Question about Advantage Flea Treatment

sparkie · May 30, 2011

Hi fellow cat lovers

Thor was having some issues yesterday where it seemed like his body would shake (like a shudder) and he was losing some fur. Our vet said he might be allergic to flea bites. I gave him a good brushing yesterday and wiped him down with a cool wet rag to see if I could find any flea eggs but all I saw was what looked like dried blood.

Just to be on the safe side, we gave both of the cats a dose of Advantage to get rid of the fleas. Every time this happens, Thor goes positively crazy. He cries, tries to get comfortable and sounds like he's just miserable for the whole day after we applied it. Is the flea treatment hurting him?

I've tried to look some things up on the web about it, but all I get are pet pharma junk links. Any help you could provide would be much appreciated!

ziggy'smom · May 30, 2011

The dried blood looking stuff is flea droppings. They eat blood and when they poop that's what comes out so I think it's safe to say that Thor has fleas. I never have been able to find any flea eggs in cats with fleas and the little suckers themselves are experts at hiding so you usually don't see them either. I just go by if I find any flea dirt.

A cat should not have the experience you are describing from Advantage and it really sounds to me like he is having some sort of allergic reaction. They really should have no noticable reaction. I wouldn't give it to him again and use another product instead like Frontline or Revolution which you need to get from the vet. If you have other pets it's super important that they are treated too as well as the house 'cause fleas can jump on Thor and bite him before they die and just one bite can cause him to have a bad allergic reaction. Cats with flea allergy has to be kept on monthly flea preventative during the whole flea season or all year depending on the situation. If you want to you can also give him a dose of Capstar along with the other flea medication to kill the fleas quicker since any flea bite makes him suffer so much.

I haven't experienced it myself but I have heard that due to the effects of the flea medication the fleas may go nuts and start biting before they die and of course if Thor is allergic that would cause him major discomfort. For that reason Capstar may be a good idea since it kills them off quicker. Just a thought.

feralvr · May 30, 2011

Hi

well, I can tell you that some cats do go "crazy" with that wet spot on the back of their heads for a few hours or even a day. It really has nothing to do with any bad reactions, just the feel of that wet area on them makes some cats upset until it dries. I have seen a few cats at the shelter do this after being treated with Frontline (that is what they use). Like they are trying to run from the spot-on treatment.

kittkatt · May 30, 2011

I would agree that Thor's having some kind of allegic reaction to the Advantage. Or as Ziggy's Mom pointed out, it could also be that the fleas are "freaking out" from the Advantage and are biting Thor vigorously. My Maverick had an allergy to flea bites, and would freak out himself if he got bit by fleas. I always had to make sure that he was flea-free.

The dried blood is indeed flea droppings. Whenever you see that, the cat does indeed have fleas.

I've always used Advantage myself for my cats, and never had an experience with any of my cats reacting quite severly that way -- although they do have a tendency to not like the stuff being put on the back of their necks. They'll usually give me dirty looks and hop around for an hour or so cuz they don't like it.

Could you contact your vet to see what can be done? I'm sure there's some kind of remedy to give Thor if he is having a reaction to the Advantage.

sparkie · May 31, 2011

Thanks guys! He seems to be feeling a lot better today. I have a feeling those fleas were making him miserable after we put the Advantage on him. I guess it makes them bite like crazy. Poor Thor...

The vet has already said that he probably has an allergy to fleas, but apart from getting him an allergy shot every now and then, what else can I do for him? I brush him regularly but it seems like all the flea dirt and poop accumulates at the back area right before his tail. He's mostly an inside cat, he does go out to an enclosed area in our back porch but other than that, I'm not sure where the fleas come from?

Willowy · May 31, 2011

Fleas just sort of happen. Even a cat that never ever goes outside can get fleas. All you really can do is to keep the fleas off him. Make sure you apply Advantage monthly (every 3 weeks if it seems like it doesn't last the whole month), vacuum often (just vacuuming kills most fleas that get sucked up, but you can put a flea collar in the bag for extra killing power), have the house treated if it seems like they're living in the carpets. I like to give a Capstar tablet before I apply Advantage, to kill all the current fleas and give the spot-on a head start.

