How does a flea collar for cats work and how safe is it for kittens?

Hello! Last week I went to a pet store. The sister just asked the dog for food.

But I had to wait 15 minutes for my turn, if not more. It would seem that for so long a buyer can do in a pet store.

It's simple: it took so much time for the seller to outline in general terms to the client in front of me how the flea collar for cats works. And most importantly, the collar was not even purchased. So it goes. After that, I decided to share with you all the details about the functions of this collar.

Instructions and facts on how a flea collar for cats works

Recently, one can often observe a cat walking along the street in a anti-collar collar. This stylish accessory has a very specific function - protecting the animal from external parasites.

However, pet owners do not always have the correct idea of ​​how a flea collar for cats works. Awareness of this issue will help to avoid a lot of mistakes when using this remedy.

Operating principle

A flea collar for cats is one of the most popular forms of antiparasitic use. Soft rubberized material may be impregnated with a repellent or insecticide.

As a rule, after 2 - 3 months it needs to be replaced with a new one. Such a device is not a remedy for infection with fleas, but only prevents their attack on the animal.

If the collar is saturated with an insecticide (organophosphates, carbamate poisons), then the principle of its action is somewhat different. Accumulating in the skin of the animal, the insecticide not only repels the blood-sucking insects by the smell, but also kills them with an accidental bite.

A similar accessory can already be used not only to prevent the attack of fleas and ticks, but also as a remedy in the presence of parasites on the animal.

However, such a result is possible under such circumstances: individual intolerance to the animal of specific components of the drug or a combination of a collar soaked in an insecticide with strong drops.

Pros and cons

Antiparasitic collar, like any other insecticidal agent, has its positive and negative sides. The undoubted advantages of anti-flea protective equipment of this type include the following points:

1. It does not require hygiene procedures (washing, combing, etc.), as in the case of shampoos and sprays.
2. Universal collars scare away not only cat fleas, but also more dangerous parasites - ticks. It is these remedies that owners often resort to when they take their pets out of town, to the country, to nature.
3. Effective protection for a long time. How much to wear a flea collar for cats depends on the type of impregnation. Repellent polypropylene tapes protect the pet for 2 to 3 months. If insecticide impregnation was used, then the validity period can be up to 6 months.
4. The risk of overdose is reduced, since the collar is impregnated with a toxic substance in the factory at a dose not toxic to the animal.
5. A wide selection and affordable prices play an important role in choosing a means of antiparasitic protection.
6. A cat walking along the street in an accessory is not only protected from attack by parasites, but also does not look like a stray animal.

However, despite the obvious advantages and positive aspects, antiparasitic straps have several disadvantages:

For hyperactive animals, it is better not to use a collar, but to resort to other means of protection (for example, drops), since with active climbing trees, a cat can catch and get injured.

Choosing an antiparasitic collar as protection against the attack of cat fleas and ticks, you should weigh the pros and cons. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the physiological condition of the pet, its lifestyle, level of health. It should also take into account the potential risk of infection not only by cat fleas, but also by more dangerous parasites.

Possible negative consequences

Being one of the forms of application of an insecticide against fleas, an anti-flea accessory can cause the following troubles:

Allergy to a flea collar. This phenomenon is not uncommon when using an antiparasitic accessory. Allergy most often occurs when permethrin and tetrachlovinphos are used as an impregnation. The reaction can occur in the form of skin itching, sneezing, lacrimation.

In acute cases, convulsions, impaired coordination of movement, depression, loss of consciousness are possible. Symptoms of allergies usually occur 1 to 2 hours after application.

Poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning with insecticides included in the collar are similar to those with an allergic reaction. But with intoxication, the first signs appear 5-6 hours after the use of an accessory soaked with chemistry, and with allergies in the first hour.

It is impossible to answer unequivocally the question of whether the collar is harmful from fleas. Allergic manifestations, poisoning and chronic intoxication certainly negatively affect the health status of the pet. It is also recommended to periodically check the condition of the skin of the pet during the entire period of operation of the protective device.

Safety rules when donning and wearing

Many pet owners mistakenly believe that there are no special rules on how to put a collar on a cat to protect it from fleas.Nevertheless, for efficiency and safety, you should listen to the recommendations of manufacturers and veterinary specialists:

Use only products intended for this type of animal (do not use a product intended for dogs for cats).

The collar should be fixed on the pet so that it does not hang around the neck, but also does not squeeze too much. It should be remembered that in different poses the diameter of the neck of the pet is different. Manufacturers recommend making a gap of one centimeter between the strap and the body.

