How do lice drops work for cats? - briefly
Lice drops contain insecticidal agents that penetrate the cat’s skin, disrupt the lice’s nervous system, and cause swift paralysis and death. They are applied to the skin at the base of the neck, where the medication spreads through the animal’s oil glands.
How do lice drops work for cats? - in detail
Lice treatment drops for felines contain insecticidal compounds such as pyrethrins, pyrethroids, or selamectin. After application to the skin along the back of the neck, the liquid spreads across the coat by capillary action and the cat’s natural grooming. The active molecules penetrate the exoskeleton of adult lice and nymphs, binding to voltage‑gated sodium channels in nerve cells. This binding forces the channels to remain open, causing continuous nerve firing, paralysis, and death of the parasite within minutes.
The formulation also includes solvents and surfactants that enhance dermal absorption, allowing the drug to reach hidden lice in the fur matrix. Some products incorporate insect growth regulators (IGRs) such as methoprene, which disrupt molting cycles and prevent immature stages from developing into reproducing adults. The combined action eliminates existing infestations and suppresses future emergence for several weeks.
Application procedure:
- Shake the bottle to ensure uniform distribution of the active ingredient.
- Part the cat’s fur at the base of the skull, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
- Dispense the recommended volume (usually one or two drops) directly onto the skin.
- Allow the cat to remain still for a few seconds to let the liquid soak in; the cat may lick the area, but the systemic absorption is minimal.
Safety considerations:
- Verify the cat’s weight and health status before dosing; overdose can cause neurotoxicity.
- Do not use products labeled for dogs or other species, as concentration and ingredient profiles differ.
- Keep the cat indoors for at least two hours after treatment to prevent ingestion of the product from contaminated surfaces.
- Monitor for signs of irritation, excessive salivation, or neurological symptoms; contact a veterinarian if they appear.
Efficacy depends on proper dosage, thorough coverage of the coat, and adherence to the product’s re‑treatment interval, typically 30 days, to break the life cycle of the ectoparasite.