What is the best OTC flea medicine for my cats? Or do I have to go to the vet?

Answer 1

Some over the counter flea meds can make cats very sick, Hartz products have a reputation for this. I always used advantage, you can get it at your vets and it's not very expensive.

Answer 2

I've had cats all my life, and I live in the country. I've found it's cheaper in the long run and better for my cats to leave the OTC stuff alone and use Frontline. It works for fleas and ticks. If you have no ticks, Advantage will work. They're about the same price. Revolution is good, but it's more expensive.

My vet sells me two doses at a time (I have 2 cats). That makes sure I get non-expired meds and don't have to buy more than I need. The others are right on this point.

Answer 3

I've always stayed away from the OTC stuff for fleas and have gone to the vet's office instead to get Advantage for my cats. Plus I like going to the vet because you can talk to him/her if you have questions and the vet can tell you exactly how much medicine to give, based on the size of the cat.

Answer 4

There is no good OTC flea medication, unfortunately. The products carried at the vet's office are proven to work and are safe. Frontline Plus is a common one that works great! You might also find Advantage at the vet's office as well.

Stick with purchasing these from your vet as they are guaranteed and are safe for the pet. OTC products have been proven to be unsafe and have caused irreversible damage and sometimes death in some cats.

Answer 5

The only reliable ones are Advantage, Frontline and Revolution. You have to check WHICH type you get for each because the doses are sized for certain weight in animals.

However those packs have 4 treatments in them and a short shelf life, and you can't use expired medications because they turn poisonous. Also, the OTC can possibly be illegal knockoffs and dangerous because stores order from warehouses.

Vets order from the manufacturer and get the real stuff. They ALSO can sell you only one dose, which should be between $8 and $10, so it's not only cheaper going to the vet for one, you don't have to worry about getting a pretend version.

Answer 6

OTC medicines are alot harsher on the cat's skin and general health.
Buying from the vet costs more but my cat is happier and has a healthier coat for it.
I use Revolution but I understand others such as Advantage are also good.

Answer 7

Well, the BEST thing to do is get flea medication approved by veterinarians: Frontline, Advantage, or Revolution. Make sure that the product is for CATS only (medical comlications may occur if you use a dog product on a cat). You can visit your pet's veterinarian or you can get these products from 1-800-PETMEDS (they deliver to your home)
(http://www.1800petmeds.com/Flea+and+Tick-cat10.html)

Over-the-counter medications have been proven to not be nearly as effective as the products mentioned above.

Answer 8

Frontline Plus and Feline Advantix. You can now buy them at most petstores, you don't need a prescription. You can also order online from places like:
www.petedge.com
www.ryanspet.com
www.drsfostersmith.com