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Cats/My 16 yr old cat with fleas

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Expert: - 8/9/2010


Question
I have two indoor only cats - Jiggs, 16 yrs old and Iris, 11 yrs old.  We've acquired fleas from the
raccoons, possum and, feral cats visiting the yard.  Both cats have had allergic reactions to the
ingredients in Advantage and Frontline.  I've been "doing" the diatomaceous earth treatment (yard,
house and cats) to no avail.  The situation is taking too long and Jiggs is now refusing to eat.  I have
Revolution but, (the vet is on vacation) need to know how selamectin (active ingredient in
Revolution) is dissipated through the body - through the bowel or kidneys.  Because Jiggs is old, is
not eating well and, showing signs of diminished kidney function I don't want to compromise his
body any more than it already is.  Also, if Revolution is safe for Jiggs, would it be better to calculate
exactly how much to use for his weight opposed to using the full dosage as the amount in the tube
is for weights 5-15 lbs.?  Is there another product to use for really old cats?  Don't worry - I won't
use essential oils and all the crap touted to be a "natural" remedy.

Answer
Susan,

At age 16, your cat is very geriatric, and diminished kidney function, some inappetance and the like is to be expected.

Remember, I am not a vet, but I did a search on Revolution fleas cats reviews and found this:

http://www.consumersearch.com/flea-control/revolution-for-cats


Thid would be a good place to start.  You may also consider contacting Pfizer, who manufactures the product.

https://www.revolution4cats.com/default.aspx

It does have to be prescribed by a veterinarian (according to the literature,) and your vet can tell you the appropriate dosage.

Given Jiggs history, I would be wary about using any parasiticide (e.g. Revolution), without veterinary supervision.  Things to note are contraindications and adverse side effects. This should all be located on the insert that comes with the product.

I hope this helps.

Best regards... Norm.  

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Norman Auspitz

Expertise

I can answer most non-veterinary questions about cats. My particular expertise is pedigree cats, breeding and showing. However, I am versed in feline behavior, cat breeds and their characteristics, general feline husbandry, and the like.

Experience

I judged for the Canadian Cat Association from 1975 until 1982. I am currently an approved allbreed judge for the Cat Fanciers'' Association (the world''s largets cat registry), and have been judging for them since 1991. I have been breeding pedigreed cats since 1971 and have been exhibiting pedigreed cats in shows since 1970. I obtained my first pedigreed cat in 1970 and have never looked back. In 1971, I obtained my first Abyssinian which has become my primary breed. In addition, I have bred Manx and Persians. Currently, besides the Abyssinians, I am also breeding Maine Coons.


Organizations
Cat Fanciers'' Association, inc. (CFA) and the Manx, Maine Coon, and Abyssinian breed councils. I am currently Abyssinian breed council secretary.

Publications
Cat Fancy Magazine, The Abyssinian Chapter in The Cat Fanciers'' Association Complete Cat Book, and Articles for various editions of The Cat Fanciers'' Association Yearbook

Education/Credentials
I received a B.S. from Drexel University in 1968, a M.Math from University of Waterloo, in 1970, a Ph.D. from University of Waterloo in 1975, and a MBA from McMaster University in 1980. I received my approved allbreed judging status in the Cat Fanciers'' Association in 1999.

Awards and Honors
We have produced a number of Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA) National winning Abyssinian and Maine Coons. We have produced a number of Abyssinian and Maine Coon Distinguished Merit females (an award for a top producing cat), including the first Distinguished Merit Abyssinian in the red (sorrel) color. I am the CFA Abyssinian breed council secretary and belong and/or hold office in a number of cat clubs. I am also a member of the CFA Judges Association.

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