Protecting cats from ticks: A review of popular products

Cats, in our opinion, are the most domesticated of all pets, so we believe the risk of tick bites should be minimal. However, pets are highly likely to pick up parasites (especially during summertime at the dacha). And if your cat wanders freely, protection from bloodsuckers is essential. Veterinary pharmacies offer a wide range of specialized therapeutic and preventative medications. Every owner can choose the medication that's right for their pet.

What's important to know about tick repellents for cats?

Tick ​​repellents offer a comprehensive approach. These products also protect pets from fleas and lice. Some even help repel mosquitoes. Antiparasitic products can be divided into three categories:

1. Products designed to kill ticks once they've appeared on an animal's body include shampoos and sprays.
2. Preventative measures, that is, those that prevent the parasite from attacking your pet, include drops and collars.
3. Products for removing ticks from beds, houses, rugs, and other places where cats stay in apartments and houses. These include sprays and aerosols.

If you look closely at the fine print on the labels of veterinary products of different brands, you will notice that each group of products uses its own active ingredients. Here is a list of the most popular substances:

• Diazinon is the most common component. It acts on parasites through the animal's sebaceous glands and does not penetrate the bloodstream.
• Tetrachlorvinphos has a non-systemic effect. It is active in the pet's subcutaneous fat and does not penetrate the bloodstream. It is used in veterinary products in solid form. Therefore, by being released gradually and slowly, it provides long-lasting protection to the pet.
• Margosa and pyrethrum extracts are natural poisons. They are produced by plants in their natural environments for self-defense. They are used in various brands' organic antiparasitic product lines.
• Permethrin is a synthetic substance, a chemical analogue of natural poisons. It paralyzes parasites, ultimately killing them. The substance is harmless to dogs, even if they accidentally taste it. However, permethrin is toxic to cats.
• Dimethicone is a type of silicone oil. It forms a film on the animal's body that acts as a sticky trap, and is effective against ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, lice, and other ectoparasites.

Antiparasitic shampoos

Using a special shampoo is the first step in protecting cats from parasites. They are typically used as a first aid treatment when tick infestations are obvious. Well-known brands produce these products with different active ingredients, which determine their effectiveness. It's important to remember that shampoos only target existing ticks. To prevent re-infection, another remedy will be needed. Although some manufacturers try to enrich their shampoos with a "repellent component," most often this is done using repellents based on natural substances, the effectiveness of which is not very high.

The method of using the product is trivially simple:

1. Lather the required amount of shampoo.
2. Apply with massage movements to the pet’s damp, pre-moistened fur, rub into the skin.
3. Keep the product on for about 5 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with water.

The dosage is determined by the instructions and largely depends on the weight of the animal.

IMMO Shield Shampoo from Beaphar

IMMO Shield Shampoo is based on dimethicone. It works by immobilizing the parasites. The shampoo forms a film that coats the ticks' limbs, making their joints difficult to use. This "sticky trap" also effectively combats fleas, lice, and other parasites.

IMMO Shield Shampoo with dimethicone is a "sticky trap" for parasites.

The product also contains aloe vera, which has a soothing effect on the cat's skin in case of scratching and irritation.

The product isn't cheap. A 200 ml bottle will cost 500-700 rubles, but it's worth noting that the shampoo is economical to use. Here's how to use it:

1. Wet your pet's fur with warm water.
2. Distribute the shampoo over the body surface (dosage: for cats weighing up to 5 kg - 1.5 caps, 5-10 kg - 3 caps).
3. Rub it in for two minutes, avoiding contact with the animal's eyes.
4. After five minutes, rinse out the shampoo and dry the coat.

The product is effective from the first application. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated after a week.

Insecticide Ms.Kiss

Ms.Kiss insecticide has a more aggressive action. It contains permethrin (0.5%) and conditioning agents. The shampoo quickly neutralizes ticks thanks to the paralyzing action of the active ingredient.

