How to choose a flea collar for cats

How do flea and tick collars work?

The effect of the collar depends on the composition of the incoming substances. The instructions indicate that the drugs are aimed at preventing the appearance of blood-sucking insects, as well as their complete extermination. Products differ in the composition of substances and the basics of operation.

• Main component: herbs. They are impregnated with extracts of various herbs: grain, wormwood, geranium, eucalyptus, pine cones, which poison and repel harmful insects. These safe impregnation options are suitable for adult cats and young kittens.
• With insecticides. They are made of rubber, which has a specific smell. It contains various chemicals. Poisons destroy parasites on the animal’s fur within a radius of 0.5 m over a certain period of time.
• With ultrasound. The special wave spectrum is harmful to hematopoiesis. Ultrasonic devices are not used in our country due to their high cost.
• Plastic options. Their action is to repel parasites from the animal.

The most common type is insecticidal options (specially chemically prepared). They are not too expensive and cope with the task quite effectively - they have a negative effect on parasites. The main active ingredients are: fipronil (phenylpyrazole), diazinon, dimpilate and others. These elements do not have a harmful effect on adults.

How is destruction carried out? Vapors of toxic poisons are evenly distributed throughout the animal’s fur. At the same time, some chemicals kill adult insects and their larvae, while others repel harmful arthropods. In general, the active ingredients are not absorbed into the bloodstream, but remain on the surface of the epithelium.

Advantages and disadvantages

Benefits of using flea collars for cats:

• the most hygienic product;
• easy to use;
• efficiency is guaranteed;
• long-term protective effect;
• does not require large financial costs;
• chemicals do not settle on the skin;
• length adjustment.

Disadvantages of use:

• Some animals may have allergies;
• most products are not recommended for pregnant cats and young kittens (herbal or ultrasonic only);
• presence of an unpleasant odor;
• possible loss of hair on the neck;

In any case, you should not leave the animal without treatment. Even if the pet does not go outside and does not come into contact with stray animals, because the owner can bring the microscopic parasite to his home on his clothes.

Important! You should not buy too cheap fake analogues, which can be more harmful to the animal than parasitic creatures.

Attention! Insect parasites on wool are carriers of diseases dangerous to humans.

Features of flea collars for kittens

As a rule, large manufacturers produce flea collars specifically for kittens. Under no circumstances should a child wear a product designed for an adult cat! This is dangerous for his health!

• The amount of poison with which an ordinary protective item is impregnated can be destructive for kittens, especially very small ones.
• For babies under 2 months of age, any treatment, including wearing a collar, is generally contraindicated.
• When your baby reaches 2 months, you can buy a bio-collar that is free of poisons. Its repellent mixture contains only safe essential oils. The product is effective for about 4 months.
• Only when the kitten is six months old can he be put on a special collar containing a gentle amount of insecticide.
• Conventional protective products can only be used on cats over one year of age.

Be sure to protect your furry pets from the threat of parasites, take care of them constantly, because they are so defenseless, loyal and love us selflessly!

Features of flea collars

Of all the anti-parasitic agents, special anti-flea and tick collars for cats have gained the greatest popularity in use. They are convenient and easy to use, and if chosen correctly, they are effective and safe for the animal.

For kittens

Main features of the kitten accessory:

• the dosage of poison is designed for a small kitten;
• After the baby reaches the age of 2 months, it is possible to use a bio-collar, which does not contain poisons, but only repellent mixtures such as essential oils. Validity period – 4 months;
• from 6 months, collars with a special dose are used;
• Regular collars have been used on cats since they were one year old.

Pregnant and lactating cats

Features of collars for pregnant and lactating cats:

• do not contain poisons, but are biological collars;
• contains essential oils for repelling (for example, lavender).

Which flea collar is best for cats?

The range of such products is quite large. They are produced both domestically (Bars, Celandine) and foreign (Hartz, Bayer Bolfo, Bayer Foresto). To choose the most effective flea collar for cats, it is important to consider the age, health status of the pet, as well as the area affected and the frequency of walking.

If the animal is healthy and is constantly at home, then harmless bioproducts are quite suitable for it. For a pet that regularly goes outside, you should choose a product with increased, long-lasting protection. On average, an insecticidal flea collar for cats is effective for 5 months (from 2 to 8). However, the period of protection against ticks for straps is always 2 times less.

