Principle of operation
Flea collars for cats have a simple operating principle. The material of the accessory is impregnated with an insecticide or a substance with a strong odor.
- In the first case, the anti-flea collar for cats acts systemically. Active components, getting on the skin, accumulate in the sebaceous glands. After some time they are distributed throughout the body. The active substances do not enter the systemic circulation and act locally. How a flea collar works is easy to explain. The insecticide penetrates the body of parasites by contact. It disrupts the functioning of the nervous system, causing paralysis and death.
- The anti-flea cat collar can be soaked in essential oils without adding poison. This accessory has a repellent effect. It works for about a month, only when it is on the pet’s neck. One of the disadvantages is a strong, persistent aroma that animals do not always like.
How the product works, the principle is clear. Manufacturers also produce odorless products, or combine the influence of aromatic substances and insecticides.
How does a flea collar work?
To understand whether a flea collar helps cats and how this happens, it is enough to understand the mechanism of its action. There are two main options: repellent scented impregnation or radiation/ultrasound.
Does a domestic cat need a collar?
Even a pet sitting at home may need protection. When an anti-flea accessory is needed:
- fleas penetrate from the basement into the living space;
- the pet has contact with a walking animal, lives with it in the same territory;
- During the warm season, there is a surge in the number of fleas in the area or region.
If it’s cold winter outside and the cat is sitting at home, you can do without protection.
Mechanism and duration
The basic principle of operation of the accessory is simple: the repellent-insecticidal composition with which the material is treated repels or kills parasites. If a cat has a severe infection, then the healing process can be seen with the naked eye - the fleas begin an emergency “evacuation”. Only ultrasonic and radiating models differ in their principle of operation, but they are quite expensive, so they are in little demand. Ordinary products are harmless, the main thing is to comply with the conditions specified in the instructions for the product.
What substances are applied to the base of the accessory?
- Essential oils
(coniferous, citrus, mint, etc.). They play the role of repellents: they repel insects, are safe, but ineffective against parasites that have already settled in the fur.
- Imidacloprid
. A chemical that paralyzes fleas. Refers to modern pharmacological agents. Imidacloprid impregnation is effective for several months.
- Permethrin
. An effective insecticide, but its safety is questionable: the drug is quite poisonous, so if worn for a long time it can provoke functional disorders (liver disease, nervous system disorders).
- Sevin
. An effective insect repellent. Moderately toxic. It does not accumulate in wool and skin, but with prolonged use it can cause irritation or dermatitis.
- Propoxur
. Repellent and insecticidal agent. The effect of the main substance is visible within the first day. Moderately toxic, does not penetrate the blood, but spreads through the skin and fur.
- Metropen
. Gives 100% results, but is highly toxic. Veterinarians do not recommend it for weakened, lactating, pregnant cats, older animals, or kittens.
- Phenothrin
. Known both in veterinary and human pharmacology. Destroys adult parasites and their larvae.
- Fipronil
. Has a nerve-paralytic effect on insects. It is quite dangerous, as it can cause serious poisoning if it enters the body. It does not enter the blood through the skin and fur.
- Diazinon
. Repellent and insecticidal agent. Inhibits the nervous system of insects, paralyzing them. It spreads over the outer skin, but does not penetrate the bloodstream, often causing a bunch of allergic reactions.
- Tetrachlorvinphos
(TCVP). Harmless and hypoallergenic substance. Spreading over the outer integument of the animal, it does not penetrate the bloodstream.
It is important to use the anti-parasitic collar correctly. Even if this is not the first time you put it on an animal, read the instructions and follow all the requirements.
Does a flea collar help cats?
How a flea collar for cats works: it kills or paralyzes parasites, depending on the main working product. The active ingredients create a protective barrier on the animal's fur, preventing the infestation of fleas and ticks. How long the accessory will work depends on the type of impregnation, the activity of the cat (goes outside or not), and the degree of infection.
The level of efficiency also depends on the manufacturer, since not all companies carefully monitor compliance with the standards established in production. Conscientious companies use expensive imported materials, due to which the collar lasts up to six months and does not cause any side effects or complications.