How to use the product:

1. Apply the shampoo to the animal's thoroughly dampened coat according to the recommended dosage. Keep in mind that 0.5–1 ml of shampoo is appropriate for an animal weighing 4 kg. A single press of the dispenser delivers 2 ml of product.
2. The liquid is distributed evenly and rubbed in until abundant foam forms.
3. Leave for 5–7 minutes.
4. Rinse with plenty of warm water.

According to the instructions, the shampoo can be used on kittens over 4 weeks old. It is recommended to repeat the treatment 10 days after the first use. A 200 ml bottle costs from 170 rubles. For ease of use, the bottle includes a dispenser.

Ms.Kiss shampoo paralyzes parasites

According to some reports, permethrin may be toxic to cats. Therefore, the shampoo should be used with caution. It should not be used on weakened, pregnant, or nursing animals.

SENTRY Natural Defense

The most natural of all tick shampoos is SENTRY Natural Defense. In fact, all of this company's products contain only natural ingredients.

The drug works by blocking octopamine, a type of nerve impulse transmitter found in body parasites. By disrupting its function, the drug deprives the tick of the ability to move and regulate its heart rate, which leads to the death of the “bloodsucker”.

SENTRY Natural Defense Shampoo contains only natural ingredients

You might ask, what natural substances can produce such an effective effect? ​​It's simply peppermint, cinnamon, lemongrass, clove, and thyme oils, all of which are well known to us.

Directions for use:

1. Wet the animal's fur thoroughly with warm water.
2. Apply the shampoo to your cat's body, starting at the head and moving toward the back using massaging motions. Rub the product in, distributing it evenly throughout the pet's fur.
3. Make sure the foam penetrates all the way to the skin.
4. Leave the shampoo on the cat's body for 5 minutes, then rinse completely.
5. Dry the animal.

The price of the product ranges from 500 to 600 rubles for a 350 ml bottle.

Natural shampoo VETO pure

Beaphar's bio-product can be used to treat both cats and dogs. The shampoo's action is based on natural ingredients: neem, pyrethrum, and lavender extracts. These substances kill parasites on your pet's body.

VETO pure universal shampoo is suitable for both cats and dogs.

Directions for use:

1. Wet the animal's fur with warm water.
2. Apply a small amount of shampoo and gently massage into your pet's skin until it lathers. Since the ingredients are natural, overdosing is not a risk.
3. Leave the product on for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly.

The shampoo is suitable for frequent use. Thanks to the lavender extract, it can also be used as a tick repellent. However, the effect is short-lived and does not replace other tick protection.

The price of a bottle of shampoo usually reaches 500–700 rubles.

Tick ​​sprays

Insecticide sprays contain the same ingredients as shampoos, so they have the same effect on parasites. The difference lies in the method of treatment. It's important to distinguish between aerosols, which are applied to the pet's fur, and those used for indoor treatments (although some manufacturers offer a "2-in-1" option).

When treating a cat, it is necessary to put a special collar on it to prevent the animal from licking the skin soaked in insecticide.

Spraying occurs at a distance of 10 cm, against the grain - in the direction from the tail to the head. Spray-based products do not require rinsing; simply wait until the substance dries completely.

Do not wash your pet for 48 hours after treatment.

Frontline universal product from Merial

Frontline is effective against Iskod ticks. It contains fipronil. This substance disrupts the bloodsuckers' nerve impulses (blocks their transmission). As a result, the ectoprasites are paralyzed and die. Your pet is protected immediately after application and lasts for about a month.

Directions for use and dosage:

1. Before treatment, shake the bottle thoroughly and, pressing the spray head, spray the aerosol against the hair growth on the animal’s body from a distance of 10–20 cm.
2. The product should be held vertically, spraying the pet's body (including the stomach, neck and limbs) so that it evenly and generously moistens the skin and hair.
3. It is recommended to rub the spray lightly to speed up its penetration into the skin (it is worth using rubber gloves).
4. It is advisable to apply the product using a damp piece of cloth to prevent it from coming into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes and the area around them.
5. When treating long-haired animals, lift the fur with your hand, directing the aerosol spray against its growth.
6. The dose of the drug is 3-6 ml per 1 kg of the pet’s weight.
7. One press of the head of the 100 ml bottle sprays 0.5 ml of the substance.