How much does a flea collar for cats cost? The most budget-friendly product will cost you only 50 rubles (“Doctor Zoo”, “Clandestine”). The product from Beaphar costs approximately 270 rubles. A flea collar for cats “Bars” can be purchased for 150 rubles. Ultrasonic key fobs are considered the most expensive, the average price of which is 1,500 rubles.

Collar "Leopard"

This product contains the substances fipronil and diflubenzuron, which destroy not only adults, but also larvae. In addition, "Bars" protects the animal from lice, lice and ixodid ticks. Contraindicated in pregnant cats and kittens under 2 months. Validity period – 4 months. The relatively low price makes Bars one of the most popular products.

Biocollars

Well-known representatives of this line are Doctor Zoo, Celandine and Bio Band from Beaphar. A flea collar for cats marked “bio” most often contains oils of bergamot, cinnamon, clove, cedar, lavender, margosa, and citronella. Absorbed into the skin and fur, the composition repels parasites. The product needs to be changed approximately every 2-3 months

Hartz

The manufacturer is an American company. When asked which flea collar is best, many people recommend Hartz. This product is famous for its prolonged action (up to 7 months) and high degree of protection. The active ingredient is tetrachlorviphos. Approved for use from 12 weeks. The price of Hartz products ranges from 400 to 700 rubles.

"Beafar"

This company produces a huge number of products for pets. Flea collars are also widely available. They differ not only in duration of action, but also in composition. Some additionally affect internal parasites - worms (Multi-X from Beaphar). Bio Band Flea Collar for Cats contains lavender oil and margosa oil, suitable for pregnant cats. There is also a special product for kittens from 2 weeks - SOS from Beaphar. The Beafar flea collar for cats lasts on average 6 months. You can choose a product of any color - yellow, blue, orange, purple, black, etc.

The most obvious advantage of a flea collar for cats is the high guarantee that the pet will not bring parasites into the house. In addition, such an accessory will make it clear to strangers and the animal control service that the pet has an owner. The risk of side effects is minimal. The main thing when choosing is to take into account the individual characteristics of the pet. Before purchasing, ask the seller how a flea collar for cats of one type or another works, whether it is safe for kittens and pregnant cats, and after what time it needs to be changed.

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Wearing rules

Many collars emit a specific unpleasant odor, so cats do not like wearing them around their necks. Basic tips for the correct use of collars:

• open the package;
• put the collar on in such a position that your fingers can be easily held between it and the animal’s neck;
• secure it with a special fastener;
• trim the excess length of the tape.

The instructions on the package or from the manufacturer indicate a maximum shelf life ranging from a few weeks to six months. It is best to replace it at least once every 2-3 months.

Important! The period of protection against fleas is 4 - 6 months, against ticks is much shorter - no more than 2 months.

Precautionary measures

Due to the fact that the collar contains toxic substances, it is necessary to take precautions when handling it:

• if the collar is ineffective and the pet shows signs of allergies, then an urgent need to change the manufacturer;
• you need to purchase those products that, according to reviews, are recommended as effective;
• use simultaneously with other drugs is prohibited;
• correct placement of the collar on the animal to prevent harmful substances from entering the food tract.

Approximate cost of anti-flea accessories

The cost of collars varies depending on the manufacturer. Imported analogues are priced at 500-800 rubles, depending on the duration of action. There are copies priced at 3,000 rubles.

Russian analogues are priced from 50 to 250 rubles, depending on the composition and duration of action.

It is not recommended to use cheap Chinese analogues. The active substances included in their composition have not been studied. This can negatively affect your pet's health.

Types of flea collars

There are 3 types of collars, they differ in the principle of operation and are selected for a specific animal depending on the desired effect.

Repellent (natural, biological).

Due to the natural essential oils with which this strap is impregnated, insects are naturally repelled. An accessory placed around a pet’s neck does not cause any harm to it, but it does not kill parasites either. Therefore, if you put it on an already infected animal, the effect will be insignificant. The duration of repellent collars is most often short. This is due to the fact that essential oils are highly volatile. Manufacturers often produce combined accessories that can not only repel, but also kill the parasite on an animal’s body.

Insecticidal (destroying parasites).

This type of collar is saturated with more active active substances that can adversely affect the life of insects living on the pet’s body. They cause the death of adults, and some prevent the development of larvae and eggs of lice and fleas. The service life of this accessory is long. Depending on the model, it can vary from 2 to 7 months. It is important to ensure that the animal does not chew or lick such a collar, and the owner should always wash their hands after contact with the animal.

Ultrasonic.

