How does a flea tablet work for cats? - briefly
A flea control tablet is swallowed, its active ingredient enters the cat’s bloodstream, and when a flea feeds it receives a lethal dose or a compound that interrupts its development. The action starts within hours and provides protection for several weeks.
How does a flea tablet work for cats? - in detail
Flea tablets for felines contain an active ingredient that interferes with the parasite’s nervous system. After oral administration, the compound is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and enters the bloodstream. The drug circulates systemically, reaching the skin’s microvasculature where fleas feed.
When a flea bites the cat, it ingests a small volume of blood that carries the insecticide. The substance binds to specific receptors in the flea’s nerve cells, causing uncontrolled nerve firing. This results in paralysis and death within hours. Because the medication remains in the host’s blood for several weeks, any new fleas that attach are similarly affected, breaking the life cycle.
Key pharmacological elements:
- Active agents – commonly fipronil, nitenpyram, lufenuron, or spinosad; each targets different neural pathways.
- Absorption rate – rapid uptake ensures therapeutic levels within 30–60 minutes.
- Distribution – systemic spread provides coverage of the entire coat, including hard‑to‑reach areas.
- Elimination – metabolites are excreted via urine and feces, with a half‑life that sustains efficacy for 30 days or longer, depending on the formulation.
Safety considerations include dosage based on body weight, avoidance of use in pregnant or nursing cats unless labeled, and monitoring for adverse reactions such as vomiting or lethargy. Proper administration—placing the tablet at the back of the mouth to ensure swallowing—maximizes absorption and minimizes the risk of the cat spitting it out.
Overall, oral flea control works by delivering a neurotoxic agent through the cat’s circulatory system, ensuring that any blood‑feeding parasite is rapidly incapacitated, thereby preventing infestation and reducing the risk of disease transmission.