How Safe Are Flea Collars For Cats?
WouterWhen it comes to flea collars, veterinarians generally disagree about the safety of using them. However, most agree that they do not work as well as other flea control products. Flea collars use insecticides or flumethrin, which are chemicals that affect fleas’ nervous systems. The active ingredients in these products can be harmful to cats and humans.
The ingredients in flea collars vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. Generally, most contain a combination of chemicals that kill existing fleas and prevent new ones from developing. Less chemically infused collars use insect growth regulators, which are less toxic and promise to prevent flea larvae from developing into adults. Some natural oils and herbal blends are also used as flea collars. These ingredients are safe for most animals, but can cause allergic reactions in cats.
Insecticides in flea collars are released over time into the cat’s skin, where they kill fleas that come in contact with it. Most collars last anywhere from two to seven months. However, if your cat has sensitive skin, you may want to opt for a breakaway collar. This will avoid any risk of your cat choking on something, or suffocating.
Some flea collars contain harmful insecticides, which are toxic to cats. Tetrachlorvinphos, propoxur, and carbaryl are just a few of the chemicals that are commonly found in flea collars. These ingredients are also toxic to children. While many companies have banned the use of these chemicals in their products, some older products remain on store shelves. So, be sure to research the ingredients of any product you are considering before buying one.
