Controlling fleas is a major part of being a cat owner. Keeping cats flea free helps to prevent problems such as anemia, flea allergy dermatitis, infections and tapeworms. Frontline products make this easier by killing the fleas on your cat. It is available from veterinarians and in many pet supply stores. Before using any topical flea medications, including Frontline, on your cat, consult a veterinarian.
About
Frontline is a popular flea control medication manufactured by Merial. It's a topical product designed to rid cats of fleas. There are three types of Frontline for cats: Plus, Top Spot and Frontline Spray. Top Spot and Plus are once-a-month applications that begin working within 12 hours, according to Merial. Frontline Spray provides fast flea relief for your cat.
Function
Frontline products work due to fipronil, in the case of Top Spot and Spray, and due to the combination of fipronil and S-methoprene in Frontline Plus. Fipronil and S-methoprene are pesticides. Fipronil kills fleas by breaking down their central nervous systems. S-methoprene is a growth regulator that keeps fleas from reproducing. With the addition of S-methoprene, Frontline Plus has the ability to kill not just adult fleas but flea larvae and eggs as well. After you apply Frontline, it will spread by collecting in your cat's oil glands and being transferred through the natural oils of your cat's coat. Contrary to popular belief, Frontline is not absorbed through the skin.
Application
Apply Frontline to your cat on a monthly basis. The manufacturer claims there is no need to reapply the product before 30 days are up. To apply Frontline, remove the product from its packaging and snap the applicator tip. Keep a firm hold on the applicator and snap the tip away from your face so that none spills or goes in your eyes. Put the tip of the Frontline applicator between your cat's shoulder blades, right against the skin and squeeze the contents onto your pet.
Considerations
In addition to using Frontline treatments for your cat, you may also need to treat your home to get rid of fleas. Thoroughly clean any cat bedding and begin a routine of regular vacuuming. After each vacuuming session, throw out the vacuum cleaner bag and replace it with a new one to prevent the fleas from escaping. Keeping your cat indoors will also aid in controlling flea infestations.
Warning
The Environmental Protection Agency warns pet owners to be wary of counterfeit Frontline products for cats, including the Top Spot and Plus formulas. Even products purchased from pet stores should be checked for legitimacy. Determine if your Frontline package is fake by first checking the lot number. The number on the carton should match the number on the individual applicator and applicator package. Be sure instructions are included with the product and that the applicator is child resistant. There should be notches between applicator packages in legitimate Frontline, and each applicator should have a label with Merial, the EPA's registration number, the fluid ounces of product contained in the package, the name of the product, the active ingredients and warnings to keep it out of childrens' reach, to see the label for additional directions and to take caution.
You should also avoid applying legitimate Frontline products to kittens less than eight weeks old.
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