Some dog owners are confident that if their pet does not go outside, then the risk of infection with fleas or other blood-sucking parasites is minimal, and sometimes not even possible. In fact, this is a misconception.
The owner himself can bring ticks or fleas into the apartment on his shoes or clothes. Veterinary experts strongly recommend regular preventive treatments against fleas, ticks and other parasites, not only during their active season, but throughout the year.
One of the effective methods of combating fleas and ticks in animals is special collars impregnated with substances that repel bloodsuckers.
Composition and operating principle of a flea collar for cats
The cat collar is impregnated with a special toxic substance (insecticide or repellent). Similar substances are often found in anti-flea shampoos, sprays and other flea and tick treatments. When the device is put on the cat’s neck, it begins to gradually release this impregnation. This leads to the destruction of existing parasites, and also protects the pet’s skin from insects.
The collar is effective only at the initial stage of infection (i.e., when ectoparasites have not yet harmed the cat’s health) or for prevention. For moderate to severe infestations, the use of shampoos or drops is recommended.
A safety collar for cats may contain the following components:
- Essential oil (such as peppermint or lavender). The scent of these oils repels parasites, preventing infection. However, for already infected cats this component is useless.
- Diazinon is an effective insecticide, but can cause a severe allergic reaction in a pet.
- "Propoxur" is a moderately toxic substance that helps repel insects.
- "Sevin." It is also a moderately toxic component and has an extended area of action.
- "Phenothrin." Often used by people as a drug for lice (lice). No less effective for pussycats.
- "Metropen" is a rather aggressive component that is contraindicated for kittens.
- "Imidacloprid" is an insecticide that has a nerve paralytic effect.
- "Fipronil" is a common insecticide, effective against most known ectoparasites.
Another component that is added to anti-parasitic collars for cats is permethrin. But due to its high toxicity, veterinarians rarely recommend its use.
Operating principle
A tick collar is a small strap that is made of a special porous material or has inserts made of it. It is impregnated with a special composition, which is designed to repel or destroy parasites and protect the pet. While wearing the collar, the collar releases these substances gradually. Since protection is provided only through contact, the anti-tick and flea collar requires constant wearing, and after its expiration date it must be replaced with a new one. Strict adherence to the instructions for use ensures maximum protection for your pet against ticks.
Types of anti-parasitic collars
All anti-flea and tick collars are classified depending on the principle of their action:
- The first group is biocollars. They contain natural ingredients - plant oils that repel insects. For example, this is celandine, mint or lavender.
- The second group is insecticidal accessories. They are impregnated with a solution toxic to ectoparasites.
- The third group is radiating accessories. They transmit electromagnetic waves into the surrounding space that repel insects.
- The fourth group is ultrasonic devices. As the name suggests, they produce high-frequency sounds that can only be heard by insects.
Rules of application
The instructions for the protective product are simple:
- Take the accessory out of the package.
- Unfasten the buckle.
- Wrap the ribbon around your pet's neck.
- Fasten the tape so that it fits snugly, but does not choke.
For the product to work, the accessory must be on the animal at all times. When swimming, the collar can be removed, but it will need to be wrapped in a bag so that the active ingredients do not “fizzle out.” It is recommended to remove the tape only in rare and exceptional cases.
IMPORTANT ! The average validity period of the protective tape is 2 months. American and German tapes are effective for 7 months.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any pest control product, there are pros and cons to cat flea and tick collars.
The positive aspects include:
- Ease of use. Before putting on the accessory, your pet does not need to be thoroughly combed or bathed. You just need to put it on the cat’s neck, adjust the length and cut off the excess.
- Safety. Cases of poisoning, which are rare but have happened to cats, were 90% associated with the wrong choice of collar. Each model contains a certain dose of insecticide, designed for a particular weight of the cat. The most natural option would be bio flea collars for cats.
- Models have been developed for pregnant or lactating kisuls.
- Range. In any pet store or veterinary pharmacy you can find an option taking into account the characteristics of the kitty (weight, age, cat health).
- Highly effective as a prophylactic agent.
- No smell. Odorless flea collars for cats will only act on parasites, without interfering with the pet and its owner.
- Some anti-flea accessories indirectly protect the cat from infection with any helminths: many ectoparasite insects are carriers of worms. And when scratching or picking fleas, helminth eggs can enter the cat's body.
If we consider the disadvantages of anti-flea accessories, we can highlight the low effectiveness as a therapeutic device. They are ideal for preventing infection, but not for treating it. However, at the very initial stages, you can rid your cat of ectoparasites using a collar. Other disadvantages are:
- limited period of use. Once all the impregnation has evaporated from the collar, it becomes useless. Usually the impregnation lasts for at least one month. Some devices last even longer;
- low but present possibility of intoxication. But it increases only if the accessory is incorrectly selected and used.
How else can you get rid of pests?