If the protective device is periodically removed, then it must be stored in a closed plastic bag. This will prevent a decrease in the preventive effect ahead of time.

Before you put on a flea collar for cats, the instructions should be carefully studied for combination with other insecticides. As a rule, it is strictly forbidden to use the collar in combination with other flea control agents.

This can lead to overdose and poisoning of the pet with insecticides. If the animal has been treated with shampoo, injections, tablets, sprays, it is possible to put on the collar only 3 to 5 days after the destruction of the parasites.

Choose the best options among the proposed

A wide selection of antiparasitic devices on the pet products market is represented by both foreign and domestic manufacturers:

Can I use a collar for a pregnant cat?. Despite the widespread advertising and popularity of the protective accessory, a veterinarian is often asked questions about its effect on the health of the animal, side effects, and the use in one or another physiological state. And some of the most popular ones are about wearing while waiting for offspring.

The insecticide used to impregnate the tape lasts a long time, which can cause severe poisoning in small kittens and lead to the death of offspring. For the treatment of a nursing cat from blood-sucking insects, there are specially developed preparations, for example, Front Line drops.

Is there a flea collar for sale to a pregnant cat? Almost all insecticidal tapes are not recommended for pregnant cats. Veterinary experts prefer to protect the animal in an interesting position collars based on essential oils.

They are less dangerous with regard to intoxication, but do not insure against allergic manifestations.The insecticidal tape “Bolfo” can be applied to pets in position, but only after prior consultation with a veterinarian who will evaluate the health status of the expectant mother.

In any case, you need to choose the products of well-known companies that are responsible for their pet products, buy protective equipment in proven veterinary pharmacies and not save on cheap Chinese fakes.

How does a flea collar work?

Those who have encountered the flea problem know how hard it is to get these bloodsuckers from the skin of an animal and from its entire habitat. Maybe the collar will be the very magic tool that will prevent fleas from even jumping onto our pets? How does a flea collar work?

Externally, the flea collar is a flexible plastic tape with a buckle. At first glance, it is hard to believe that this piece of plastic can protect a pet from the ubiquitous bloodsuckers. Many owners wonder how the flea collar works. Let's talk about everything in order.

The principle of the flea collar is simple. The plastic base contains a special active substance - an insecticide or essential oils.

Some flea collars act as repellents, others promise that fleas and ticks that have encroached on your pet will die within a few hours. But whatever the substance, the pet will be protected only with constant wear of the collar.

Bio Collars

Flea collars with essential oils are very popular. They are environmentally friendly, have no contraindications and are safe for both animals and humans. Such flea collars operate on the principle of repellent.

Essential oils stand out on the animal’s hair, spread naturally on the skin and scare fleas with their smell. For humans, this smell is quite pleasant.

A bio-collar will not be effective if the animal is already infected with fleas. Therefore, you need to wear it in advance or conduct a preliminary anti-flea treatment of the pet.

Insecticide Collars

Flea collars with insecticides work the same way as bio-collars, but the plastic tape contains quite serious poison. In the instructions for use with such collars, it is usually written that the tape needs to be stretched several times before use. When it becomes white coated, the collar begins to work.

Collars from fleas with organophosphates begin to act immediately after donning. They destroy fleas at all stages of their life cycle within 24 hours.

Subsequently, each flea that just jumps onto your pet will be poisoned and die. It sounds reliable, but this reliability has a downside.

It is strictly forbidden to bite such a collar for animals, they can be poisoned. So if you notice, for example, that the cat is trying to remove the anti-flea collar with his teeth, you must immediately remove the tape from the neck.

For safety reasons, only select certified collars of well-known brands. Read the instructions for the collar carefully and to the very end. Many of them are dangerous for children and adults.

Flea and tick collar for cats

The flea collar for cats is the easiest to use among all antiparasitic drugs. But this is not its most important advantage.Safety - this is what owners of four-legged furry dogs pay attention to first of all.

And, judging by the reviews of veterinarians, it is the collars that most meet the safety requirements for animals. Although not so simple ...

Principle of operation

There is no fundamental difference between flea collars for cats and anti-flea drops, sprays and shampoos. All of these items contain insecticidal poisons of plant or synthetic origin that destroy and repel harmful insects.

The exception is ultrasonic and radiating collars, but due to their high cost they are used extremely rarely.

Often, animals are allergic to one or another flea and tick collar for cats, so you need to be very careful and watch your pet for several days after wearing a protective accessory.

In the case of a strong reaction: the cat itches, the skin turns red, the hair begins to fall out - you need to immediately replace the anti-flea remedy.