Some of my cats HATE having a spot-on applied. I think it might sting a bit.

arlyn · May 31, 2011

Since no one else has brought this up, its also important to remember, if a cat has fleas, it most likely has worms as well as fleas transmit tapeworm.

AFAIK, Advantage does not treat tapeworm like some of the other topical flea meds do.

kittkatt · May 31, 2011

Originally Posted by Arlyn

Since no one else has brought this up, its also important to remember, if a cat has fleas, it most likely has worms as well as fleas transmit tapeworm.

AFAIK, Advantage does not treat tapeworm like some of the other topical flea meds do.

Check your cats rear end: if you see anything that looks like little grains of rice, it would indicate worms, too. I had forgotten to mention that also.

The flea dirt usually does accumulate mainly on the back by the base of the tail: why it's there mostly is anybody's guess.

You may also notice what looks like dried blood throughout your house if the flea infestation is bad enough: it will turn into wet blood if it gets wet.

Even if your cats never go outside, they can get fleas. You can track them in on your shoes - especially if you have strays/ferals that you tend to. My cats never go outside, but yet they occasionally get fleas. But I have strays that I take care of, which is probably where the fleas come from.

On a personal note, I rarely have to use the Advantage every month as is recommended. I just use it when needed. It seems to last longer than the month that is recommended it be applied. That may vary from cat to cat though - especially if your cats go outside. I would suggest just keeping an eye on your cats to determine if they have fleas. I personally don't like putting anything like that on my cats unless need be.

Another thing to be mindful of: make sure you actually get Advantage when you pick the stuff up - and NOT Advantix. My vet's office once made the mistake of giving me Advantix in stead of Advantage - which would have killed my cats if I would have used it. I thank the Lord every day that I had enough sense to double-check into it before using it. I never would have forgiven myself if I would have accidentally killed my cats - even though it would not have been thru no fault of my own. Just an FYI for future reference.

I'm glad Thor's doing better!

ziggy'smom · May 31, 2011

With cats that don't have a flea allergy it's okay to just use flea preventative once in a while and keep an eye on them but with a cat that has a flea allergy it's crucial to apply flea preventative monthly. They can not get fleas under any circumstances. If you have other pets they should be treated monthly too to make sure they don't get fleas and spread it to the allergic cat. Flea allergy can cause serious physical symptoms in your cat like vomiting and diarrhea, eye infections and respiratory problems. It's an overreaction of the immune system which can affect the whole body. Not to mention that it's horribly itchy and the skin can become sore from the itching. With an allergic cat you have to do everything you can to prevent it. Treating your home now since you know you've had fleas is also important.

When I get a new foster that came in with fleas I always treat for tapeworm. A cat can have tapeworm for a long time and show no symptoms but if they've had fleas chances are good that they have ingested one while grooming and if so they will have tapeworm. It takes a while before the tapeworm will start shedding parts of its body which is the little nasty white worm looking thingies you see. So just because you don't see any doesn't mean that the cat doesn't have tapeworm. Unfortunately it's very hard to detect tapeworm with a fecal test too so you're left with just doing the math to see if it's a possibility that kitty has tapeworm and treat it. I love using Profender for tapeworm since it can be hellish to get a pill into some cats.

To get rid of the flea dirt on the kitty you can use a comb dipped in water and comb through the fur along with using a wet wash cloth to wipe him off. If you want to be really mean you can take a pitcher with water, put kitty in the tub and pour it on him as quick as you can. Count on an angry kitty that will take off and get your whole house wet though but it is much quicker than wiping and combing

kittkatt · May 31, 2011

Originally Posted by Ziggy'smom

With cats that don't have a flea allergy it's okay to just use flea preventative once in a while and keep an eye on them but with a cat that has a flea allergy it's crucial to apply flea preventative monthly. They can not get fleas under any circumstances. If you have other pets they should be treated monthly too to make sure they don't get fleas and spread it to the allergic cat. Flea allergy can cause serious physical symptoms in your cat like vomiting and diarrhea, eye infections and respiratory problems. It's an overreaction of the immune system which can affect the whole body. Not to mention that it's horribly itchy and the skin can become sore from the itching. With an allergic cat you have to do everything you can to prevent it. Treating your home now since you know you've had fleas is also important.

