How long do tick drops last for cats? - briefly
A single dose of a spot‑on tick treatment typically provides protection for around 30 days in cats. Certain formulations may extend efficacy to 45 days, so the product label should be checked for the exact duration.
How long do tick drops last for cats? - in detail
Feline spot‑on tick products are formulated to remain active on the skin for a specific period after application. The typical efficacy window ranges from 30 to 90 days, depending on the active ingredient and the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Isoxazoline‑based formulations (e.g., fluralaner, afoxolaner): Provide protection for up to 12 weeks. The compound distributes through the skin’s lipid layer and reaches circulating blood, maintaining lethal concentrations for attached ticks throughout the interval.
- Pyrethrin/pyrethroid mixtures (e.g., fipronil, selamectin): Generally labeled for 4 weeks of activity. These agents act on the nervous system of ectoparasites, and their concentration declines after the monthly cycle.
- Organophosphate or carbamate options: Rarely used in modern feline products; when present, efficacy is limited to 2–3 weeks.
Several variables influence the actual duration of protection:
- Application site: Proper placement on the base of the skull ensures optimal spread; misplacement can reduce coverage.
- Cat’s coat length and condition: Dense or oily fur may impede absorption, shortening the effective period.
- Health status: Liver or kidney impairment can alter metabolism of the active ingredient, potentially extending or reducing efficacy.
- Environmental exposure: Frequent swimming or heavy grooming can wash away or dilute the product, necessitating earlier re‑application.
- Tick species: Some hard ticks acquire blood meals more slowly; the product’s lethal concentration may be reached later, but protection still aligns with the label’s timeframe.
Manufacturers determine the labeled interval through controlled laboratory studies that measure tick mortality at set days post‑application. Field studies confirm that the majority of treated cats remain protected throughout the advertised period, with occasional outliers due to the factors above.
To maintain continuous protection, reapply the spot‑on at the end of the indicated interval, regardless of observed tick activity. Monitoring for signs of treatment failure—such as live ticks on the cat after the expected protection window—helps adjust the schedule promptly.