How long do drops for cats against ticks remain effective? - briefly
«Most spot‑on tick preventatives for felines maintain activity for about four weeks after application». «Effectiveness may vary between brands, with some offering protection for up to six weeks, but the standard interval for re‑application is monthly».
How long do drops for cats against ticks remain effective? - in detail
Feline spot‑on treatments designed to control ticks contain either synthetic pyrethroids, organophosphates, or isoxazolines. The active ingredient diffuses across the skin and coats the hair coat, providing a protective barrier against tick attachment and feeding.
Most commercially available products guarantee a month of protection after a single application. Several formulations extend efficacy to six weeks, while a limited number of isoxazoline‑based solutions maintain activity for up to two months. The labeled duration reflects laboratory‑tested residual activity under optimal conditions.
Factors that modify the actual period of protection include:
- concentration of the active ingredient;
- vehicle type (solvent‑based versus polymer‑based);
- cat’s body weight and hair length;
- precise placement of the dose on the skin;
- ambient temperature and humidity;
- level of tick exposure in the environment;
- emergence of resistance in local tick populations.
Re‑application should occur before the end of the labeled protection window. For products stating a 30‑day interval, a new dose is recommended on day 28 to avoid gaps. Treatments offering 45‑day protection permit re‑application on day 42, and those with an 8‑week claim should be renewed after 56 days.
Safety considerations: ensure the cat is dry before application, avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes, and keep the cat from grooming the spot for at least 24 hours. Do not use products labeled for dogs on cats, as certain pyrethroids are toxic to felines. Regular veterinary consultation helps confirm appropriate product selection and adherence to the recommended schedule.