Not to muddy the waters here, but with our six indoor/outdoor cats I've been alternating between FrontLine and Revolution all summer, one month of each, then one month of the other. During FrontLine periods my guys have had neither fleas nor ticks; during Revolution periods they've had a few ticks and also a few fleas, but no serious infestations. We live in a very rural wooded area next to a "creek" that's actually a large lake connected to an even larger lake, so both fleas and ticks are abundant during the spring and summer.
Our leaves have started to turn just within the past couple of days, so it's obvious we're going to have an early fall. I'm going to continue with the monthly FrontLine until November or so and discontinue the Revolution altogether, 'cause it simply doesn't seem to work as well as FrontLine. BTW, any good Vet will carry both FrontLine and Revolution at about $12 per monthly dose per animal. Our local agricultural co-op carries FrontLine only at about a buck cheaper per dose. If you're anywhere near a county Co-op it might be worth checking out, rather than paying the higher prices.
Just to check out the cats' status from time to time it might be a good idea to invest in a "flea comb" off-the-shelf at Wally World. If a quick swipe near the base of the tail yields either live fleas or flea poop (looks like pepper grains) then a dose of FrontLine should get rid of the fleas withing a couple of days, as soon as the cat's system has distributed the fipronil to all of its hair follicles.
According to our Vets, Revolution is more for internal parasites than fleas, and does not affect ticks at all. Evidently fleas and ticks in different areas react differently.
Hi Aardvark,
I am amazed by the regional differences! Frontline did nothing for our pets here. I am glad it works for you.
I wish Revolution dosage was the same for all animals, but down here at least, it is based on the weight of the animal, and if you use the wrong size, it won't work properly.
Our dog weighs 92 lbs. and his Revolution dosage of 360 mgs. per month costs a lot more than $12/mo.
I know the species of ticks are different in differing areas, since I have Lyme Disease, and the ticks that cause it down here are not the same as the ones that cause it up where you are. I am not sure about fleas.
Thanks for the interesting info!
As a cat breeder and exhibitor, I am loath to use chemical treatments for fleas - topical products like Frontline (which many fleas are immune to) and Revolution really are not good for their health.
Cats are also very sensitive to aromatic oils, some of which can be quite toxic to them, so be very careful before using them.
Washing cats thoroughly will not kill all fleas - they seem to find tiny trapped traces of oxygen, even though the coat is thoroughly wet and shampooed down to the skin. A percentage will always survive.
For holistic flea treatment you require dedication, a good vacuum cleaner and the energy to use it daily for a while, a flea comb with a cup of very hot water and a few drops of detergent, and diatomaceous earth (food grade, not industrial grade).
The diatomaceous earth powder can be sprinkled on their bedding, under furniture and places where fleas can breed, rubbed through their coat and sprinkled in dry areas outside. It's tiny sharp edges damage the flea's exoskeleton and they dehydrate and die - no chemicals. Do not get this in anyone's eyes, and do not inhale, as it is somewhat abrasive. When the cats lick themselves and ingest the powder, it helps kill intestinal parasites. A teaspoon daily in their food really helps kill off worms without chemicals.
Regular vacuuming, and a daily sweep through the coat with the flea comb, dipping it and the fleas thus collected into the hot water and detergent will kill them off quickly.
No, Bentonite is a form of clay, DE is the fossilised remains of a form plankton called diatoms.
I buy mine here in oz for about $60 for 12 kilos, which lasts for years. There are a number of suppliers in the US if you google them. It is used by organic farmers for pest control in grain storage (weevils etc) and in dust baths for killing lice on organically farmed poultry, so many organic gardening and agriculture suppliers sell it.
When handling large amounts or for a prolonged time, a dust mask and goggles help reduce any irritation to mucous membranes - it is non toxic, but not good in the lungs due to it's abrasive nature.
DE dusted thru the coat of a cat with fleas can take up to a week to kill them, but they absolutely cannot build up a resistance to it - so use a flea comb to reduce the numbers and apply the DE weekly. Vigorous vacuuming to hatch out all eggs and suck up the little b*****s and regular washing of all bedding will make a big difference.
Good info morgan33, thanks! I don't like chemicals either. Guess I need to get a flea comb and some DE. If anyone is interested you can buy food grade DE here:
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