I was referring to cats that don't have flea allergies - not to those that do. When my Maverick had flea allergies, I had to make sure that he was treated on a continuous basis to avoid an outbreak. I just don't personally think that it's necessary for a cat to be treated with any kind of medicine if it's not necessary. If they DO need it, that's another story.

As far as the worms are concerned, I'm not saying the cat shouldn't be treated for them if they're not visible. I was just trying to point out what to look for...

sparkie · Jun 1, 2011

Well, I do vacuum around once a week (Thor has long fur so it's a must around here!). I also vigorously rub a soaking wet rag over his back and tail -- he absolutely loves it! But I don't think that will get rid of the fleas... just the dirt. I'm really apprehensive about treating the place since I have asthma and I've heard those flea bombs are hard on your breathing.

I apply the advantage every 3 months or so (and yeah, I do make sure it's advantage and not advantix!) Thor will act like he has no problems at all, and then one day just out of the blue he acts like those fleas are agitating the heck out of him, even though I never see any in the brush (I try to brush him every day). My only guess is that they've hatched out overnight and are biting on him - and when we apply the Advantage, he's positively miserable all day from the biting

On the bright side though, I've never seen a happier kitty than Thor was today.

catbutler · Jun 6, 2011

You can get a fine-toothed flea comb and comb through your cat's fur, especially on the back, shoulders and base of the tail. That will catch the nasty little critters and if you are quick you can crush them between the backs of your fingernails. But to get rid of them you need to treat for them.

I have used the original formula Advantage on all my cats without any problems. However, this time I treated my two girl spays with Advantage II, and they both got nerve damage!

Fortunately, I noticed it with Koi, my long-haired calico because she slept with me, and I noticed her head tilt and eye jitter. I called the vet early the next morning, and he had me bathe her in Dawn liquid dishwashing detergent and bring her in to flush her system. That, and a lot of prayer, saved her. She is now back to normal, except now her coat is scruffy, like the horrible experience aged her.

Somemore, my little long-haired Manx, was not so lucky. Unfortunately, in the chaos of a 4 cat household, having to go out of town on business, and being extra busy, I didn't notice her vestibulary symptoms for two weeks, too late to bathe her. She's developed heart problems, she's constipated, her head/neck hurts, she goes around in circles, she won't drink water (I have to hand feed her a mixture of water & canned catfood), she slinks and hides, and she feels miserable! I've spent a small fortune on vets, with more to come, as I have to make an appointment with a vet. neurologist, who is 2 counties away. If her quality of life can't be improved I will have to have her put down! That makes me very sad, because she is a sweet little kitty, very pretty and feminine looking, with the most perfect little ears I've ever soon on a cat.

A vet tech friend told me she's seen a lot of these reactions to Advantage II. Have you, or do you know of anybody else whose cats have had bad reactions to Advantage II?

My too neutered boys go outside, so instead of Advantage II, I used Revolution on them. No problems. On a cat I used to have I used another product, Foremost, and he was allergic to it.

kittkatt · Jun 7, 2011

Originally Posted by catbutler

You can get a fine-toothed flea comb and comb through your cat's fur, especially on the back, shoulders and base of the tail. That will catch the nasty little critters and if you are quick you can crush them between the backs of your fingernails. But to get rid of them you need to treat for them.

I have used the original formula Advantage on all my cats without any problems. However, this time I treated my two girl spays with Advantage II, and they both got nerve damage!

Fortunately, I noticed it with Koi, my long-haired calico because she slept with me, and I noticed her head tilt and eye jitter. I called the vet early the next morning, and he had me bathe her in Dawn liquid dishwashing detergent and bring her in to flush her system. That, and a lot of prayer, saved her. She is now back to normal, except now her coat is scruffy, like the horrible experience aged her.

Somemore, my little long-haired Manx, was not so lucky. Unfortunately, in the chaos of a 4 cat household, having to go out of town on business, and being extra busy, I didn't notice her vestibulary symptoms for two weeks, too late to bathe her. She's developed heart problems, she's constipated, her head/neck hurts, she goes around in circles, she won't drink water (I have to hand feed her a mixture of water & canned catfood), she slinks and hides, and she feels miserable! I've spent a small fortune on vets, with more to come, as I have to make an appointment with a vet. neurologist, who is 2 counties away. If her quality of life can't be improved I will have to have her put down! That makes me very sad, because she is a sweet little kitty, very pretty and feminine looking, with the most perfect little ears I've ever soon on a cat.

