Thanks for your question. Before assuming the product doesn’t work, there are some things to consider. When there’s an active flea infestation and Frontline is applied to stop it, it can take 24 hours initially for the product to disseminate through the skin. Flea shampoos kill fleas that are currently on your cat, but topical and oral flea control products are far more effective. Some flea shampoos are even harmful to cats since many contain pyrethrins. "Nowadays, flea shampoos are rarely if ever needed because the topical and oral flea products are much more effective and safer," Sawyer says. "For flea-infested animals, we typically give a fast-acting oral product such as nitenpyram [Capstar] and follow with a bath in Dawn dish detergent or another mild cat shampoo. You can use a flea comb to assist in removing dead fleas and flea dirt [flea feces]." Your pet is now treated:the treatment will naturally spread over their skin, however do not bathe your pet or let them swim for 2 days after application. Both Frontline products formulated for cats are spot-on topical treatments that offer waterproof protection for 30 days. Unlike some spot-on flea medications, Frontline for cats does not have different products designed for additional weights. Frontline Plus and Frontline Gold are designed for any cat over 1.5 pounds. They have the same two active ingredients, although Frontline Gold has a third one, pyriproxyfen. con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not labeled for use in kittens younger than 14 weeks or breeding, pregnant, or nursing cats

Minimum age and weight: Cats must be above a minimum age and weight to use flea medications. For this reason, there are fewer options for young kittens.

Side Effects of Frontline Plus for Cats

If you have any questions about application or safety for Frontline products or any topical product, make sure to get in touch with your veterinarian. Conclusion Water exposure, bathing or shampooing does not affect the efficacy of the product as long as it doesn’t occur more than once a week or within 2 days of application of the product.

IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. Get medical attention if irritation persists. Precautionary Statements Hazards To Humans. Caution. Ease of use: Look for products that are easy to use. When comparing two similar products, the easiest one to apply may be your best bet. For instance, we ranked products lower if a person must wear gloves to apply the treatment or if children and pets must be kept away from the treated animal for a specified time.FRONTLINE Plus® is a veterinary medicine with a robust safety profile. It can be applied to dogs from 8 weeks of age that weigh at least 2 kg. It can also be used in pregnant and lactating bitches. Compared to application of a spot-on, application of the spray would appear to be more complicated and take longer. Applying a spray product like this to a dog may be one thing, but getting a cat to sit still for and tolerate a full-body application like that is something else.

Comfortis is one of two oral flea control products available for cats; the other is Capstar Flea Control Tablets. Unlike Capstar, which kills fleas for only 24 hours, Comfortis protects cats against fleas for an entire month. However, Comfortis is not safe for kittens younger than 14 weeks old, while Capstar is safe for kittens as young as 4 weeks old.

What Does Frontline Plus Do for Cats?

A Frontline overdose in cats is extremely rare, but applying or ingesting too much product will likely produce many of the side effects listed above. Still, if you know that your cat has been exposed to more than the prescribed dose of fipronil and is experiencing side effects, you should take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible for evaluation. If for some reason you are unsure if the product was administered correctly or whether all of it was applied, it is usually safest to not apply an additional dose. Frontline GOLD is approved for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating queens, but should be used cautiously in an older cat, or a cat ailing from an acute or chronic illness. Make sure to discuss with your veterinarian if any medications your cat is on may interact with a Frontline product. The spray may also be more cost-effective, compared to the ampules. This does make it a favorite of shelters and rescues taking in stray cats with active infestations that they don’t want to risk spreading to other animals in their care. If you’re looking for a broader article on all Frontline products, see our article Frontline for Cats. About Frontline Plus for Cats

When used properly, side effects to Frontline products are uncommon. Frontline Plus for cats is only labeled for cats older than 8 weeks of age. Topical products like Frontline should never be ingested. Have the product container or label with you when calling a poison control center or doctor, or going for treatment.The collar is nongreasy, odor-free, lightweight, and adjustable for cats of all sizes. Your cat can wear it alongside their existing collar. If the flea collar catches on something, your cat can free itself thanks to a two-step safety system. Vet strength formula: highly efficacious formula with an exemplary safety profile, without the need for a veterinary prescription It is also always advisable if you have a pup and kitty who like to hang out together or groom each other, to separate them for 24 hours after applying a topical product to your dog, especially if the product contains permethrin.