Once a furball is invited into your home, the issue of fleas and ticks is bound to present itself. It doesn’t matter if your cat sneaks outdoors or sticks to your couch. And it doesn’t matter how much you clean and how many showers your cat suffers through. It’s a curse!
In this Frontline Plus for cats review, I’ll tell you how I outsmarted the little bloodsuckers and broke the curse.
This article includes:
- Step by step instructions on how to use this product
- An explanation of how Frontline Plus works
- A detailed list of the pros and cons
- An answer to all the concerns you might have about this product
If you’re looking for an immediate solution to your cat’s constant discomfort and fight against parasites, you’re in the right place. Now let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
Frontline Plus for Cats Review: Features and Facts
When it comes to our fur babies, it’s usually tough to trust any product. That’s why I won’t just tell you why I recommend Frontline Plus, but I’ll also break down every feature in detail, so you can judge for yourself.
Company’s Reputation
Boehringer Ingelheim, in Germany, is the company behind the famous Frontline Plus. It’s a global enterprise of 19 manufacturing sites and a presence in over 150 countries. The company is a pioneer in the area of protecting pets against parasites and in animal vaccines.
Frontline Plus’ products are always on the bestseller list, having a broad base of loyal customers.
Components
The Frontline Plus’ active elements are fipronil and (S)-methoprene. I’m no chemistry enthusiast, but some brief digging is enough to convince me of these chemicals’ efficiency.
Fipronil successfully gets rid of mature fleas, lice, and ticks, among many other insects. (S)-methoprene, on the other hand, attacks flea eggs. It prevents them from completing the growth cycle.
Alternatively, Catego is a well-known flea and tick treatment medicine that is on the cheaper side of the market. You can check our full Catego for Cats review here.
Dosage Guidelines
The Frontline Plus for cats can be administered to any cat over two months and over 1.5 pounds. It has no expiration date, so you don’t have to worry about buying it month by month. You can simply buy a couple of doses and store them at home.
You’ll want to store it at room temperature away from children’s way. It can be harmful if ingested or if it got into someone’s eyes.
It’s essential to keep in mind that this product could interfere with other medications. So, always consult your vet if your cat takes any other medicine.
Drawbacks of Frontline Plus
For the sake of full disclosure, I’ll give you the list of the product’s cons.
One thing I noticed wasn’t a great pleasure is medicine’s smell. However, it’s very mild, so not really off-putting, neither for your cat nor yourself.
Another thing that could count as a drawback is that the substance on the cat’s skin can form a bit of grease. Frankly, I don’t mind it, as it only lasts a couple of hours until the skin and hair absorb it.
Some sensitive cats endure a bit of irritation and redness in the treated area. It’s an uncommon side effect, but it could happen. It’s not dangerous and goes away on its own. However, you can always consult your doctor.
Lastly, Frontline Plus for cats might be a bit costly, but definitely worth the money.
Some people complain about fleas appearing on the cat’s hair or falling off their pets. That is, for sure, not a fun part. But I don’t count it as a drawback as it actually indicates that the medicine is working! The fleas become very active from the chemicals’ effect, but then they fall off. So, it’s all a part of the process.
Check out our comprehensive Catego vs Frontline Plus comparison to get to know the top competitors on the market.
Are You Wondering What the Top Features Are?
I got you. After getting to know all the drawbacks, it’s about time we see what the hype is all about! Let’s get to the pros.
Convenient
One thing that makes Frontline Plus so convenient for me is that you only have to use it once a month. For people with a short-term memory like me, that’s a relief!
That is because once you pour the substance onto the cat’s skin, it’s absorbed. It’s then released in small quantities onto the hair to act as a shield against any intruders.
Moreover, Frontline Plus is quite easy to use, as illustrated. Also, it can be used on cats of any breed. Even pregnant cats can be treated for parasites with no ill-effect.
Foolproof
I consider this product the one for me because it isn’t restricted to killing already existing parasites. This product also works at repelling any new mice or fleas. This, for me, is a foolproof plan that guarantees my cat a good night of sleep.
Quick
When you see your cat scratching all day long, sometimes a little too deeply, you know you’re looking for a quick solution. The Frontline Plus acts fast! It only takes a day for it to completely rid your cat of fleas. And it requires two days to kill off the ticks holding into your cat’s skin.
Waterproof
It shouldn’t be an issue giving your cat a shower a couple of days after giving her the flea-repellent, as it’s waterproof. The cat’s skin should absorb the product in four hours. However, if it gets wet as soon as you add the substance to her skin, its efficiency could be reduced.
Try to keep the cat away from any water right after you apply Frontline. Also, hold her back from wiping the product away on your couch in the first couple of hours after. After that, you have nothing to worry about.
How Do You Use the Frontline Plus?
Fortunately, Frontline Plus is not a hassle to use! Follow these steps if you’re a little confused about how to use it.
- Take the applicator out of the box gently.
- The foil backing will be exposed, and you’ll be able to peel it away or use scissors to open it.
- Direct the foil side towards you in an upright position and snap the tip of the applicator.
- Using your fingers, expose the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades.
- Place the tip of the applicator right above the skin and squeeze.
- You’ll need to empty the whole content of the applicator in one single spot.
- Finally, avoid coming in contact with the treated area until it’s completely dry.
Tips for Putting on Frontline Plus on Your Cat
It’s only typical of cats to be unable to sit still when you need them to. And they also hold grudges. Luckily, Frontline Plus is no spray, as that most times turns out to be an impossible task. However, you might still face a bit of trouble getting her to sit so that you can part her hair.
If you need help with that, here’s how you can go about it. Try to distract your cat with a treat or start patting her head when she’s lying down. Then, gently part her hair. You might need help from a partner in this task.
Just make sure your cat is holding still so that it doesn’t get the substance in her eyes.
FAQs
What happens if my cat licks the medicine on her skin?
Your cat might suffer a form of toxicity, resulting in vomiting or foaming out saliva. This will most probably be the fipronil’s effect as the (S)-methoprene is considered safe. This should not be dangerous, but you’re still urged to take your pet to the vet for a check-up.
How does my indoor cat conduct parasites?
Unfortunately, even indoor cats aren’t safe from the bloodsuckers. If they encounter any other pets, parasites are easily transmitted. Also, if other pet-owner visits, they could be carrying flea eggs on their shoes or clothes.
So, it’s recommended that you treat your indoor cat too; it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
How to protect your house from fleas?
Fleas are quite jumpy; they could lay up to 2000 eggs in their lifetime. So, your house needs proofing as well as your cat. Make sure to clean your cat’s bedding every week. And if the fleas have spread, you could use the Frontline Homeguard.
What are the extra measures you could take to get rid of fleas?
Comb your cat’s hair regularly with a fine-tooth comb. Any flea should come up in the comb’s teeth. Then, place your comb in a bowl full of water and some soap so that the flea won’t jump and go on with its life.
This step can be done in the first few days of putting the Frontline Plus onto your cat’s skin. That’s because the fleas are in an active state before their death, so they’ll be seen easily on your cat’s hair.
Wrap Up
Personally, Frontline Plus is one cat product I could never give up. It has always hurt me to see my cat suffer from insects. And having a fear of insects myself, the presence of any fleas in my cat is totally unbearable.
To have a product be so easily used with long-lasting results and no side effects is not only priceless but also lifesaving!
I’ve been living with cats since 2008 and I can confidently say I have more feline friends than humans lol. I currently live with 5 cats in different life stages; two of them are less than one year old, one is 2-ish years old and the oldest two are 9-ish years old. I’ve developed a strong bond with cats over the years and I’m eager to share my experience through this blog. You can learn more about my cats here.