How does a flea collar for cats work? - briefly
The collar continuously emits insecticidal vapors that disperse across the cat’s fur, killing or deterring fleas on contact. These chemicals are embedded in a polymer matrix that slowly releases the active agents, delivering protection for several weeks to months.
How does a flea collar for cats work? - in detail
A flea collar for cats releases active ingredients that spread across the animal’s skin and coat. The chemicals are embedded in a polymer matrix that slowly diffuses outward, maintaining a constant low‑level concentration on the surface of the collar. Contact with the cat’s fur transfers the compounds to the epidermis, where they are absorbed into the sebaceous glands and distributed through the skin’s oil layer.
The primary mechanisms involved are:
- Volatilization and diffusion: Heat from the cat’s body accelerates the release of the active agents, allowing them to vaporize and disperse over a short distance.
- Oily transfer: The collar’s surface is coated with a lipophilic carrier that adheres to hair shafts, ensuring the pesticide remains on the fur even after grooming.
- Neurotoxic action: Once on the flea’s nervous system, the compounds (commonly pyrethroids, insect growth regulators, or organophosphates) bind to sodium channels or inhibit chitin synthesis, causing paralysis or preventing development.
- Continuous exposure: The matrix replenishes the supply of chemicals as they are depleted, providing protection for weeks to months without the need for reapplication.
Safety is achieved by limiting the dosage to a level that is toxic to insects but well below the toxicity threshold for mammals. The collar’s design incorporates a lock‑in mechanism that prevents accidental removal, ensuring the cat receives an uninterrupted dose. Regular replacement schedules—typically every 8‑12 weeks—maintain efficacy as the active ingredients gradually diminish.