My cat’s flea collar has gotten dirty. Is it safe to replace it with a new one before the four months is up?
Please stick to the question. I’m asking if it is safe to replace it, not if you think they are a waste of money.
At the moment I don’t have the money to get something better from a vet, so that’s not really an option. The fleas were making him sick, so I had to try something, and he did improve after getting the collar, so it must have worked some. As for following instructions, I don’t think it said one way or the other.
Percy: You have it wrong. That was to the first person who didn’t say if they thought it was safe or not, but only that they didn’t think they worked. That wasn’t answering the question. I don’t have a problem with people saying if they think they are not safe (that goes along with the question, duh), as long as they aren’t doing it in a rude way (example: YOU). No, the collar did not make the cat sick. It was sick BEFORE the collar, and better with fewer fleas AFTER. I can trust my eyes. Obviously it did work. I’ve used them before (and no I’m not a monster for it) and they helped (without deaths or illness). But again, that wasn’t really my question, so I don’t feel like getting in a debate about it.
September 8th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
Sorry my friend, flea collars are a waste of money. A flea would have to sit on the collar for, I forget how long but anyway they don’t work. Advantage, Frontline, etc. are just to name a couple of great products. Call your vet.
Nine years feline-only practice.
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September 12th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
four months is only a recommendation you can change the collar safely anytime you want
Nine years feline-only practice.
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September 16th, 2011 at 8:36 am
Please don’t use flea collars. They don’t work. I worked as a Vet Tech for 13 years. I never saw a flea collar ONCE that worked. By using a flea collar, you are putting pesticide in contact with the animal for an extended period. The pesticides in flea collars will build up in the system over time. And some chemicals in flea collars are questionable.
If you need to use a flea product, get one of the topical flea treatments from your vet. Yes they cost more than a flea collar, but they are much safer.
former CVT
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September 20th, 2011 at 5:35 am
No, it isn’t safe to replace it until the time is up. I work at a vet clinic as a receptionist and every time I get a call asking about flea collars, this is what is on the card to say. “Follow the directions exactly on the box as it is very common for cats to get sick while using flea collars. It is proven that flea collars work for 32 percent of cats and make 76 percent of them sick. Have you considered a more professional, safe, and affective way of flea control?” Anyway… good luck.
former CVT
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September 24th, 2011 at 7:37 am
I doubt the fleas were making him sick but there’s a REALLY good chance the collar is. Flea collars are made with harsh pesticides that are very dangerous for cats. I know you think that just because you buy it off the shelf it should be safe – but sadly – that isn’t always the case. And not only are they dangerous but they DON’T WORK.
A bit surprised that you’re getting pissy at people saying you shouldn’t use the flea collar. It’s the same as if you were saying “I’m about to spray my cat with Raid – should I?” Of course people are going to say you shouldn’t do something that’s dangerous to your cat. And why wouldn’t you want that advice? Especially since you seem oblivious to how dangerous they can be.
If the cat has fleas get it on a SAFE and effective monthly spot treatment. They’re not really that expensive when you consider the fact that they work and also won’t make your cat sick – or dead!
http://www.800petmeds.com has good prices on Advantage and Frontline
http://www.hartzvictims.org – to see what happens to pets using some of the off-the-shelf crap
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September 28th, 2011 at 9:36 am
Getting a flea collar and replacing a collar with frontline is not that much of a cost difference, and well worth the thinking over.
I used to use flea collars, but found that then it’s a flea collar plus their normal collar and that’s too bulky. (My one cat is indoors only, but the normal collar is for just in case he ever gets out, it always happens at the worst time, and that way there is no doubt at all that he belongs to someone).
A collar can be replaced anytime, but perhaps now is the perfect time to switch over, since you’re going to be effectively wasting what is left of it’s use, and the next one will be getting dirty too?
http://www.800petmeds.com has good prices on Advantage and Frontline
http://www.hartzvictims.org – to see what happens to pets using some of the off-the-shelf crap
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