We weigh the pros and cons
The popularity of anti-parasitic collars can easily be explained by their advantages. Anyone who has ever tried them on their pets will use them again. A short list of advantages:
- they are convenient and effective;
- have both a therapeutic and preventive effect;
- most models have a normal price, long shelf life;
- some accessories are suitable for treating pregnant, lactating, sick cats, as well as kittens;
- guarantee the cat's safety while walking.
With a quality product, the cat will be protected from parasite bites - and therefore from the diseases they carry.
Unfortunately, there are disadvantages that cannot be kept silent about:
- specific pungent aroma;
- risk of allergies, especially in sensitive pets;
- may cause hair loss on the neck;
- when wet, the product may lose its beneficial properties;
- ultrasonic models are very expensive;
- low-quality products cause cat poisoning.
The collar may cause individual intolerance. If your cat develops unpleasant symptoms, you should immediately remove the accessory and consult a veterinarian. The doctor will suggest an alternative method of protection against fleas.
Features of application
Flea and tick collars for cats Flea collars for cats instructions offer simple steps that can be completed in a few seconds.
No preparatory procedures are required. There are whole instructions on how to put a flea collar on a cat:
- It is necessary to put the accessory on the pet's neck in such a way that a finger is placed between the neck and the accessory.
- Fix and cut off the excess part. Some manufacturers make cat flea collars of different lengths, so you can immediately select the right one.
After putting on a flea collar, you need to watch your pet for a while. An allergic reaction may occur, or simply an antipathy to a strong, specific aroma. Cats have a highly developed sense of smell, so certain smells can be unpleasant to them.
On a note!
A flea collar for a cat needs to be changed after the expiration date. Each manufacturer indicates its own period of influence. After its expiration, the accessory stops working, so there is no point in wearing it.
Insecticidal collars
Insecticidal collars are not suitable for all cats, as they have contraindications, but they rank first in terms of effectiveness, because manufacturers use various active ingredients for impregnation.
- Permethrin. For short-term use, since it is quite toxic, but at the same time effective in killing fleas and ticks, it is better to choose another drug for prevention.
- Sevin. Its toxicity is less pronounced, and the degree of impact on ectoparasites is suitable for prevention and treatment.
- Imidacloprid. Refers to nerve agents.
- Propoxur. Toxicity is moderate, low probability of possible harm to the animal.
- Phenothrin. Suitable for pest control, not only in animals, but also in humans.
- Fipronil. Broad-spectrum insecticide.
- Metropen. A substance that is recommended for use in cases of severe infestation with ectoparasites, as its action is very aggressive. Not recommended for kittens as it can cause serious harm.
- Diazinon. An effective drug, the disadvantage is the risk of an allergic reaction in the cat.
Efficiency
Does a flea collar help cats, based on years of experience, yes. However, each drug has its own expiration date. How long it takes to start working depends on the active ingredient.
- An insecticide-based flea and tick cat collar begins to act within 2 hours, when the active components are localized in the sebaceous glands and cover the skin and fur of the animal. How long to wear such an accessory depends on the concentration of the active substance. From 1 month to 6.
- A collar based on natural essential oils begins to act immediately, but the effectiveness is lost faster. According to various sources, the repellent effect lasts for a maximum of a month. This is the case when a flea collar does not help with a large number of parasites.
Biocollar DoctorZOO against fleas and ticks - reviews
Valentina
We bought a collar for the cat Doctor Zoo. I almost killed the cat too, and I developed a terrible allergy to the smell of that stinking collar. I even called an ambulance, it was bad, terrible, don’t buy this crap, otherwise you’ll ruin it. Cat and yourself.
Sunny Clown
https://irecommend.ru/content/ne-berite-etogo-ubiitsu-koshek
Hello. Today, alas, I have not come to praise another product, but to warn you: under no circumstances use this collar - it could cost your pet’s life. Tonight my pet passed away, which I put on with my own hands a day ago (and a few hours later I took off) this damn collar.
I live in a private house and in the warm season my purrs often graze outside. To prevent them from bringing new blood-sucking friends into the house, I always equip them with collars - what I mean is that this accessory was not new to my pet and last summer she calmly sported a collar from another manufacturer.
This year the weather calmed down only the other day. And yesterday, when I ran into Fix-Price, I saw at the checkout a flea and tick collar for 55 rubles. I decided to take it. Fortunately, there was only one collar, so I didn’t kill all three of my cats.