How does a flea collar work? It is a rubber or plastic strap soaked with insecticides. Those insects that are nearby die, while others try to quickly leave the dangerous place, i.e. a cat. By the way, poisons also affect ticks, lice and lice eaters.

If the animal was seriously infected with fleas, then after putting on the accessory you can see how they scatter, and literally after an hour there will not be any adults on the cat. Hence the conclusion: it is better to put the collar on the pet outside the living room. Otherwise, small bloodsuckers will find refuge and bring a lot of trouble to the owners of the apartment.

But the eggs and larvae on the animal will remain. But they do not pose a danger, because the time of the insecticide is enough until the young insects hatch and also either die or leave.

Flea collars are versatile: they not only save cats from annoying insects, but also serve to prevent infection. Protected animals can freely walk on the street, and not a single flea will jump on them from other street cats.

And the collars clearly say that the cat is not a stray, and she has a master. And she will not be interested in brigades for trapping stray animals. Therefore, the collars have very good, one might even say enthusiastic, reviews.

The validity period of an accessory is usually 2 months, but there are manufacturers guaranteeing the effectiveness of the product up to 6-7 months. Instructions for use contain operating conditions and data on the period of use.

As already mentioned, anti-flea collars also protect against other blood-sucking insects, but to a lesser extent. For example, an active insecticide will protect against ixodid ticks for no more than a month.

Flea remedies are offered by companies from different countries, and here you need to be on your guard. American and German manufacturers produce products that meet Western standards, and violation of these standards is strictly prosecuted by law. Therefore, they are safer for animals and their owners.

It is not necessary to use several insecticidal preparations from ticks and fleas at the same time. A synergistic (jointly acting) effect can undermine cat health. The exception is some collars, the instructions for use which indicate that the animal must first be treated for fleas.

Insecticide-soaked items can cause an allergic reaction not only in pets, but also in their owners. Therefore, you need to choose a flea and tick collar for cats that does not harm either the animal or the person. And the choice is wide enough.

Popular brand collars

Inexperienced pet owners often ask: which collar is better? It is necessary to list the most effective and popular brands.

Hartz (USA). They are considered standards among anti-flea products. They are effective in combating blood-sucking insects and are resistant to getting wet. The range of such cat accessories is quite high, but Hartz does not have a flea collar for kittens. Age limit - from 3 months.

Beaphar (Netherlands). The safety of such a product for animals is confirmed by the use of a natural plant insecticide - margose extract. The Beaphar collar can also be used for a kitten from the age of 1.5 months. The company is a sales leader in terms of price and result.

Leopard (Russia). Almost not inferior to foreign analogues in terms of effectiveness and the absence of side effects, and the price is much lower. Ideal for a cat that rarely leaves home.

Dr. Zoo (Russia). In price and effectiveness it is similar to Barca. According to the instructions, 2 months will be valid. Judging by the reviews of the owners of four-legged friends, the flea collar Bars does not cause allergic reactions and is suitable for pets who like to walk outside.

I would like to warn animal lovers about the dangers of using Chinese collars. Their safety is in great doubt. Cheap doesn't mean good. You should take care of your pets.

Note: some cat owners have learned how to make flea repellent collars themselves. They moisten the flannel ribbon in a mixture of natural oils: lavender, eucalyptus and thyme. Then the fabric strip is slightly dried in the sun (without wringing) and put on the neck of the cat.

Does flea collar help cats

Recently, more and more often you can see a cat wearing a flea-collar collar. And he adorns the neck of the pet not for beauty, but performing a protective function against fleas.

Meanwhile, there are many risks that should be known to owners of animals who are interested in how a flea collar for cats works.

How the collar and types work

An antiparasitic collar is one of the most common protection methods. It is a tape of a certain length fastened on the neck of an animal. The principle of operation of a flea and tick collar for cats consists in certain properties of the active components that the strip is impregnated with.

The protection mechanism may be different:

The question of how much to wear a flea collar for cats cannot be answered unambiguously. Each species has its own shelf life (from 3 weeks to 7 months). Moreover, this applies only to fleas; for ticks, the duration of action does not exceed 1 month.

Pros and cons of using

Many cat people are interested in whether flea collars help cats, and whether they should be worn at all. It must be understood that in principle this attribute is no different from the means of a similar spectrum of action.

The advantages of antiparasitic collars include:

1. there is no need to carry out hygiene procedures (use sprays and shampoos, comb out);
2. the cat will not bring parasites from the street, but when using, for example, drops, there is no such guarantee;
3. scare away not only fleas, but also lice, lice, ticks, affecting their nerve nodes and reducing activity;
4. there are collars, the use of which is allowed for pregnant cats and kittens;
5. providing long-term protection;
6. wide assortment, affordable price;
7. the risk of overdose is reduced to a minimum;
8. an animal walking on the street is not only protected from fleas, but also does not look like a street child.