Such collars repel parasites using electromagnetic vibrations. They are invisible and safe for the pet, they operate on batteries. This is a more expensive and rare type of product. A number of experts question the effectiveness of wearing such an accessory.

Reviews from veterinarians and buyers

Svetlana, Voronezh . In the summer, while at the dacha, our pet interacted with street cats and picked up fleas. No matter how much we tried, we could not cope with the problem. The imported version of Bolfo came to the rescue. Although the price is high, the effect is 100%. They put it on once and forgot about it, although the cat still had the same lifestyle. I recommend.

Valentina, Saratov . We live in a private house. We got a cat. Naturally, he constantly walks outside and communicates with other animals. The problem of fleas is urgent. We purchased a Hartz collar. Forgot about the problem forever. Now we just change the collar every 4 months.

Ekaterina, Ekaterinburg . We bought a Bars collar. An allergy appeared, the area on the neck turned red and hair began to fall out. They urgently changed the manufacturer. We bought Bolfo. The allergy problem quickly disappeared. Everything is fine now. Thanks to the manufacturer.

A flea and tick collar for cats is an effective means of combating parasites, as the animal is provided with protection from several weeks to several months. You must always ensure that it is flexible. Otherwise, it may pose a threat to the cat, which, for example, clings to branches. For domestic cats, it is advisable to use a collar containing essential oils.

Flea collar for cats, which one to choose?

A useful point for choosing an effective means of protection is reviews from real user owners. Some of them consider a flea and tick collar for cats to be the best and most convenient protective tool. I put a collar on my cat – and no problems! When time runs out, you will have to change the model. But not everything is as simple as many of us think. The owners admitted that the most effective flea collar for cats is one that cannot harm their four-legged friend, is easy to use and effective. Most often, the price of such a product depends on the strength of the active substance of the accessory and the manufacturer’s brand.

How long to wear a flea collar for cats?

The market offers flea accessories from various manufacturers with different active ingredients. Instructions for use contain information on brand and name, size, period of use, main active ingredient, price. Each such accessory has its own validity period and expiration date. Most often, the range of application is from 1 to 8 months. The flea trap can be stored unopened for up to 2 years.

Flea collar Celandine – reviews

A polymer strap for protecting cats called Celandine has received excellent reviews from users. It has an antiparasitic effect due to the active component Diazinon (10%). Thanks to the destructive effect of the drug, Celandine relieves animals of immature and mature lice, flea bloodsuckers, ixodid ticks, and other parasites. Polymer tape with Diazinon distributes the action of the active substance throughout the skin and fur of the animal, preventing the reappearance of parasites. The length of the Celandine cat protective accessory is 35 cm. The validity period of Celandine is 30 days, 60 days, 120 days. Thanks to the adjustable fastener, the protective tape is conveniently attached to the animal's neck. Celandine flea collar for cats is an inexpensive and effective protective accessory.

Beafar flea collar for cats

The Dutch safety polymer neck tape Beafar with a length of 35 cm will protect your pets from fleas and ticks from the age of six months and is valid for up to six months. It works on the basis of the main active ingredient diazinon 15%, and is considered one of the best insecticidal preparations for animals on the market. The Beafar neck flea trap is soft and comfortable, has a beautiful and fashionable color, and a good clasp. Beafar should not be used on kittens under 12 months of age.

Dana Ultra collar

The protective polymer neck tape “Dana Ultra” for cats has a wide range of effects. It is intended for:

• destruction of parasites;
• repelling lice, flea “troops”, ticks, lice-eaters;
• protection against worms.

Dana Ultra tape is easy to use and has water-resistant properties. It is worn around the cat’s neck when going to the dacha for the whole summer. For 4 months you don’t have to worry about the condition of her fur. The fastener must be fixed so that the tape does not compress the animal’s larynx, but does not sag.

Flea and tick collar for cats reviews about use

Many pet owners have found a flea and tick collar for cats to be the best protective measure. But not every strap can be used for kittens. After 6 months, kittens can be put on a bio-collar with minimal or no chemicals, but with the inclusion of essential oils. Before using the kitten strap, it is better to kill the “flea infestation” with drops or shampoo. The strap will serve as a preventive measure.

The straps for kittens and their older relatives receive grateful responses from their owners. In their reviews, they highlight the advantages of flea traps:

• reliable protection;
• harmless to the animal;
• ease of use;
• duration of wearing;
• availability of models from different manufacturers;
• softness, flexibility, beautiful appearance;
• affordable price.