At some point in your cat’s life, it may be faced with a larvae and flea problem which can cause problems for you if not treated immediately. One of the most common ways to treat fleas is to use a Frontline spray. This is a branded spray that is used widely by many cat owners, and actively kills adult fleas and prevents further infestation. While frontline has a separate product for both dogs and cats, the question arises as to can you use frontline for dogs on cats?
This article will help you decide whether frontline for dogs is okay to use on cats.
Difference between frontline for dogs and frontline for cats
Frontline for dogs has a higher percentage of methoprene and fipronil, which are insecticides used to kill small insects on your pet. Methoprene is 8.8% in total, and fipronil is 9.8% in total.
Frontline for cats contains 9.8% of fipronil and 11.8% of methoprene in total. It can be seen that the methoprene amount varies in both products, and this small variation makes a big difference in the intensity of the product.
Cats and dogs are different species, and combinations of ingredients are made to suit each species. The product is designed in a way to get rid of all fleas and infestations completely within 24-48 hours.
The most recent packaging of frontline for dogs packaging has ‘Do not use on cats’ written on it. So if one product intended for the other species is used, there is a great chance for side-effects to occur rather than benefits when used on cats.
Should you use frontline for dogs on cats?
Most experts do suggest avoiding giving frontline for dogs to cats, but there have been some exceptional cases.
Some vets suggest that using frontline for dogs on cats with proper monitored dosage, and only when in dire need has not caused any problems.
It also depends greatly on the size of your dog and cat. Your dog may probably be bigger, so you have to be careful with how much you give based on your cat’s size.
Many cat owners believe that they may have saved costs while purchasing frontline for dogs instead of cats, and it lasts a long while that frontline for cats.
But again, this is only advisable with a vet’s opinion, do not use it without proper knowledge on how to handle the product or you will harm your pet.
Dosage
Procedure
Use a small needle syringe and remove the needle from it. Then measure 0.5 milliliters for each cat based on its age and physique. You should choose the right pipette based on your cat’s bodyweight so the appropriate dose is used.
The unused product evaporates pretty quickly, so you have to be quick and careful while handling it.
A suggestion to save the remaining dose is to insert it in the syringe, cover it up, and then seal it in a ziplock bag for next time. Draw the air out so you don’t lose out on any product when you open the bag. This will allow you to use the same product for many doses and save money.
Keep in mind, a dosage of 0.5ml is the only ideal based on your cat breed and age. However, if too much is used, then it can cause poisoning and other problems that can be life-threatening to your feline friend.
Precautions
When using frontline for dogs on cats, you have to be mindful of precautions that could harm your cat.
Seizures
This happens when you use a very large amount of the frontline for dogs on your cat. If this happens with you, give your cat a thorough shower immediately, and clean off all the product. Your cat may physically look fine, but keep in mind that the effects of the excess dosage may show up later.
Cat owners who committed this mistake said that their cat’s body suddenly became lifeless and soon after that it started having violent seizures that caused its whole body to shake.
However, most cats do survive these seizures but it’s always better to be safe than sorry, right?
Age of your cat
Frontline for dogs should firsthand be avoided using on cats altogether, but if you’ve consulted your veterinarian about it first, then make sure your cat is of the appropriate age. It is to be avoided on kittens under 8 weeks old and keep it away from the cat’s eyes, mouth, nose, and other delicate areas.
If you accidentally use it on your younger kitten, then give it a proper bath and seek a vet’s help as younger kittens could have a much worse reaction to even a small dosage than adult cats.
Avoid mixing the two products
It can be tempting to mix the remaining dose of your cat’s product with your dog’s if you are facing a shortage, but do not do this! As mentioned above, the constituents of the products are different and are intended for that species only, so combining them can make a very strong formula that can cause severe problems in your pet cat.
Also, don’t apply frontline more than once a month on your cat. Your feline friend is more sensitive than pooches, and you do not want to harm their coat by excess product. The product keeps fleas, larvae, and eggs away for at least a month, but you’ll want to keep using it every month if you notice an infestation again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, can you use frontline for dogs on cats? The short answer is, no, it is not the first choice for your cat when the frontline for specific cats is available, and neither is it recommended.
But, in some cases, it can be used and is even effective in getting rid of fleas and ticks from your cat. If you consult a vet beforehand and use the right dosage of the product, then it can be just fine for your cat. It can even save money for you in the long run.
However, make sure your kitten is old enough and you use the product on a portion of its fur to test for any allergic reactions. This can help you figure out if the frontline for dogs is okay for your cat.
Lastly, if you happen to see even the smallest of allergies or adverse reactions after using the product, reach out to your vet because this could be immensely harmful to your cat if not looked into immediately.
A tick-free cat equals a stress-free home!
