How do flea drops for cats work? - briefly
These topical treatments are applied to the skin at the base of the skull, where the active ingredient spreads through the oily layer to kill adult fleas and interrupt their life cycle. Systemic absorption provides continuous protection for weeks without affecting the cat’s coat or behavior.
How do flea drops for cats work? - in detail
Flea spot‑on treatments for cats deliver an insecticidal compound directly onto the animal’s skin. After application, the liquid spreads across the surface of the skin and mixes with the natural oils. Within minutes the active ingredient penetrates the epidermis and enters the bloodstream, creating a systemic reservoir that remains effective for weeks.
The pharmacological action varies by ingredient:
- Neurotoxic agents (e.g., imidacloprid, nitenpyram). Bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the flea’s nervous system, causing rapid paralysis and death.
- GABA‑gated chloride channel blockers (e.g., fipronil, selamectin). Disrupt inhibitory neurotransmission, leading to uncontrolled neuronal firing and fatal convulsions.
- Growth‑inhibiting compounds (e.g., pyriproxyfen). Interfere with flea development, preventing eggs and larvae from maturing.
When a flea bites a treated cat, it ingests the drug present in the host’s blood. The absorbed dose is sufficient to kill adult fleas within hours, while immature stages that contact the animal’s fur are exposed to residual surface concentrations. This dual action reduces both existing infestations and future generations.
Application guidelines ensure optimal performance:
- Apply the entire dose to a single spot on the cat’s dorsal neck region, avoiding the face and eyes.
- Ensure the skin is dry and free of excess fur to facilitate absorption.
- Use only the product size recommended for the cat’s weight; under‑dosing reduces efficacy, overdosing increases risk of toxicity.
Efficacy typically lasts 30 days, after which a new dose restores systemic levels. Some formulations extend protection to 45 days, depending on the concentration of active ingredient and the cat’s metabolic rate.
Safety profile:
- Toxicity thresholds are high; adverse reactions are rare and usually limited to transient skin irritation.
- Contraindicated in kittens under eight weeks, pregnant or lactating females, and cats with known hypersensitivity to the specific compound.
- Interaction with other ectoparasitic medications is possible; simultaneous use of products containing the same class of insecticide should be avoided to prevent cumulative dosing.
Resistance management:
- Rotating products with different mechanisms of action helps prevent flea populations from developing tolerance.
- Monitoring for reduced kill rates can signal emerging resistance and guide selection of an alternative formulation.
Overall, flea spot‑on products function by creating a systemic and topical insecticidal environment that eliminates adult fleas upon contact and suppresses the life cycle, providing sustained protection when applied according to label instructions.