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Applied Frontline Plus now cats even more itchy?

I put Frontline plus on my indoor/outdoor cats about 12 hours ago.  I noticed in about 5 hours they were all itching and scratching the fleas like wild.  I did not start off with a huge flea problem, I applied the frontline at the first sign of fleas.  Now it seems the cats act like they are so infested.  They kept me up all night because they were scratching so much.  The fur looks fine, no bare patches.  No other allergy type symptoms like vomiting.  The scratching seems due to increased flea activity biting them.  What should I do?  I thought this stuff would kick in and kill the fleas, not make them worse?

I am flea bombing my house today in addition to the advantage..  Should I give them something else? Give it time?
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Avatar universal
I read on frontline site that there’s an ingredient in the frontline that does something to the fleas nerve structure which makes them more hyper before killing them off, hence one of the reasons the cats can become itchy a little while after applying frontline. X
Helpful - 0
1518427 tn?1294365021
I've used Comforts chewable tablets before and they worked very well.  It's been a little while though and I can't remember if I need to see a veterinarian to get it or if I can just walk into the vet's office and ask for it.  It's more expensive than Frontline Plus but it works so much better, so it's worth it.

I applied Frontline Plus on my cat about ten days ago and I'm finding more fleas on her now than I was before.  She's been scratching herself like crazy.  I use a little comb on her to brush her hair and look for fleas.  Well, over the last week or so I've been finding fleas on her all the time with or without the comb.  I'm thinking about asking for my money back.  This is ridiculous!
Helpful - 0
874521 tn?1424116797
hi and welcome to our forum, I hope we can help  you out:)
first of all plz do NOT use euclyptus, citronella and borax around your kitties...all these are quite toxic to cats!!!!
you can use D Earth FOOD GRADE both inside and out, just have to be cautious of the dust when sprinkling, it is harmful when inhaled. since the cats are so small and at ground level its also best to keep them out of the treated area for a few days...
I will give you a link to a write up we did earlier on its use and where and what to buy...if you have any further questions plz ask

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Cats/The-fleas-will-not-DIE-/show/2083766?personal_page_id=861539
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
same situation as others, husband did a lot of yard work in the spring, probably bringing fleas in on work clothes, two cats started scratching, used the frontline as always; but we think we saw a flea in the house.  I hate to bomb I get really sick with pesticides, read a couple of solutions of vacuuming with borax/salt mix and cleaning countertops with a solution of eucalyptus, citronella and rosemary oil mixed in boiling water and poured into a spray bottle. Diatemacias (sp) earth spread on the lawn.  Any thoughts or suggestions???  HELP! Laid-off and money is tight!
Helpful - 0
874521 tn?1424116797
thx for posting....yes unfortunately some cats have some very severe reactions to these flea treatments...they are pesticides and very harsh. glad you stopped the treatment and hopefully the tablets will work without any side effects...:(
be sure to also vacuum and wash everything throughtout your house and rid it of all the eggs hiding about.
good luck, let us know okay
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This is exactly what has been happening with my cat!  I tried with both Frontline and Revolution behind the neck and the itching got worse.  The scratching was especially bad at night!!!it got so bad that she would rip the skin under her neck open and on the side of her face.  She would have blood and scabs all over the area it had been applied:( It was driving me crazy because she was hurting herself and all the flea meds were supposed to bring relief.  I have just tried the first dose of Comfortis (Spinosad)  with her.  Its a tablet that they take and kills fleas for a month.  Last night was the first night she slept next to me with no scratching.  I have noticed a little bit of scratching but its much less than usual.  Its early days as she has just been treated but will post in the next few days and let you know how it goes.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
We ordered our frontline spot on treatment through the mail. And every time, this makes 4th time, the cats act like the fleas are going crazy, scratching at them, not like they are having a reaction but like the fleas are running wild. Almost like the flea treatment made them worse!?! I have always used advantage in the past and always had good results. Then we decided to try frontline and it's not at all the same. And from what I can tell, doesn't take care of the problem. I will not waste my money on frontline again!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
After bombing the house, washing the cats and.dogs and.treating them with frontline plus, my kitten began scratching more and fleas were found on my bed after her scratching, is this normal? Also, should we bomb the house again to try to prevent another re-infestation of these torturous creatures, or do they all just eventually die off?
Helpful - 0
215234 tn?1305142961
I've had this happen in the past with Cats, also had it not work as the fleas were immune to that brand, weirdly we moved towns, & fleas in our old Town weren't immune to Frontline, but were Avantage, but here it was the other way around...lol