The production date of the collar is May of this year, I checked it in the store just in case. I came home and put this stuff on the cat. It must be said that, contrary to the manufacturer’s assurances, the lock is never uncomfortable. After that, I had to inhale the stench of this product for several hours - it even gave me a headache. I can imagine what it was like for the cat.
As a result, already at night the animal began to vomit. Having compared all the facts (lack of new food, usual lifestyle and new collar), I took off the collar. Again, not right away, although the manufacturer assures that ridding a cat of a collar is as easy as shelling pears. But at the cost of two nails I managed to remove this rubbish.
For a while the animal felt better, but then it just lay down. The specialist confirmed my guess about intoxication, but nothing could be done and I just had to watch my pet die. One good thing: it didn’t last long and it didn’t hurt her.
Dear readers! Please don't repeat my mistake. Do not buy this collar if you want your pet to live. My two-year-old cat was a strong girl, she was not sick, and she never had any problems with her health or tolerance of collars. And in one day, this damn collar simply killed her.
OksMal
https://otzovik.com/review_5084464.html
Advantages:
There are no advantages.
Flaws:
A terrible stench that gives a terrible headache. Poor animals.
A few days ago I bought a DoctorZOO bio-collar against fleas and ticks from Fixprice. I bought it for my cat for prevention. I bought it because of the price, only 55 rubles. In the very first minutes the cat began to lick itself mercilessly, especially in the place where the collar is located. When the cat began to walk unsteadily, I slowly took off the collar. I put the collar in water to wash off the stench. On the 2nd day, the biocollar did not stink so much. My cat had a good appetite, as always. After about 4-5 hours, I decided it was time to take it off and threw it into the water again. On the 3rd day after the water, the smell became even less, but one thing scared me: when my cat was wearing a collar, he was diarrhea very strongly (I apologize for the frankness). I threw the collar away immediately without hesitation. While wearing the collar, my cat's behavior was the same as before wearing the collar. The smell is just terrible. A terrible stench that gives a terrible headache. Poor animals. ,
Mamaika
https://irecommend.ru/content/plyusy-i-minusy-bioosheinika-doktor-zoo-ctoit-li-pokupat
Hello everyone, summer is in full swing and, of course, we are not spared the problem that all pet lovers face - fleas. Our cat does not go outside, but somehow she manages to “delight” us every summer. At Fix price I saw the Doctor ZOO collar against fleas and ticks and decided to try it. First of all, I was attracted by the price: 55 rubles , and also by the fact that the collar is made on the basis of a natural component - geranium oil. The collar is packed in a cardboard box; there is no special information on the front of it, but the cute design and pleasant colors attract the attention.
On the back, the method of use is indicated in detail, as well as what insects it is intended to combat. In addition, the collar was packaged in transparent packaging to avoid weathering. I chose a red collar. Because the collar is universal, it needs to be adjusted to the pet’s neck, fixed, and the excess cut off. I must say that this was not so easy to do, since the buckle is quite tight and it was difficult to push the collar under it. After we put on the collar, the cat began to show noticeable anxiety, although the smell was unobtrusive and quite pleasant. But the animal clearly did not like it, she began to lick herself intensively and get nervous. After suffering for several hours, we finally took off the collar and decided to use some other product. Since we used the collar for a short time, I cannot say how effective it is, but using my pet as an example, I do not recommend this product for purchase.
Nadya19901031
https://irecommend.ru/content/osheinik-ubiitsa
Guys, this is some kind of horror! I have 3 pets at home - a cat and 2 cats. From time to time we buy flea collars for them. They come across both cats and dogs, it varies. This time there was no long one for cats, so we took one for dogs, without any second thought. Our cats have always been healthy, they have never had any allergic reactions.
This time everything was not so smooth. We put a collar on 1 of them (which we managed to catch) and killed the rest until tomorrow, there was no time. The next evening the Cat began to wheeze strangely. Not to meow, but to wheeze. Of course, we were all scared, thank God we realized in time what was causing this, otherwise a little more and the cat would have simply suffocated!!!! In short, they took off this collar from her (red, by the way, it’s terribly smelly - believe me, there is something to compare with. In general, it’s a disaster ((( I don’t recommend buying it, you never know how the pet will react, and suddenly you’re not around at that moment it turns out...