Table: Correspondence between the number of sprays and the cat's weight and coat length

Frontline spray can be used on both cats and dogs. Its formulation allows for individualized dosage, which is essential when treating small breeds. It is important to note that, unlike many shampoos, the spray is suitable for pregnant and nursing animals, as well as kittens (from two days of age).

The drug isn't cheap. It's available in 250 ml (approximately 1,500 rubles) and 100 ml (approximately 900 rubles) bottles.

Note: Buyers report the spray's high effectiveness, but warn that they often encounter counterfeits. Therefore, when ordering online, carefully select the supplier. Better yet, purchase the product from a veterinary pharmacy.

Medicines from Beaphar

The composition of products from Beaphar is the same as that of shampoos from this manufacturer.

There are two drugs:

• IMMO Shield Spray based on dimethicone and aloe vera extract;
• Spot On Spray, the active ingredients of which are neem and lavender oils.

Directions for use:

1. Shake the contents of the bottle.
2. Treat the animal from a distance of 10 cm from the tail to the head, directing the stream against the fur and avoiding the spray getting into the eyes.
3. After treatment, let your pet dry naturally and comb it.

The effects of the medication last up to four weeks. The price of the spray ranges from 700 to 800 rubles.

Photo Gallery: The Most Effective Sprays

Drops against parasites

Topical drops are the most common antiparasitic treatment option. Using a special pipette, the product is applied to the pet's withers. The chemical components are deposited in the fatty layer of the skin. Gradually, active substances are released that kill parasites.

Drops are medicinal emulsions that may contain various components depending on the manufacturer:

• permethrin (Celandine, Bars);
• extracts of margosa and pyrethrum (Beaphar);
• dimethicone (Beaphar);
• fipronil (Frontline, Barrier);
• metropene, which acts on the parasite at the hormonal level, causing mutations in the development of insects (Hartz);
• Imidacloprid, which is a mild insecticide, is less toxic, non-mutagenic and hypoallergenic (Advantage);

IMMO Shield Line-on from Beaphar

The product from Beaphar contains several active ingredients:

• dimethicone;
• aloe vera extract;
• eucalyptus oil;
• pine oil;
• peppermint oil.

Dimethicone forms a film that envelops the ticks. The parasites die within 24 hours.

IMMO Shield Line-on drops for cats are effective against fleas, lice and mosquitoes.

The package contains three pipettes. One pipette provides protection for one month.

Applying the drops is very simple. Simply break off the tip of the dropper and apply the drops to the skin of your back (the skin should be unbroken).

The price per package ranges from 900 to 1000 rubles.

Broadline Spot-On Complex from Merial

Broadline Spot-On is effective against 22 types of parasites, including both external parasites (ticks and fleas) and internal parasites (helminths). The product can be used from the seventh week of life.

Broadline Spot-On packaging contains a convenient dispenser

The drug contains four components at once:

• fipronil;
• methoprene;
• eprinomectin;
• praziquantel.

It comes in convenient packaging with a dosing syringe, which has a number of advantages:

• Convenience. This device is a completely new tool that makes product application easier.
• Precise dosing. Just one press of the plunger delivers the correct dose to protect your cat for a month.
• Clean hands. There is no contact with the animal's skin, as the product does not leak from the applicator.

Tick ​​collars

Special collars can help prevent tick attacks on cats. This protection lasts for up to six months. The collar's material is impregnated with active ingredients. These evaporate, acting on the parasites (either repelling or killing them).

Manufacturers use various "impregnation" compositions. The most common substances are diazinon and tetrachlorvinphos. Biocollars contain natural repellents.

Most veterinary brands offer antiparasitic collars that provide comprehensive protection against fleas, ticks, and lice. Effectiveness is achieved through continuous wear.

For example, the Beaphar company produces three lines of collars:

1. Flea & Tick Collar for Cat, 35 cm. Active ingredient: diazinon. Interestingly, you can choose the collar color. Almost the entire rainbow is available (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple).
2. SOS Flea & Tick Collar for cats against fleas and ticks, 35 cm. Active ingredient: tetrachlorvinphos.
3. VETO Shield Bio Band 35 cm ectoparasite collars for cats and kittens. Active ingredients: lavender oil, neem extract.