though thankfully the Vets here recommended a once in a life time Jab,, here in the UK its called Programme, not cheap, but it is when you think about how much you will spend on flea treatments over a life time....... it sterilises any new fleas, so you will only ever get the odd 1 again, We had our old Cat, & now our new one treated in this way, & have recommended it to friends, who like us all think it is brilliant, & none of our Cats have had any side effects
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Took my itchy cat to vet today and yes vet confirmed he had an allergic reaction to the Frontline.  He gave the cat a steroid shot to help him stop itching and some pink antibiotic drops to take by mouth.   He's already way less itchy and it's only been a few hours.  Vet suggested trying Program six month injectable flea control but I am so scared he may react to that!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Well, now I am convinced that one of my 5 cats are having an allergic reaction to the Frontline I applied.  I got home tonight and saw my youngest has scratched his neck area so much he now has broken the skin and has open sores/ulcerations.  I will be giving him a bath first thing in the morning (I can't catch him-he's still like a kitten and plays constantly-not itching now..)
Helpful - 0
996946 tn?1503249112
Ours hasn't arrived yet but we got it from CanaCreek.com.  It was $55.00 for 6 vials, $103 for 12, free shipping.  I'll let y'all know how it does.  I thought that was a great price.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I purchased mine at the vet and will never buy it there again.  $85 for 6 doses!  I was desperate.

OPUS88- it's not a collar, it's a liquid solution applied behind the shoulder/neck area, no flea collar.  My cats don't wear a collar either so the irritation is not due to that....poor babies I will wash them this weekend if it persists..
Helpful - 0
874521 tn?1424116797
I hope someone else will give you a definite answer. How long does it say to leave the collar on?...4 days since you're post I would think thats long enough to have killed any fleas?....
Now perhaps its a reaction to the pesticide on the collar?...check to see if the required time is now over.
Helpful - 0
996946 tn?1503249112
I am just getting ready to apply the first dose of Frontline Plus to our kittens and 4 other cats .  Did you order thru the mail?  My husband ordered ours thru Cana-something? PetMeds and the Vets were all too high and this place we ordered from, a Canadian Co. was way cheaper.  In the past I have always had good luck with Frontline Plus...just hope they haven't changed or weakened the ingredients.  So I'd be interested to know where you got yours.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
So now I see a new problem with Advantage with two of my cats, both of which are first timers for Advantage.  The fleas seem to be gone but the two cats are scratching the heck out of their necks, close to where I applied it.  One scratches so much he is losing a lot of fur and I am starting to see thin areas. The skin iteself looks healthy and fine, whiteish under the fur.  The scratching seems to really happen during the night and not so much at all during the day.  I thouroughly checked them over for fleas and not one found.  Do you think this is an allergic reaction to the Advantage? Should I give them a bath to remove it?  Should I take them to the vet? Not sure what to do but I hate for them to be uncomfortable...
Helpful - 0
228686 tn?1211554707
A mass exodus of fleas is common when applying frontline. DO use a flea bomb on the place; it is best to hit the whole problem all at once.

And never double up on the poisons when treating for fleas. Always wait the recommended time.

If you do use multiple products to close together and see signs of lethargy or excessive salivating it means your pet is suffering from an overdose of pesticides.

Take kitty to the vet in that case, posthaste!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
They seem to be much better today.  I am doing just that, waiting it out...we shall see if the itchy-ness comes tonight at bedtime like it did last night  (they sleep with me.)   Thanks for the advice.
Helpful - 0
242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
No no, don't give kitty anything else.  It's too soon since you just put the Frontline on.  Just wait it out and see.  Hopefully your cats will improve after 24hrs.  Fleas should be dead by then.  
Helpful - 0
1275938 tn?1281195461
I used that on my Gracie ONE time. She was not flea infested and did the same thing. I think the Frontline made her scratch maybe b/c it irratated her skin. My daughter was telling me just the other day about a pill they can take for fleas. I will be checking into it and I'll let you know if you like! My cats a indoor/outdoor cat to.
Helpful - 0
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