You can get rid of pests using drops, shampoos, tablets, injections and sprays.
Also, many advise using traditional methods. It is worth making a decoction of rosemary, lavender, wormwood and eucalyptus. This product can be used to treat not only a cat or dog, but also all places in the house (wash the floors).
You don’t have to create anything new and don’t put your pet in danger with your own hands. All you have to do is go to the veterinarian or pet store and buy a collar or any other product.
How to use the collar
All models are equipped with a special clasp and are adjustable in length. Do not place the device on the cat’s neck too tightly. It is important that it does not press or sting the cat, or make it difficult for him to breathe. A person's finger should fit between the kitty's neck and the product. The tip that remains must be cut off. Otherwise the cat will try to pull it or lick it.
Basic rules for using a flea collar for cats:
- You need to print the packaging immediately before putting the accessory on your cat. You need to check expiration dates before purchasing.
- While wearing an anti-flea product, the kitty should not be treated with other anti-parasitic agents. This will lead to an overdose, since each of the products contains toxic insecticides. In this case, the pet faces serious poisoning.
- If your cat already has fleas or other ectoparasites, you need to treat him in advance. And only after successful therapy can the product be used as a preventive measure.
- Follow the instructions strictly. It is prohibited to purchase flea accessories for your cat that are designed for other animals (for example, dogs). The dosage in each product is calculated individually, taking into account body weight, age and breed.
- Before putting a natural impregnated bio-collar on your cat, you should definitely consult a veterinarian about your pet’s allergies.
Advantages
- Ease of use.
The collar can be easily put on your pet. As a rule, dogs and cats do not experience any discomfort from wearing a compact strap. - High safety profile.
The active substances contained in the tape are in most cases non-toxic to pets and, in addition, are released in doses and gradually. - Duration of action.
The vast majority of collars provide protection against ticks for a long time, usually several months, which relieves the owner of the need to constantly treat the pet’s fur. - Reasonable price.
In most cases, the price of a tick collar for dogs and cats will be lower than the cost of regular treatment of animals with other means.
Contraindications
Contraindications to the use of anti-flea accessories are:
- weakened health of the cat, weak immunity;
- old age of the cat;
- the presence of serious illnesses;
- young age. A kitten under two months of age is prohibited from wearing the product;
- pregnancy. For cats bearing offspring, biomodels have been developed that do not contain poisons or toxins.
Best Electronic Dog Collars
GPS tracker MonkeyG Deest 69
Rating: 4.9
Taking first place in the rating category is a collar that can track an animal’s location using both GPS and LBS (cell phone towers). The device is protected from moisture, so it will not fail even if the animal climbs into a pond or gets caught in the rain. If necessary, the beacon can be removed from the collar. After installing a SIM card in the tracker, all settings can be entered remotely through a smartphone application. When the charge level drops to a minimum level, a corresponding notification is sent to the owner’s device. The control interval is set in the following intervals: 30 seconds, 10 minutes, 1 hour. Despite the fact that the device is positioned as a device for tracking animals, it can also be used for people (elderly, children, etc.).
- high accuracy of distance determination – up to 5 m;
- operation on one charge – up to 5 days;
- storing message history for 90 days;
- small tracker size;
- small weight – 31 g;
- ease of control via a smartphone application;
- acceptable cost - 3300 rub.
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Garmin T5 Collar
Rating: 4.8
In second position is a dog collar with GPS/Glonass, which allows monitoring even in difficult conditions. The device is capable of tracking a dog at a distance of up to nine kilometers, even if the animal is in the forest, under trees, bushes. Thanks to the LED beacon, the pet can be seen at a distance of up to one hundred meters. This will make it easier for the owner to search and protect the dog from falling under the wheels of a car. The advantages also include water resistance, which makes it possible to hunt ducks with your dog, swim in ponds, etc. The tracker is quite massive, so the collar is suitable only for medium and large breeds of dogs. The model is not designed for wearing in urban conditions, but for traveling with a dog out of town, for example, for hunting or search work.
- presence of LED beacon;
- sufficient battery life – 2 days;
- high tracking accuracy.
- high cost - 21,700 rubles;
- To operate you will need an Alpha or Astro 320 navigator.
PetPace
Rating: 4.8
The third place goes to a collar with a GPS tracker, which is capable of not only tracking the location, but also monitoring the health of your four-legged friend. The device shows the most important parameters: temperature, respiration, pulse, calories, activity, displaying them in a special application on the owner’s smartphone, thereby creating a virtual medical record. You can also give access to this data to the veterinarian so that he can promptly draw conclusions about the state of the dog’s body and promptly prevent the development of diseases.
- soft and flexible collar tape;
- functionality;
- small tracker size.
high cost - 9500 rub.