Wearing a protective accessory is a simple and safe method. The collar can even be left on while bathing your pet. Just make sure it doesn't cause discomfort, such as pulling or rubbing the neck. Biocollars can be used from one month of age.

A few words about folk remedies

You can make repellents at home using natural ingredients. The main ingredients are essential oils with strong odors:

• eucalyptus;
• geranium;
• lavender;
• mint;
• rosemary;
• thyme;
• basil.

These concentrates are added to cat cleaning products (shampoos and soaps). To make a homemade spray, you need auxiliary ingredients. These include water and alcohol, without which the oil won't dissolve easily.

The smell of tar also repels parasites. Therefore, tar-based cleaning products can be used for prevention.

Wash your cat with tar shampoo to prevent tick attacks.

A regular fabric collar with a few drops of essential oil applied to it will also have a protective effect.

It's safe to say that folk remedies are only suitable for preventative purposes. And even then, it's difficult to calculate the right amount of active ingredient to achieve the desired effect. For treatment, professional treatments are required.

What's important to know when choosing a tick treatment for your cat?

First, it's important to clearly understand the intended purpose of the medication—prevention or treatment. If the latter is the case, the scale of the problem should be determined and the cat's condition assessed using the following parameters:

• age;
• health;
• allergic reactions to previously used medications;
• special physiological conditions (pregnancy, lactation period).

Note: Even lifestyle can play a role when choosing a product. If your cat is a frequent show participant, using drops is not recommended, especially if the pet has a light-colored coat. This is because the product can ruin the shine and give the pet's coat a dirty yellow tint.

Before purchasing, consult a veterinarian. If this is not possible for any reason, carefully read the instructions.

When purchasing a product for a weakened pet, a pregnant or nursing cat, it is better to choose products with natural active ingredients. Many manufacturing companies produce a separate series of bio-based antiparasitic products.

Table: characteristics of products based on natural substances

Table: Top 10 tick repellents for cats, according to review sites

Photo Gallery: The Best Antiparasitic Medications

Video: Comprehensive protection for your pet against ticks

User reviews of effective parasite control products

Frontline, a new generation ectoparasite treatment, contains a new formula: fipronil. The product itself is good, but it's often counterfeited, so you're not guaranteed to get the original. It works well against ectoparasites. Importantly, it can be used on puppies and kittens as young as 2-3 days old. Bathing and prolonged sun exposure do not reduce the effectiveness of Frontline spray. However, it's best to treat your pet twice a month for greater effectiveness against ticks.

Beaphar IMMO Shield Spray is an affordable and convenient antiparasitic spray for cats. Advantages: it can be used on both animals and the room, is less expensive than drops, and is cost-effective. The packaging is convenient, includes a convenient sprayer, and the spray itself has a pleasant scent.

The Broadline drops themselves are somewhat oily when you squeeze them out of the syringe. So they don't absorb into the fur immediately. Plus, a cat doesn't sit and wait for something to be slathered on, or even worry about it being a liquid. So it's difficult to squeeze everything out so it's absorbed properly without smearing all over the cat's back or spilling anywhere. It's not as easy as it first seemed. As a result, the product ended up on the cat's fur and in places where it was already within reach. Therefore, if you use these drops, it's best to work with two people. One person holds the cat while the other carefully applies the drops. I can't say anything negative about the effectiveness. I haven't noticed any worms in my cat's stool anyway, and I haven't seen any ticks or fleas. So, the product is effective.

Beaphar Bio Band Cat Collar – A great collar: attractive, practical, and comfortable. No fleas, no ticks – it repels everything. It's a bit disappointing that some people think this collar will remove fleas from your pet. No, it repels them. Treat parasites with medication, not preventative collars.

There's a wide range of tick treatments available. Each individual case requires a specific antiparasitic agent. It's always best to approach the problem holistically and remember to consider preventative measures. If your pet does become infested, appropriate treatment is necessary, tailored to the animal's condition and physical characteristics.