Someone told me that in order for me to get rid of my Maine Coon's flea problem that I'll need to shave her and then squeeze them all. On top of that I'll need to use Frontline. Is it really necessary to shave her?
2007-08-13 12:03:00 · 17 answers · asked by Jayme C 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Absolutely not. No cat needs to be shaved of it's fur unless it has a serious skin condition like mange that needs to be treated from the skin out! Frontline will work, or Advantage. One product that I prefer is Revolution as it takes care of the heartworms, fleas, earmites and roundworms and is safe enough to give to a pregnant or nursing mother cat! I've had no problem with it at all where I have had some issues with the others. The one thing that needs to be done is to keep up with the treatments. One treatment is not sufficient and your entire household (carpets, his bedding, etc) will need to be be treated if the infestation is really bad.
You can usually buy a product called Diatomaceous Earth at lawn stores or pool supply stores to sprinkle around the house in the yard - you can even sprinkle it in your carpet and it will kill those nasty fleas! There are some awesome natural ideas here (including some with the DE - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/010305a.cfm -- and many other natural flea 'killer' approaches that can be used on the web. But for heavy infestations, I would recommend starting with the chemical products until your cat is finally free of fleas, then maintain with more natural approaches if possible.
Sometimes we live in areas where our neighbors are not as conscientious about their pets as we are and their pets will continue to infect ours so by keeping your yard protected and your cat (or dog) protected and indoors if necessary you can minimize the problem.
2007-08-13 12:41:27 · answer #1 · answered by luna6killer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The shaving is not needed, unless your kitty has some other health problem as well as fleas. A dip and an application of Frontline or a comparable product should do just fine.
If she is an inside kitty, you'll want to treat your house for fleas as well: It's a pretty sure thing that some have laid eggs. Sprinkle borax on the carpet and vacuum it up after about 20 minutes, and keep vacuuming every day for at least 2 weeks. And wash your cat's bedding- and your own- to drown the little rascals already there.
Good luck!
2007-08-13 12:27:56 · answer #2 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just use Advantage or Frontline. That will take care of the fleas on the cat within 12 hours. If they are in the house, treat for three months to take care of all the fleas that will hatch.
No shaving required!!
2007-08-13 12:08:21 · answer #3 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Buy a good quality flea shampoo that gets rid of fleas.
When you do it, it is best to use a tub or shower with a detachable sprayer. Wet her completely down, and shampoo her starting at the head working down. Start with her face and be careful of her eyes, nose and mouth. Leave it on her for about ten minutes and really work it in. Do not put her in a tub of water.
After ten minutes (from when you stopped working it in) rinse her from the head back. Then dry her and put her in her carrier. Then set her outside, bomb the house, and take a drive or go to a friends (preferably a flea free friends). Otherwise, she will get them again.
Buy a new flea collar. Treat her bedding, play areas, and anywhere she normally sleeps about once a month.
Repeat the shampooing after one week, just to be sure.
2007-08-13 12:16:23 · answer #4 · answered by Jenn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd agree with the Frontline part, but you shouldn't need to shave her. Just make sure when you put on the Frontline that you get the medicine down on the skin and not just fur.
2007-08-13 12:09:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a Maine Coon....bathed him with Dawn dish soap at the advise of the Vet and then used Frontline....you can also take him to the Vet and have them bathe him before you use the frontline. Mine is really good to bathe and I just do it rinse him, towel dry and then apply the Frontline as soon as he is totally dry. I don't let mine outside however, so if you do you may have to do it again.
2007-08-13 12:47:39 · answer #6 · answered by shar 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not. Frontline is sufficient. I've never heard of shaving any cat for fleas.
2007-08-13 12:07:56 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is completely NOT necessary to shave her. Just find some front line or advantage to apply to your cat and try to get something to use on the rest of the house to take care of fleas that are in your carpet and upholstery to get rid of all of them.
2007-08-13 12:08:19 · answer #8 · answered by Chiappone 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Okay if you tried everything you can and still can't get rid of the fleas then yes it is necessary but otherwise no. Good Luck
2007-08-13 12:56:15 · answer #9 · answered by Arturo O 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No way!!! That person doesn't know what he's talking about. Use Frontline or Advantage and make certain you get it on her skin, not on the fur. It has to soak into the skin to become effective.
2007-08-13 12:09:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