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I have an elderly cat, 19-ish, tiny, 5-6 lbs. The flea collar we used to use stopped working. We got a Seresto, it nearly killed her, she stopped eating for a couple of days and got very lethargic. We removed it and she bounced back. I need a suggestion for flea control. We are afraid to use the kind you apply to the neck after Seresto… you can’t take the liquid back off like a collar.

I have an elderly cat, 19-ish, tiny, 5-6 lbs. The flea collar we used to use stopped working. We got a Seresto, it nearly killed her, she stopped eating for a couple of days and got very lethargic. We removed it and she bounced back. I need a suggestion for flea control. We are afraid to use the kind you apply to the neck after Seresto… you can’t take the liquid back off like a collar.

Updated On September 23rd, 2023

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 5 lbs

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

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lHello, thank you for using PetCoach. There are are oral flea pills available, however, you also cannot take back an oral pill once you give it...... A 19 year old cat may have an underlying kidney or liver problem (actually this is very likely) that is making her more sensitive to these medications. If she has not been to the vet recently she should be examined and have some blood testing run. If you continue to try things and her organs are not functioning properly you may really put her over the edge. Luckily she recovered after the Seresto Collar incident. I suggest you: 1. Treat the environment (ie: the house) as the fleas will be constantly hatching and continuing the problem. I strongly recommend Knockout Spray ES. This works better than any foggers or other home treatments and can be used on all carpeted and upholstered surfaces. ( https://www.chewy.com/virbac-knockout-es-area-treatment/dp/53855 ) 2. ALL animals in the house much be on some type of flea prevention as well or the fleas will continue to thrive. 3. If you have a yard, you need to treat that too as part of the environment even if she does not go outside. ( https://www.chewy.com/vets-best-outdoor-flea-tick-spray/dp/45163 ) 4. To treat her specifically, without using the traditional flea medications, you can use this waterless mousse - it is only a temporary fix though. No real lasting effects like the topical/oral treatments so depending on the severity of the infestation, you may have to use it every day or every couple days. Also depends on how she reacts to the product. Please read the directions fully before using as they recommend a spot trial first. ( https://www.amazon.com/Vets-Best-Waterless-Treatment-Plant-Based/dp/B084PZSR8J/ ) 5. Whatever you do, DO NOT use any Hartz or Adams products on her. They have a high rate of causing serious reactions and even death in dogs and cats (even young and healthy ones). Again, at her age, I strongly recommend she see a vet before you try anything else on her body. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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