Speaking about the advantages of collars, one can not help but mention the disadvantages:

• some protective agents (repellent) are intended only for prophylaxis, for example, the Celandine flea collar, therefore it is necessary to treat the animal with an antiparasitic preparation before use;
• the validity period is less than the manufacturer indicates (this is due to operating conditions, weather conditions, for example, getting wet in the rain);
• for kittens up to 2 months of use is not recommended (with the exception of some types of grass collars);
• effective only against adult insects, practically do not act on larvae and eggs;
• drops or sprays are more suitable for hyperactive cats, as in the process of climbing trees the animal can catch its branches on the accessory and get injured.

Whether the collar is effective can be observed several days after its use. When choosing a means of protection against fleas for your pet, consider all factors: age, lifestyle, physiological condition, and health status.

If possible, it is better to consult a veterinarian who will tell you how a flea collar works.

Possible negative consequences

Is the collar harmful? It is impossible to say that cat collars are absolutely safe for animal health. An anti-flea accessory can cause an allergy in a pet, especially if permethrin or tetrachlovinphos, as well as a significant amount of the active substance, were used for protection.

No less common, though not universal, is poisoning, the symptoms of which are similar to allergies, but appear later - 5 hours after using the poison-soaked strip.

Such complications can be avoided if you take the purchase of a collar responsibly: select according to age, observe safety measures, do not violate operating rules, and do not use dog accessories for cats.

It is necessary to monitor the behavior of the animal.Sometimes a cat licks a collar, because it smells of him and it annoys her. And although all high-quality accessories are relatively safe, the inscription on the package stating that in case of poisoning you must contact your veterinarian is not in vain located on them.

For cats that are allergic or hypersensitive, bio-collars are recommended.

How to put a collar on a cat

First of all, you should carefully read the instructions. Check the collar expiration date. If you have irritation, inflammation in the hands from contact with the accessory, it is not recommended to put it on the cat.

The strap is removed from the package, stretched along its entire length so that the active component comes out. Then it is put on the animal and fixed in such a way that 2 fingers (1 cm) freely pass between the strip and the neck.

So the collar will not hang around the neck and will not cause the pet discomfort. Be careful with long-haired cats: wool can get into the clasp, which hurts.

If you need to remove the accessory, you should store it in a hermetically sealed bag or cling film - this will prevent a premature reduction in the preventive effect.

An expired accessory is replaced in a timely manner with a new one.

If the cat has been treated with an antiparasitic drug, after 5 days it is necessary to carry out deworming, and only after 3 weeks put on a collar. The simultaneous use of two protective equipment with the same spectrum of action is prohibited!

How to choose the right

Flea collars for cats are on the market in a huge assortment. When choosing owners of cats take into account factors such as value for money, safety, shelf life, effectiveness and ease of use.

Here are the most popular practice-tested collars:

How much does a flea collar cost? It depends on the manufacturer, but the average cost of an accessory rarely exceeds 200 rubles. Do not save on pet's health; purchase only certified products in a specialized store. Refuse cheap Chinese collars that can harm the cat.

How to choose the protection against parasite bites

Even domestic cats have a risk of catching fleas and ticks - walking near the house, family outings in nature, talking with other animals and other pleasures of life may actually be the reason why parasites appeared on your pet's hair.

The flea and tick collar for cats is a significantly inexpensive and easy to use product that can provide effective prevention against parasites.

Operating principle

The principle of operation of the antiparasitic collar is no different from drops, sprays and shampoos of a similar purpose, the process of scaring away fleas, gnats and ticks occurs with the help of insecticidal poisons, on the basis of which all the means against parasites are created.

The insecticide, which is saturated with the collar, exudes a special smell that repels fleas and ticks, and this “aroma” simply destroys the parasites that already live on the animal’s coat, creating an invisible protection shell.

The method is the most hygienic. Unlike drops and shampoos, the collar does not require certain water procedures and subsequent drying

Advantages and disadvantages

Of course, the flea and tick collar for cats has a lot of advantages:

The disadvantages of a flea and tick collar include the presence of an unpleasant odor, temporary discomfort in the animal, and possible hair loss in the neck.

Please note that the flea and tick collar should sit tight, but not cause discomfort in the animal

How to use

The instructions for using the product are extremely simple: you need to open the package, remove the collar from it and carefully put it on the neck of the animal.