Ekaterina_2014
https://irecommend.ru/content/bioosheinik-cmotritechto-pokupaete
Let's talk about our smaller brothers, namely dogs! Every owner wants his pet to be healthy, cheerful and active. If you have a private home, then this is not a problem! You can leave your dog to run around the yard while you do your own thing. If you live in an apartment, there are both pros and cons.
Of course, every dog has picked up parasitic insects at least once. Such as: - pincers; - fleas; Residents of private houses are more likely to encounter this problem than owners of apartments. There are many remedies against these parasites. The most popular are: collars and shampoos. If there is not enough time, or the dog is not accustomed to water, then we will only harm the animal with shampoos.
It is known that if you bathe your pet, special. shampoo, then you need to keep it in the bath for a long time until all the parasites die. Otherwise, the fleas will only become embittered and the dog will be subject to torment.
The most common way to get rid of such parasites is a collar. The main thing is to choose it wisely and not spare money on your pet.
Recently we also encountered this problem. My pet brought fleas from God knows where. Since we were at the dacha, this was not surprising.
To begin with, we bought her shampoo and washed her thoroughly. There are 1.5 times fewer parasites. A week later, I purchased a collar, which I immediately put on my dog. As the seller promised me, “This is the best collar I know.” I soon became unsure of this. On the very first day of wearing this “miracle” collar, my dog turned inside out several times. Then we thought it was because of the diet, but the next day the situation repeated itself. My pet has become lethargic and inactive. It seemed to me that she was dying. It was only when I took her to the vet that they explained to me that this collar was not as good as I thought. They bought another collar for the dog, but only two weeks later.
Now my pet is full of strength! Don't be lazy and ALWAYS check what you buy for your animals.
I would like to end with the famous phrase from the book “The Little Prince”
We are responsible for those we have tamed!
ZooPapa
https://otzovik.com/review_7214557.html
Advantages:
Cheap
Flaws:
They stink, don’t help, high intolerance (poisoning).
I don’t know what exactly prompted me to purchase these collars, probably financial difficulties. I threw them out on the second day, as the condition of my pets had worsened quite significantly. If you value the health of your pets, do not buy this squalor! They stink very much, and they don't do any good. Don't be fooled by the cheap stuff!
Kat Rin
https://irecommend.ru/content/uzhasnyi-osheinik-zhaleyu-chto-kupila-ego-dlya-dvorovogo-kota
We have a universal favorite living in our yard, which almost all the residents feed. And recently I began to notice that the animal was terribly itching, and the reason for this was fleas. I decided to buy a collar, at the same time it will be clear that the cat is not a stray and will not be taken to a shelter.
The Doctor Zoo collar was recommended by a salesperson at a veterinary pharmacy, and since it had an affordable price, I didn’t make much of a choice, but in vain.
2 days after wearing the collar, the cat began to sneeze heavily; after visiting the veterinarian, it turned out that he was allergic to some substance.
I was very surprised that the cat did not feel better even after it was removed, so I had to bring her to the veterinarian again. I don’t know what would have happened if the animal had not stayed overnight in the clinic, most likely the pet simply would have died, since at night she began to shake all over and even needed an IV.
There is only one conclusion - do not skimp on your pets’ health and buy only normal products with safe ingredients!
Side effects
Side effects from the collar When it comes to the question of which flea collar is best for cats, safety and effectiveness are taken into account.
Is a collar harmful - yes and no. Accessories soaked in essential oils do not pose a danger to the animal. But an allergic reaction to the smell may occur. The animal's eyes begin to water, saliva flows, and frequent sneezing appears. All symptoms go away on their own as soon as the accessory is removed.
Flea collars for cats impregnated with insecticide are slightly more harmful. Toxic substances do not enter the general bloodstream, but can cause local irritation of the skin. In places where the accessory touches, redness, itching, rash appear, and hair falls out. You can notice allergies by your pet's behavior. The cat tries in every possible way to pull off the accessory and scratch its neck.
Important!
In severe situations, insecticide-based products cause weakness, drowsiness, apathy, irritability, vomiting, convulsions, salivation, and red eyes. In such cases, the help of a specialist is required.
