How does a flea capsule work for cats? - briefly
The tablet delivers an insecticide that enters the cat’s bloodstream, spreads to the skin, and eliminates fleas when they feed. One dose protects the animal for several weeks.
How does a flea capsule work for cats? - in detail
The oral flea medication for cats is a solid tablet that contains a specific active compound. After ingestion, the tablet dissolves in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing the ingredient to pass through the stomach lining into the bloodstream. Systemic distribution carries the substance to the skin and hair follicles, where fleas feed during a blood meal.
The pharmacological action depends on the class of active ingredient:
- Neurotoxic agents (e.g., spinosad, fluralaner) bind to insect nerve receptors, causing rapid paralysis and death within minutes of contact.
- Insect‑growth regulators (e.g., lufenuron) inhibit chitin synthesis, preventing immature stages from developing into adult fleas; the effect appears over several days.
- Metabolic inhibitors (e.g., nitenpyram) disrupt energy production in adult fleas, leading to swift knock‑down.
Absorption occurs within 30–60 minutes; peak plasma concentration is reached in 2–4 hours. The drug remains in the cat’s system for a duration that matches the product’s label, typically ranging from one week to three months, providing continuous protection against new infestations.
Excretion follows hepatic metabolism and renal elimination. The majority of the compound is expelled unchanged in urine, while a smaller fraction is metabolized into inactive metabolites. This pathway minimizes accumulation and reduces the risk of toxicity when used according to dosage instructions based on the animal’s weight.
Safety profile considerations include:
- Dose calculation per kilogram of body weight; overdosing can increase the likelihood of adverse effects such as vomiting or transient lethargy.
- Contra‑indications for pregnant or lactating cats, and for animals with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient.
- Interaction potential with other medications is low, but concurrent use of products containing similar compounds should be avoided to prevent additive toxicity.
Proper administration involves offering the tablet whole with a small amount of food or water to ensure complete ingestion. Palatability enhancers are often included to facilitate acceptance. Regular monitoring of the cat’s health after treatment helps detect any unexpected reactions promptly.