Please note that the device should sit tight, but at the same time not cause discomfort in the cat.

If the instruction involves wearing the product for several hours or only in the daytime, the collar should be removed in a plastic bag in order to maintain its effective properties.

The shelf life of the collar is usually limited to 6 to 7 months; after this time, it is recommended to replace the product.

An important condition for the use of the product is the exclusion of other parasitic agents, since the excessive action of toxic substances can affect the health of the animal itself.

It is recommended to buy antiparasitic collars at specialized pet stores, give preference to trusted brands with a good reputation.

How to choose

The flea and tick collar for cats is an effective tool, but only if a quality product suitable for your animal is selected.

When choosing a product, be sure to pay attention to the following nuances:

1. The product must be tightly sealed in a foil bag, otherwise you will get spoiled goods that are not able to protect the cat from parasites.
2. The collar should be just for cats, that is, it will not work for dogs - they make special products for them. You should also take into account certain features - there are special products for kittens, for pregnant or lactating animals.
3. Be sure to check the expiration date of the product, stale goods can not only not save the cat from fleas, but also harm its health.
4. It is recommended to buy antiparasitic collars at specialized pet stores, giving preference to trusted brands with a good reputation.
5. The composition of the material should not include substances such as amitraz, permethrin, as well as organic phosphates.

Today, the market is replete with cheap analogues of quality products, this also applies to flea collars, you should not chase a favorable price, while saving on the quality of the goods. It is recommended to choose a domestic or European manufacturer, but goods made in China are best avoided.

There are special products for kittens, for pregnant or lactating cats

Manufacturers

Hartz Products. Hartz is considered to be the most effective and even a reference collar, it is this manufacturer that most owners of fluffy households are oriented to.

The cost of Hartz products starts from 100 rubles, the specific price depends on the specific model and on the outlet.

This manufacturer presents a very extensive range, which makes the choice even more convenient.

However, Hartz does not produce antiparasitic products for kittens that are less than three months old.

Be sure to check the expiration date of the product, stale goods can not only not save the cat from fleas, but also harm its health

Bolfo collars are water-resistant, their division depends on the weight of the animal, which is very convenient (the greater the weight of the animal, the higher the concentration of active substances for uniform distribution over the coat).

It should be noted that the activity of the collars of this manufacturer does not exceed four months, the activity of protection against ticks decreases after two to three months.

Also check the duration of the collar of your choice. As soon as the deadline has passed - it's time to change

Such a substance is completely safe for cats, which makes Beaphar products relevant for use for small kittens aged 1.5 months.

The effectiveness of a natural insecticide is not inferior in quality and effectiveness. Beaphar is the undoubted leader in the ratio of quality and price, the latter is only 60 - 70 rubles.

The products of this manufacturer have already been evaluated by hundreds and thousands of satisfied owners and no less satisfied pets. The flea and tick collar for cats is needed, first of all, for those purrs who periodically walk on the street and communicate with other animals

Bars products. Flea collars Bars - an effective domestic product, in no way inferior to its Western counterparts.

The price of products from this manufacturer does not exceed 50-60 rubles, but this does not affect the quality characteristics of the product.

Many owners note the high efficiency of Bars products, as well as the absence of side effects. The flea and tick collar for cats Bars is more suitable for pets, which only occasionally go out.

Dr. Zoo Products. Another domestic product, inexpensive and effective. However, attention should be paid to its duration, the collar remains active only for two months, based on this factor, the product cannot be called the most inexpensive on the market for such products.

But, despite this, you can safely use the Dr. Zoo collar from fleas and ticks for cats, the product will not do any harm to the cat.

Products from fleas for kittens

When choosing a flea collar for kittens, you need to take into account that their body resistance is still weak, so a device that suits adult cats should not be bought for small pets. The chemical content in the anti-flea remedy for adult cats is high, which can lead to intoxication (poisoning) of the kitten's body.

The flea collar is saturated with natural essential oils, the smell of which fleas are afraid of. Do not wait until the kitten has insects in the coat, as it is difficult for kittens to resist the invasion of fleas and blood-sucking ticks, leaving wounds all over the body.

The tool is recommended for prevention. Natural devices have a duration of up to 4 months. Biological agent, in addition to scaring away fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, improves the condition of the hair of a kitten.

From the age of 6 months, using natural devices becomes useless. For six-month-old kittens, special products with a low dose of a chemical are produced.

The product on the kitten should sit tight, but between it and the neck, leave a distance of 2 fingers. As the kitten grows, periodically check the density of the tape so that the animal does not die from suffocation.