Flea & Tick treatment for ferals

keeneland

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Does most try to treat outdoor feral's for flea & tick control that have been through TNR? This is just a general question and with the understanding after talking with a vet that the climate may play a big part in if treatment is needed.

The vet I spoke to said they was actually more flea problems in our area on indoor cats rather than outdoor cats due to cold weather. I have checked on Revolution which last's 3 months but at $49 a treatment this is not a do able proposition for a colony. In our area we seem to have more ticks than fleas and the cats are even getting them in cold weather. Does anyone care to list some cheaper options for flea and tick treatment & please keep in mind some of the cats I am talking about would have to be trapped to apply an application.

Thanks for any tips!
 
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ondine

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I used Revolution on my outside guys, although it wasn't always possible to apply.

I also used food grade Diotomaceous Earth.  It is actually microscopic seashells that shred the tapeworms, which have a relationship with fleas.  I believe it also works with ticks, although I do not know how.

I used a tiny pinch in their wet food every couple of weeks and would mix it in with the straw in their shelters.

Careful with it - it is very light - has a flour-like texture and is easily breathed in, which you do not want.  Also make sure you get food grade.  They use it in pool filters but that stuff is full of chemicals.  It is available on Amazon.

My vet often has specials on Revolution - buy two get on free, etc.  I stock up when it is sale like that.  It is pricey but well worth it.
 

shadowsrescue

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I use Program that I can mix into their food.  Only one of my ferals will allow me to use Revolution or Frontline.  So mixing in the food is the way to go.  I order from Bestflea.com  In order to find this product, you need to create an account.  I have used their products for a few years now and have been very happy.  
 
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keeneland

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Thanks to all for the helpful advice! Really like the idea of something I can mix into the food & not have to handle the cats. Now to try! By the way Program is available on Amazon as is the  Diotomaceous Earth.
 

raaschmm

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Please help. I calked my vet cause my cat has fleas. I have applied frontline plus over a week ago. I am sti picking dead and alive fleas off of her. I have bombed the house, used borax, vacuum every day. She is quarantined in downstairs laundryroom. There are boxes in there and insulation up on the ceiling. Is there a possible way that they r living in there? I cled an exterminator that is coming next week. Anywho, why r there still live fleas on her? And i see more flea dirt today. Please help!
 

ondine

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Please help. I calked my vet cause my cat has fleas. I have applied frontline plus over a week ago. I am sti picking dead and alive fleas off of her. I have bombed the house, used borax, vacuum every day. She is quarantined in downstairs laundryroom. There are boxes in there and insulation up on the ceiling. Is there a possible way that they r living in there? I cled an exterminator that is coming next week. Anywho, why r there still live fleas on her? And i see more flea dirt today. Please help!
You might want to start another thread; more people will respond.

I am not sure why she's still got live fleas.  She must have had a horrible infestation.  The extermination will help but I think its a matter of keeping at it.  They've now moved into the area, so it may take more than just treating her.  Make sure she is not in the room when he sprays or she'll get sick.  She can rest in a carrier somewhere away from the poisons.

I believe the Frontline takes a few days to kill them, as well, so this is going to be a long process.  Blessings on you for sticking with it.  Fleas creep me out!
 

shadowsrescue

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keeneland

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I picked up the Diotomaceous Earth at my local health food store this am and got a dose in all the feral's by feeding mixed in wet cat food with out any problems at all. I do have a question though .... how often should I repeat giving this? I can mix this in their kibble but would actually prefer to give it in wet as needed. Wasn't sure if this was a thing you could overdose a cat on or not?
 

ondine

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I was sparing with it - no more than a pinch twice a week or so.  I used it in wet food - it seemed to go down easier.

I used it in conjunction with flea treatments (I used Revolution) - just to give things a head start.  I know it killed the tape worms very effectively.
 

siameserule

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Diatomaceous earth has to be food grade only... Also spray your property (if deals are at your property) with nematodes. For immediate relief use capstar
 

siameserule

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Diatomaceous earth should be given every day mixed in food about half TSP per cat it's good for fleas worms and parasites they actually like it mix it in the wet food.... Must be food grade
 

walli

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Hi there!
I am going to attempt flea treating my Feral
couple of questions:

Does the Program pills work?
And how does diotamaceous kill fleas?
Thanks!
 

Willowy

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Program only sterilizes the fleas. Not very effective for outdoor cats, IMO. Capstar will kill any fleas that bite the cat during a 24 hour period, so I recommend using that instead. Yeah, it only lasts 24 hours but even that can really put a dent in the flea population.

Diatomaceous earth kills the fleas by puncturing their exoskeletons and making them dehydrate. Taking it internally doesn't do anything about fleas but might kill intestinal worms. For fleas it would be better to sprinkle the DE around the areas the cats like to hang out, especially where they sleep.

Healthy outdoor cats usually don't get bad flea infestations, IME. They can go roll around in dust, which has an effect like DE, plus the weather kills some of the fleas off.
 

walli

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Thank you!
I saw a You tube about the capstar and it didn't look like
the cat was enjoying it.
So how often would you use the capstar?
 

walli

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Thank you!
I saw a You tube about the capstar and it didn't look like
the cat was enjoying it.
So how often would you use the capstar?
I got the program and mixed it in her food but she didn't eat the food a few bites only
I mixed it with fishy food and sardines, what the heck?
How do her get her to eat it?
 
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