fleas & kittens

[bernhund]

As some of you already know, my cat had kittens 2 weeks ago. Yesterday I spied a flea in their nest! Both our cats have been treated within the last 4-6 weeks with the stuff you put on the nape of their necks, so I'm surprised to have seen this little critter. I did catch it but assume if there's one, there's another. What can I do when the kittens are so young?

[paintman]

If there's nothing suitable we had some success using a plastic nit comb. The flea gets stuck between the prongs & dropped into hot water.
This sort:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2X-HEAD-LICE-DOUBLE-SIDE...

[bexVN]

Frontline spray, safe to use from 2 days age and on lactating queen. Your vets should be able to sort it (It's POM so no from shop and online with prescription only) She may come out and spray them for you.

Really important not to let fleas take hold, 2 week old kittens can suffer greatly due to fleas (though I doubt you have many fleas from what you said)

[Jasandjules]

Personally I wouldn't use any chemicals but then I don't if I can avoid them full stop.

As above, flea comb. Are the kittens scratching furiously or not bothered?

[bexVN]

2 week old kittens tend not too react to fleas as adults do. Personally I would not risk just a flea comb if starting to see a few fleas, I've seen too many young kittens die of flea anaemia to offer this as trustworthy enough on its own.

If confident that you are really only seeing one or two fleas then this may well be sufficient but I won't apologise for being over cautious on this one.

[bernhund]

Thank you people. I retreated mum again this morning with the prescription stuff on her neck. Kittens appear unaffected so will keep a close eye on them & get some spray for them.

[bexVN]

bernhund said:

Thank you people. I retreated mum again this morning with the prescription stuff on her neck. Kittens appear unaffected so will keep a close eye on them & get some spray for them.

Do you know the name of the drops?

[bernhund]

It was Stronghold for the neck and whatever the vet suggests for spraying. Do you recommend other brands?

[bexVN]

Stronghold is fine just not sure it is meant to be applied whilst a Mum is still feeding her kittens. Maybe worth checking the data sheet. It should be ok but just not ideal.

Oh and looking forward to more pics (which I know is on another thread )

Edited by bexVN on Tuesday 24th June 20:16

[bernhund]

bexVN said:

Stronghold is fine just not sure it is meant to be applied whilst a Mum is still feeding her kittens. Maybe worth checking the data sheet. It should be ok but just not ideal.

Oh and looking forward to more pics (which I know is on another thread )

Edited by bexVN on Tuesday 24th June 20:16

Thank you. I did read through the information sheet and it says kittens are o.k after a couple of days. They all seem to be doing very well and tonight have shown signs of 'play'!

[bexVN]

Good to know. Quite a few spots ons say not to, thought Stronghold was one of them tbh!