My cat has fleas and the drops aren't working; what should I do? - briefly
If topical flea treatments fail, switch to a veterinarian‑prescribed oral medication and treat the surroundings with a «flea‑killing spray» or fogger. Schedule a veterinary exam to confirm the infestation and establish a comprehensive control plan.
My cat has fleas and the drops aren't working; what should I do? - in detail
Flea infestation in a cat that does not respond to spot‑on medication requires a systematic approach.
First, verify that the product was applied correctly: dosage matches the cat’s weight, the spot was placed on a clean, hair‑free area of the skin, and the cat was not bathed or groomed for the recommended period after application. Misapplication can render the treatment ineffective.
If correct use is confirmed, consider the following actions:
- Veterinary consultation – request a professional assessment to rule out resistance, allergies, or underlying health issues that may reduce drug efficacy.
- Prescription oral medication – options such as nitenpyram, spinosad, or afoxolaner provide rapid kill of adult fleas and can be used when topical products fail.
- Environmental control – treat all indoor spaces with a flea‑kill spray or fogger approved for pets, vacuum carpets and upholstery daily, and wash bedding at ≥ 60 °C.
- Pet‑specific shampoo – apply a flea‑combating shampoo immediately before re‑treatment to reduce adult flea numbers.
- Preventive regimen – after elimination, maintain a monthly preventive (collar, oral, or topical) to stop re‑infestation.
Additional measures:
- Use a fine‑toothed flea comb daily for several weeks, discarding trapped insects.
- Seal cracks and crevices where flea larvae may hide; consider professional pest‑control if infestation persists.
Monitoring: inspect the cat’s coat every 24 hours for live fleas. Absence of fleas for two weeks indicates successful eradication; otherwise, repeat veterinary evaluation.
Adhering to these steps maximizes the likelihood of eliminating the infestation and prevents recurrence.