4 week old Kittens with fleas

[rockyrogue]

Hiya does anyone know the best way to treat 4 week old kittens with fleas? Mum was treated before birth and doesn't go out so god know's where they are from! Any help much apprecieted. Thanks

[pinklizzy]

Hi, You can use frontline spray to treat kittens of this age. Instead of spraying the kittens themselves, the best way is to wear some latex gloves, spray the gloves then rub this onto the kitten's coat. If they have been re-infested without having contact with any other animals or going outside, it may be an idea to treat the household with a specific product, as well as washing all bedding, hoovering carpets etc. as fleas eggs will continue to hatch even after the adults have been killed off.
HTH.

[Leesy]

Thats good advice PL can`t really add to that:D

[pcspik]

What pinklizzy said is fine. Although Frontline is expensive I would use it rather than a product from a supermarket or a general household store as a) they are not always suitable for kittens and b) they are generally ineffective and will probably make the problem worse.

You would have to go to a vet unless you have some already as it is prescription only. Spot on Frontline is not prescription only, but is not suitable for 4 week old kittens. If you cannot get Frontline spray (prescription drugs, even flea/worming product cannot be dispensed unless the vet has seen the kittens) then ask what you can get that is suitable for your situation.

If you are wondering where to get disposable gloves from then Wilko's sell them. Lakeland (the cookery shop) also sell them, but they are much more expensive.

Fleas can by the way, can be carried in through people's shoes and clothing. My Tigger came into our local Cats Protection shelter with a nasty flea allergy, and she had been kept indoors only. The person who had her before probably thought that she did not have to be defleaed because she did not go outside, which is incorrect.

[rockyrogue]

Thanks guy's i don't have any frontline but will get some on Monday. I have also been told that capstar tablets used in combination with good household flea spray would do the trick any thoughts?

[angieh]

4 weeks old is the lowest age limit for using Capstar or 2lbs body weight. See link (http://www.drugs.com/vet/capstar.html). I would get veterinary advice before use on such small kittens. If pinklizzy is back on tonight, she may advise. As she is a veterinary nurse I would take any advise she may give.

It gets rid of adult fleas, but does not affect eggs or larvae. As you already mentioned, you would have to use a good household flea spray too.

[pinklizzy]

Capstar is a good flea product but I wouldn't recommend using it in kittens. As Angie says it is not reommended for animals under 4 weeks or under 1kg bodyweight-not many 4 week old kittens are over a kg! Capstar works to kill adult fleas when the animal is infested and is very effective but it only lasts for 24hrs. Novartis, the company who manufacture Capstar recommend giving it once weekly for the initial 4-6 weeks, as well as using a household spray such as indorex. I would worry that, apart from being difficult to pill wriggly kittens, this is a large amount of drugs to be giving to such a tiny body.
Pcspik is correct in that Frontline spray is a prescription only medication and the vet is required to examine at least one kitten before prescribing it. An ideal socialisation experience for them and I'm sure the vets will give you some gloves if you ask nicely, I would anyway! ;)

[rockyrogue]

Thanks for advice, i just hate the thought of them having fleas till monday:mad: :(
I could get hold of capstar and acclaim tomorrow :( how often would frontline need to be applied?

[pinklizzy]

Frontline application will last 4-5 weeks, I understand your feelings about them having fleas until Monday-maybe you could use the acclaim to treat the house tomorrow? If you can get hold of a flea comb you can gently brush the kitten's fur to remove those fleas actually infesting them?

[MadCatLady]

:-D Good advice! You can get Frontline from our affiliate...

[link removed]

Follow our link each time you order & we get a % commission.... ;) Sorry can't resist promoting the rescue centre!!! :roll: We need all the pennies we can get as have just taken in 6wk old kitten with shattered leg..... :evil:

Good luck with kitty.... I assume it's still feeding from mum?

[rockyrogue]

Good luck with kitty.... I assume it's still feeding from mum?


Yeah babes are still with mum. I will spray the house and comb until monday.
cheers guys :)

[pinklizzy]

Hope we've helped, any pics of babies? ;) :D