Walking your cats, and fleas?

Both my kittens are indoor cats but walk outside on leashes. My question is simple. How worried about fleas do I have to be?

The usually walk on the sidewalk, front lawns of neighbors. But occasionally we go to the park and probably will more often now that it's nicer out!

Should I be worried

(Both are neutered and have claws)

I would be at least concerned about fleas and other parasites. Ask the vet about starting the cats on a monthly flea and parasite preventative to be on the safe side.

I would definitely put them on a preventative flea/parasite regimen. My poor cats' paws never touched grass or dirt, but when we moved into our new home, they both got a serious case of fleas. They were miserable - and I was really angry. So, they can get fleas anywhere. Why risk it - especially when fleas bring along a whole host of other problems.

Best regards.

Are any of these flea prevention things from the vet harmful in any way? Just curious. And also what kind of cost are we talking?

Here's Winston at the park yesterday!

Great shots of Winston! He looks very happy and curious out in the park.

We take our cats on walks too, and our vet recommended we use Advantage. He said we don't have to use it every month, just from Spring when the fleas wake up, to Fall when they're more likely to migrate inside. I can't remember exactly how much it cost, but I think it was something like $150 a year for both? It'll be cheaper in the US!

Awesome! Thanks pushylady!!!

And yeah they love it outside. Chasing bees and flies all day. Just have to watch for dogs off the leash! Always have to be aware

OliverWinston said:

Are any of these flea prevention things from the vet harmful in any way? Just curious. And also what kind of cost are we talking?

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All medicines have potential side effects. Talk to your vet about these. My Aby has an allergic reaction to Revolution (bald spots) so he takes a different preventative.

There are a few different brands the vet can prescribe. I buy Revolution for my other cat and 6 boxes (3 doses in each box) is about $200 from the vet hospital's own in-house pharmacy. 4 boxes of Heartgard for my Aby is around $100 or so, also from the vet hospital pharmacy.

Revolution is for fleas, heartworm, ear mites, and intestinal worms. Heartgard is for heartworm and hookworms.

There's also Frontline flea and tick preventative and Progam flea preventative and treatment.

The vet will determine which product is best for your cat. You can buy the initial box from the vet or ask for a prescription so you can buy online for less.

Avoid OTC flea and parasite preventatives sold at pet stores, discount stores, big box stores, etc. These often do not work well, if at all, and some brands are even harmful to cats.

Beautiful thanks so much for all the info and quick responses! Sorry if these questions are common or annoying. I'd just like to have straightforward info and an idea before calling the vet