing ploy. When foam gets into the eyes of animals, conjunctivitis develops. The small pet will become restless. Ears are a no-go area. They are cleaned with ear sticks with water, lotion or saline solution.

Regular human shampoo

Some owners use human shampoo to care for their pets, and do this regularly. Veterinarians strictly prohibit doing this. The secretion of fatty glands is disrupted, the skin suffers, and the structure of the hairs changes.

Allergic dermatitis and other skin diseases are possible. Immunity weakens. After washing, cats get sick more often and can get pneumonia.

If there are several hair care products, choose the simplest one. It is better if it contains a decoction of herbs, without dyes or thickeners.

The soap composition is made by diluting the shampoo with water, increasing the volume at least five times. In this case, it will be possible to protect the cat from the consequences and reduce the risk of developing skin diseases.

Tar shampoo or liquid soap

Tar is an excellent folk remedy for skin irritation. Liquid soap or tar shampoo is a good insecticidal remedy for blood-sucking insects.

If your pet constantly scratches itself with its paws or bites something out of its fur, it may have fleas. Try washing it with tar soap. This primitive method is used in folk medicine.