Scollar
Rating: 4.7
The fourth is a smart collar with a GPS tracker. The device has a unique function that allows you to open and close any type of electronic door for four-legged pets. Now the dog can independently enter and leave the house. The model also has the ability to measure ambient temperature. All data is sent to the pet owner via the Internet to a smartphone in a special application. Notifications can also be configured there to remind you of the need to carry out various procedures (vaccination, haircut, visit to the veterinarian, etc.). Due to its size, the device is suitable even for medium-sized dog breeds.
- replaceable modules with different functions;
- no need to purchase a monthly subscription;
- small tracker size.
Garmin Delta Smart
Rating: 4.6
In fifth position is not just a collar with a GPS tracker, but a combined device that has the ability to train a pet. The model is suitable for owners of naughty dogs. By choosing the necessary training mode in the training system, you can correct the behavior of your four-legged friend. All data and progress are sent to the application installed on the smartphone. The collar is elastic and soft, so the animal quickly gets used to it without experiencing discomfort while wearing it.
Can an anti-parasitic flea collar be used on a kitten?
Tiny kittens still have weak immunity, so you need to protect your baby from the negative influences of the environment. Infection with parasites is very dangerous for a kitten, because its growing body does not yet know how to fight diseases. And modern insecticidal collars are quite toxic for him.
The best option for kittens is bio-flea collars, which do not contain poisons or chemicals. The impregnation consists only of a specific essential oil.
Is it possible to do without it?
You can do without protection, but only if it’s winter outside and your cat, who is usually used to walking outside the rest of the time, sits at home. Also, purely domestic cats that have not gone outside and do not intend to go outside can also live without it. And domestic cats that have no connection with those animals that are on the street.
A collar is not needed for animals that do not leave the house.
Rating of the best tick and flea collars for cats
Modern pet stores sell many anti-flea models. And sometimes choosing the right collar is quite difficult. There are top best flea collars for cats in two different segments - budget and expensive.
Budget collars
The budget segment includes good collars, impregnated with inexpensive insecticides or natural oils. The models discussed below are almost in no way inferior to their expensive counterparts.
GOOD Cat
Accessory based on natural substances. It has a repellent effect, i.e. it scares away parasitic insects. “GOOD Cat” will save you not only from fleas, but also from other ectoparasites. The main component in the impregnation is geranium oil. The natural plant is safe for animals. Kittens from two months can use the flea accessory. This therapeutic collar for cats can be used after consultation with a veterinarian, since there is a possibility of allergies in the cat.
Agrovet protection
Protects the cat from fleas and flying insects. Also, like the previous model, it is a repellent, that is, it scares away bloodsuckers, but does not destroy them. The impregnation of the Agrovetzaschita device is based on eucalyptus oil, as well as lavender and citronella oils. Suitable for pregnant cats and cats with weakened immune systems.
Gamma
Another budget repellent that protects your kitten from fleas. The Gamma devices contain extracts from natural plants - cloves, tea tree.
Animal Play
A high-quality product, the impregnation of which consists of an extract of cloves and chamomile. Like other natural biocollars, they are allowed for use only after consultation with a veterinarian.
Celandine
The basis of the Celandine collar is diazinon, which has a nerve paralytic effect on lice eaters, fleas and other external parasites. As soon as the activity of the insect’s nervous system is blocked, it dies. “Clandestine” is allowed to be used by cats older than 4 months, as well as for pregnant cats (but only after consultation with a veterinarian). Impregnation does not affect the offspring the cat bears.
Expensive collars
This segment is characterized by higher quality of product production and increased efficiency. They are able to maintain an antiparasitic effect longer. Another significant difference is the ability not only to repel fleas, but also to destroy them.
Beafar
An anti-parasitic collar that quickly kills fleas and ticks, and also actively fights ear mites and scabies. The active component - tetrachlorvinphos - is a contact insecticide. It is safe for all pets and toxic to arthropods. Within a couple of seconds after contact with it, a flea or tick is paralyzed. Age limit is six months. That is, kittens under six months old cannot wear Beafar.
Dana Ultra
The product contains three active ingredients: fipronil, ivermectin and pyriproxyfen. Their combined action rapidly depresses the nervous system of insects and blocks the reproductive system. Until the age of two months, you cannot put on the Dana Ultra kitty.
Foresto
The main substances in the impregnation are flumethrin and imidacloprid. They are direct acting insecticides. The first one destroys ticks, and the second one destroys fleas. "Foresto" affects ectoparasites at any stage of their development. Cannot be worn on cats under 2.5 months.
Inspector
An effective collar that saves a cat from fleas, blood-sucking insects and worms. In addition, “Inspector” destroys ear mites, scabies mites, and lice mites. The main components coincide with the composition of the Dana Ultra models - fipronil, ivermectin and pyriproxyfen.
