Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 8/2/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have 2 cats with fleas. I used Frontline yesterday afternoon (7/28/11)and they still have fleas.
Can I put MORE flea control on them now? Such as Advantage or Revolution ect?
Or do I have to wait till the 30 days is up?

I've read that lemon works good for the fleas. That the fleas can't stand it. I've also read that cats can't have lemon on their fur. I don't know which one to belive.

Also I've been reading alot about this Diamateous Earth. Its supposed to be pretty good. I've read that you should rub this into the cats fur and then I read that you can't rub it in their fur.

My cats are part of my family. Just like my husband and daughter. I don't want to do anything to hurt them.

What do I do, now? Which story do I believe?

Please, please help me. Help my kittys.

Thanks

ANSWER: Frontline works well. It can take 3 months to get rid of all of the fleas. YOur problem is most likely that there are fleas in the environment.  When the frontline kills the fleas, more jump on the cat.  Spraying the environment for fleas every 2 weeks really helps.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok,but what about the lemon and diatomaceous earth? do they work? do they kill all flea stages? can i use them on the cats? I've read yes answers and no answers

Answer
Lemon will not do anything.  There was a product that once contained d-limonene, which is found in citrus rinds.  The problem is that dogs and cats absolutely hate the smell of citrus.  Diatomaceous earth (if the particle size is small enough) like that type that is used in baking, can help kill fleas in the carpeting, but not on the animals.  That is an extremely slow kill.