Expert: Dear Tabbi - 11/16/2008

Question
Dear Tabbi,
I don't know if you're able to help me, but my cat has flea issues. He is a long-hair, which helps the fleas out, unfortunately. We've been trying our best to benefit and help him, but nothing is working. We've gotten him Hartz Flea spray, flea powder, a flea collar, a flea comb, and Frontline plus. I've read that fleas like warm weather. I live on Long Island, and he got them during Spring, and Spring surely isn't the warmest around here. I've read that bombing the house is a recommended solution, but we don't prefer to cover everything. We wouldn't mind that if it means helping our pet, but where would we put him? If we gave him to a relative, that wouldn't work. They have a kitten and a dog. Our other relative wouldn't want fleas, and is unable to babysit our pet. Please help, and give us some suggestions. Thanks a lot.
         -Jenna ☻

Answer
Jenna,

Fleas are a constant problem even with medication. I think that fleas are becoming immuned to the medications. They are also in the yard too.

I be careful giving him any over-the-counter flea products. There have been too many instances of illness and death from them.

Here a link to a good article about the different flea medications and options: http://www.placervillevet.com/flea_control.htm
(copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar)

This is an article about a new flea product that is now on the market:

"ProMeris® for cats is a topical, spot-on product for the effective control of existing flea infestations and prevention of re-infestations in cats and kittens 8 weeks and older.
ProMeris for cats is the only product available from a veterinarian that contains the active ingredient metaflumizone, a new compound proven to control fleas. Metaflumizone has never before been used to control fleas and research shows they are readily susceptible. Its new mode of action attacks fleas' nervous system by blocking voltage dependent sodium channels, which results in paralysis and death of the flea. A single dose effectively stops and controls infestations and prevents re-infestations of fleas for up to seven weeks in cats
Monthly application is generally recommended for optimal flea control May be used as part of a treatment strategy for flea allergy dermatitis. Easy-to-use applicator. Gentle enough for cats and kittens 8 weeks and older. Available in three- and six-dose packages
ProMeris for cats is available exclusively from practicing veterinarians."

You may also want to take the cat to a pet groomer or a vet where they can give him a flea bath and treatment. Also keep a break-away flea collar on him, changing it monthly.

Here is a flea bath I was told about but I have never tried:
If you are trying to rid your cat of fleas and need a good home remedy, Dawn ultra dishwashing soap (the blue one), works quite well. Try not to get any in the cat's eyes. If you have to get the fleas off the cat's face use your fingers to clean around the cat's eyes, nose and mouth. Rinse very well.

I don't cover anything except my aquariums if I use a flea bomb and I've never had a problem not doing it. The more you cover, the more they can hide.

I also have a long haired cat that gets fleas. He seems to have a harder time than my shorthaired cats because he can't get to them as easy with all his fur. I keep a collar on him and treat him with Frontline or Advantage. Even with that, the products don't seem to last long protecting him.

I would also speak to your vet. He would know about the lastest products on the market. And ask about a flea shot or pills.

There are flea 'traps' that you can get for your home. One has a little light attached to it and a sticky base. The fleas are attracted to the light and get stuck. Another thing you can try is putting a white sheet on the floor and a bowl of water on it. Maybe a low-sided pan or container. Fleas are attracted to white and they will jump on it, jump in the water, and drown. Doing it at night with a small nightlight will double the 'response time'.

Some flea trivia:
Fleas generally begin their optimal life cycle when the temperature is above 70°F and as the humidity increases. The full breeding cycle peaks with temperatures (70°F to 85°F) and high humidity (70%). An adult flea can lay 15 to 20 eggs per day and over 500 in her lifetime. the adult lays eggs, which develop into larvae, then pupa and ultimately emerge as adults in as little as 14 days during peak conditions.  One flea can become as many as 100,000 in just 30 days.

Just what you wanted to hear! (smile)

I hope this helps.

Tabbi