A vet tech friend told me she's seen a lot of these reactions to Advantage II. Have you, or do you know of anybody else whose cats have had bad reactions to Advantage II?

My too neutered boys go outside, so instead of Advantage II, I used Revolution on them. No problems. On a cat I used to have I used another product, Foremost, and he was allergic to it.

OMG!

I am so sorry that your cats had such a severe reaction to the Advantage II!

I'm glad you posted this, cuz I was about to pick up some Advantage for my own cats: I don't think I will now, now that I've read this.

I wonder what could have happened to the new Advantage formula to make your cats have such a severe reaction. I've been using that stuff forever. I don't think I will now anymore, after reading this.

I wonder if maybe you got a bad batch or something..

If it were me, I'd be finding out more about the Advantage II to see if anyone else has encountered any problems. I'm not the suing type, but I think I'd seriously be considering suing the company if any of my cats were seriously hurt by using the stuff. I think the company had better do some investigating into what's going on with the Advantage II, and take it off the market.

I sure hope your cats will be okay!

yosemite · Jun 8, 2011

Catbutler, where did you get the Advantage? Did you get it from a vet?

sparkie · Oct 23, 2011

I'm posting in this thread again because I've just given Thor the Advantage II (the previous one was just plain Advantage) to see if it might not make him react so bad. I've heard some people mention Capster... what is it?

Also I got Thor a Furminator comb. Not only does it get out heaps of hair, but occassionally I'll catch a flea or two. And he loooooves it.

I'm still completely baffled as to how to completely get rid of these suckers apart from a flea bomb. Is there anything you can spray or put on the carpet?

minka · Oct 24, 2011

Have you given him any flea baths? I believe Advantage is more preventative than 'get-rid-tative' if you get what I mean.

kelly monroe · Sep 8, 2012

I just used advantage II on my cat and she started meowing and grooming her ears over and over and they are now red so i bathed her with dawn dishsoap she also has tremors and is shaking her head and flicking her ears I hope its over soon for her but my other cats are fine not thinking I will be using the advantage II anymore might try the first one or a different product but ill let my vet tell me which to use this time im hoping my other cats do not start to have a reaction like the other

catwoman707 · Sep 8, 2012

I LOVE the newer Advantage 11!!

It's exactly the same but now has an additional med that kills eggs and larvae as well, which is wonderful because the original only killed the adults.

I use this on all of my rescue cats and kittens, and have seen very flea infested cats or kittens act funny and agitated while the fleas are going berserk.

To get rid of fleas completely I would give the Advantage every 2 weeks for as long as 3 months. This is safe, it can actually be given as often as every 10 days.

Then give every 3 weeks to a cat with a flea allergy. He will be MUCH happier!

The ONLY reaction I have ever seen, and this is treating cats and kttens as young as 3 weeks old (just a drop) for many years of rescue, over 2,000, is occasionally a cat will squint the first few hours, and I had only 1 who it made salivate due to the smell. I swear by it.

jeileen · Sep 8, 2012

Sparkie said:
I'm posting in this thread again because I've just given Thor the Advantage II (the previous one was just plain Advantage) to see if it might not make him react so bad. I've heard some people mention Capster... what is it?

Also I got Thor a Furminator comb. Not only does it get out heaps of hair, but occassionally I'll catch a flea or two. And he loooooves it.

I'm still completely baffled as to how to completely get rid of these suckers apart from a flea bomb. Is there anything you can spray or put on the carpet?

I have used borox on carpets. leave on carpet or floor for 3 days and then sweep up. Re apply if you still have a problem.

dennissleep · Oct 12, 2012

I applied advantage to my cat for the first time and he is going crazy. He is shaking and having a bad reaction to the medicine. He can't walk and keeps falling down. I called the VET and he advised me to wash it off and to watch him closely. It has been four hours and no improvement. Before I had used frontline and had no problem. I am going though hell along with the cat.

Question about Advantage Flea Treatment

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