FAQ: Health for cats
Short answers to the most common questions. Search, or browse the full list below.
All questions
Can I rely on zoogidas.lt to choose medicines for my cat?
No. Zookainos.lt only compares the prices of Lithuanian online pet shops and sells nothing. Always ask a vet about your cat’s treatment, dosage and supplements.
Why do prices of the same cat health product differ so much between shops?
Shops set their own prices, discounts and promotions, so the same cat parasite product or supplement sometimes costs noticeably more in one shop than another. It is worth comparing several shops’ prices before buying.
How can I tell if my cat has fleas?
The most common signs are frequent scratching, licking and hair loss on the back or at the base of the tail. If you comb the cat with a fine comb over white paper, flea dirt looks like black specks that turn reddish when moistened.
Does an indoor cat need flea protection?
Yes, fleas and their eggs can be brought into the home by people on clothes or shoes and by other animals. Whether a cat needs year-round protection and of what kind is best discussed with a vet, based on the cat’s lifestyle.
What types of flea products are there for cats?
For cats there are spot-on drops for the neck, collars, sprays, shampoos and tablets prescribed by a vet. They differ in how long they work, how they are applied and whether they also protect against ticks and other parasites.
Can I use a dog flea product on my cat?
No. Some dog products contain substances such as permethrin that are highly toxic to cats and can cause seizures or even death. Use only products made for cats and follow the label.
How do I correctly apply flea spot-on drops to a cat’s neck?
Part the fur between the shoulder blades, where the cat cannot lick, and squeeze the drops directly onto the skin, not the hair. Avoid bathing the cat for a while before and after, and follow the label instructions exactly.
What should I do if my cat licked off flea drops?
After licking spot-on drops a cat may drool, vomit or become restless. Wash the treated area as the label advises and call a vet, especially if trembling or seizures appear.
Is a flea collar suitable for a cat?
There are flea and tick collars made specifically for cats. Choose one with a safety breakaway buckle so the cat cannot get trapped if it catches on something, and check regularly that the collar is not irritating the skin.
Why does my cat still have fleas after treatment?
Most often the fleas come from the environment: eggs and larvae live in carpets, furniture cracks and bedding. Treat all pets in the home, vacuum and wash bedding, and use the product regularly as the label directs.
How do I clear fleas from my home after my cat had them?
Vacuum floors, carpets and furniture thoroughly and throw out the vacuum bag straight away. Wash the cat’s bed and blankets in hot water. Use environmental sprays only as the label directs and keep pets elsewhere until they dry.
Can fleas cause other diseases in cats?
Yes. Fleas can transmit tapeworms, which a cat catches by swallowing a flea, cause allergic dermatitis and, in small kittens, anaemia. That is why flea prevention matters for the cat’s overall health.
What is flea allergy dermatitis in cats?
It is an allergy to flea saliva: even one bite can cause intense itching, scabs and hair loss, often on the back and neck. If your cat scratches constantly, see a vet for a diagnosis and suitable parasite control.
Does a flea shampoo protect a cat well enough?
Shampoo usually removes the fleas that are present but gives no lasting protection. Many cats dislike baths, so shampoo is more often used alongside another product. A vet can advise on the right combination.
From what age can flea products be used on a kitten?
Every product states a minimum age and weight from which it can be used. Not all products suit very young kittens, so read the label and talk to a vet before using one.
Can flea products be used on a pregnant or nursing cat?
Not all products have been tested on pregnant and nursing cats. The label usually says whether a product is suitable during this period, but the decision is best made together with a vet.
Are natural flea remedies safe for cats?
Natural does not mean safe: many essential oils, such as tea tree oil, are toxic to cats. The effectiveness of natural remedies is often unproven, so talk to a vet before using any product.
How often should a flea product be used on a cat?
It depends on the product: some drops work for about a month, others longer, and collars for several months. The interval is always stated on the label; stick to it and do not shorten it on your own.
Can I use several flea products on my cat at the same time?
Combining products without a vet’s advice can be dangerous, as the active ingredients may intensify each other’s effects. If one product does not work, talk to a vet rather than adding a second.
Why does a cat flea product depend on the cat’s weight?
Products are made for different weight bands so the cat gets the right amount of active ingredient. Weigh your cat before buying and choose the pack for its weight, not a larger or smaller one.