Neoteric
A very effective collar that is capable of destroying all kinds of ectoparasites. In addition, Neoterica prevents re-infection. At the same time, it works as a repellent, scaring away flying bloodsuckers from the cat. “Neoterica” is the safest remedy for adult cats, but it is not advisable to use it on pregnant or overly weakened cats. This good anti-parasite collar for cats can be used from three months of age.
Range
For cats
- Fitodoc repellent collar.
It has a protective effect against insects for up to 3 months, and against ticks for up to 5 weeks. Active ingredients: essential oils of lavender, margosa, eucalyptus, tea tree, citronella. - Insectoacaricidal collar "Bars".
Has a protective effect for up to 4 months. Active ingredients: diflubenzuron and fipronil. - Repellent collar "Four with a tail".
It has a protective effect against insects for up to 3 months, and against ticks for up to 4 weeks. Active ingredients: peppermint, lavender, geranium, citronella, eucalyptus oils.
For dogs
- Fitodoc repellent collar.
It has a protective effect against fleas for up to 3 months, against ticks for up to 5 weeks. Active ingredients: essential oils of lavender, margosa, eucalyptus, tea tree, citronella. - Insectoacaricidal collar "Bars".
Has a protective effect for up to 4 months. Active ingredients: diflubenzuron and fipronil. - Repellent collar "Four with a tail".
It has a protective effect against insects for up to 3 months, and against ticks for up to 4 weeks. Active ingredients: peppermint, lavender, geranium, citronella, eucalyptus oils.
Useful anti-parasitic accessory
When choosing an antiparasitic agent for a cat, you need to rely on what goal the owner is pursuing. If the cat is already infected with fleas, lice eaters or other ectoparasites, then models with contact insecticides are suitable. If your cat needs infection prevention and he never leaves the apartment or house, it is enough to purchase a biocollar based on natural plants. In this case, you need to take into account the cat’s body weight, its age and the current state of the cat’s health. Only strict adherence to the instructions and rules will make it safe to use this useful accessory.
Protective sprays
Finally, if you are going to walk through dangerous tick mites, you can additionally treat your dog with a protective spray. The spray is effective for a month (if, of course, you do not wash the dog during this time), and the dosage is calculated so that it will not harm the dog, even if it begins to lick itself intensively. As a rule, it is applied according to the weight of the animal - the number of presses on the head of the balloon depends on the size of the dog.
Important:
- Animal processing is carried out only outside.
- The spray is applied against the growth of the dog's fur.
- After treatment, the animal should not be washed for three days until the protective agent is absorbed.
Sprays are not the most reliable means of protection, so they are used, as a rule, only as an addition to drops or a collar, sprayed on the dog’s paws and belly. Preparations of this type from the Frontline company are available for sale, as well as domestic products “Bars” and “Blokhnet”.
Questions and answers
What is the best flea and tick collar for cats?
It all depends on the age and health of the cat. If this is a small kitten, pregnant, elderly or sick cat, it is recommended to use natural biocollars. They consist only of natural oils. For healthy adult cats, you can buy products impregnated with insecticide.
Are there safe collars for cats?
If chosen and used correctly, any anti-parasitic collar will be safe for the cat. Poisoning and severe intoxication of a pet in almost 95% of cases occurred due to incorrect actions of the owner. It is very rare, but it is possible for a cat to develop an allergy. Therefore, before using any product, you should visit a veterinarian.
Side effects
The instructions for using collars always indicate possible side effects:
- decreased visual and hearing acuity;
- allergic reactions;
- if the collar allows water to pass through, then swimming in it is prohibited;
- not all products eliminate parasite larvae;
- for long-haired breeds, collars may be ineffective;
- The effect of the collar does not apply to the back of the back, so some companies recommend combining it with other products.
Allergic reactions
Collar allergy in dogs manifests itself as redness of the skin, itching, and then hair loss. The pet may simply be in a lethargic state. This may indicate an incorrectly selected collar, or the animal’s intolerance to the substance with which the protective strap is impregnated.
When the first symptoms of an allergy appear, you need to remove the collar, wash the dog with shampoo and give it antihistamines.
Advantages and disadvantages of anti-parasitic collars
Most insecticidal accessories from well-known brands are effective. They reliably protect the animal, subject to the rules of their storage and terms of use. Collars have many advantages:
- comfort and ease of use;
- hygiene;
- wide spectrum of action: most collars protect the dog not only from fleas and ticks, but also from lice and other parasites;
- safety of the biological option;
- no threat to the health of your pet from chemical modification.
However, these popular means also have some disadvantages:
A flea or tick dies only after being bitten by an animal, which creates a certain risk of the parasite transmitting toxins. Collars that have a long period of action are saturated with potentially dangerous substances, therefore, before using them, you should carefully study the instructions. Be careful when interacting with an animal wearing a collar. This is especially important if there are small children in the house. To prevent possible poisoning, wash your hands thoroughly after handling your four-legged friend.