Advantages and disadvantages of the product
A flea collar for a cat has its advantages:
- easy to use;
- can be used if the animal is afraid of water;
- special models are used to protect kittens and pregnant cats;
- the insecticide has a detrimental effect on ticks, allowing the animal to shake off the parasite;
- the presence of a collar guarantees the cat’s safety when catching stray animals;
- When worn constantly, the animal is protected from blood-sucking insects for a period of 2 to 7 months.
Whether a flea collar helps cats can only be determined after careful observation over several days. There are other disadvantages to this remedy:
- service life may be shortened due to constant wetness;
- a hyperactive animal risks injury by getting caught in the collar;
- Whether a flea collar is effective depends on microclimatic conditions, the individual characteristics of the animal’s body, and the level of immunity;
- When buying counterfeit products, your cat may become intoxicated with insecticides.
Will a flea collar help if I already have fleas? Judging by the assurances of manufacturers and customer reviews, if the animal wears it constantly, it will be possible to get rid of the imago within a period of 2-3 days, and then you will simply have to wait until the larvae hatch from the eggs.
The pet owner can decide for himself whether the collar is harmful to his pet. When selected correctly and following the instructions for use, the product is safe and effective. And harm can be caused by a low-quality product or if it is worn during an animal’s illness, when the pet is weakened. In other cases, the protective accessory will not affect the health of the pussy.
Rating of effective products
Flea Collars The best flea and tick collar for cats is quite difficult to find. It is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the body, age, even weight. You can rely on the experience of other pet owners to choose the right product. According to buyers, the following brands are worth considering.
Beaphar
The drug is produced in Holland. It is of high quality and is safe when used correctly. The company produces a whole series of collars for different ages. The active component is diazinon, which causes virtually no side effects. The accessory is odorless, the animal does not feel it.
Do not wear on kittens under 6 months, pregnant or lactating females, sick or weak animals. The cost of the product is about 250 rubles. Remains valid for up to 5 months. Separately, the company produces collars for kittens called Biafar Bayo Band.
Review
We bought a collar for a kitten. I liked the product immediately. No smell, comfortable to wear. The kitten does not feel the collar, but the accessory is active. The effect lasts up to 4 months. Excellent protection against fleas and other types of blood-sucking parasites.
Alina, Moscow
Hartz
American made product of high quality. The brand is known all over the world. The active component is the substance tetrachlorvinphos. The company produces collars of different sizes. For breeds with dark coats with reflective stripes. Stylish, high quality, reliable.
Protects cats up to 7 months. One product is enough for the entire warm season. They do not lose quality when wet. Allowed to be used by pregnant and lactating females under special supervision. Kittens wear it from 3 months of age.
Which flea collar for cats is better: review of manufacturers and prices
According to reviews from veterinarians and experienced breeders, the list of the most popular and in-demand brands includes the following.
Germany, Bolfo
. Inexpensive (450-500 rubles), but effective, suitable for representatives of all breeds. Available in several versions: weakly concentrated and highly concentrated impregnation. The duration of the effect is two to three months. Effective on all types of ectoparasites.
Holland, "Beaphar"
. Also inexpensive (300-400 rubles) and high-quality bio-collar. Essential oils are used as a repellent. It repels insects well, but does not affect existing fleas and larvae. It has a short shelf life (one to two months).
Russia, "Doctor Zoo"
. A reliable domestic manufacturer offers a very inexpensive option (50-70 rubles) with diazinon impregnation. The duration of its beneficial effect is several months. Low toxicity, hypoallergenic, comfortable to wear.
Russia, Bars
. A well-known brand offers a waterproof accessory with a fipronil medicinal composition. Price – 150-200 rubles. It is not inferior to more expensive imported analogues and perfectly repels all types of insects - from fleas to mosquitoes. Valid for no more than three months. Recommended for both adult cats and kittens.
USA, Hartz
. Not the cheapest (700-900 rubles), but a very high-quality option. Produces a destructive and repellent effect. It has a high level of hypoallergenicity. Not afraid of getting wet. Suitable for both adult cats and kittens.
Germany, RolfClub
. Ivermectin impregnation gives a lasting effect without a strong odor. It has a convenient clasp, a minimum number of contraindications and an affordable price - from 200 to 400 rubles.
Russia, “4 with a tail”
. Inexpensive domestic product within the cost of 100 rubles. It is impregnated exclusively with natural oils, so it is suitable for pregnant cats, kittens over 2 months old and adult animals.