Last Updated: 4 months ago
Are you looking for a complete guide to the best flea wipes for cats? Wondering if these wipes are even a good thing to purchase?
We’ve got you covered on both counts! Read on for tips on using flea wipes, plus the best options to buy.
Flea Wipes for Cats Explained
When it comes to owning pets, dogs, or cats alike, pesky critters like fleas can sometimes be an inevitability.
Not only is this an uncomfortable situation for your cat, but it is also extremely inconvenient for you as well.
You don’t want to worry about fleas getting around inside your house and making a new home for themselves, do you?
That is why you can find an overwhelming amount of flea treatments online when it is time to find a solution for the itchy pests plaguing your cat.
From our perspective, sometimes it is best to get ahead of situations rather than find yourself scrambling for one.
There are some flea wipes on the market that will be able to combat the pests when they come, and they also make great repellant.
Just like with any product, you can be sure to find a sea of options, and you may feel confused by all the options. But don’t worry.
This is why we decided to amass a list of the most revered flea wipes on the market so we can make the process of finding a flea repellent brand go by easier and faster.
Do I Need Flea Wipes?
In terms of pet products, this may not be essential in everyone’s home.
For those who don’t really expose their cat to the outdoors or other people, fleas may not be a huge concern or a consistent one.
But given the price point that flea wipes lie at, we believe that they can be extremely helpful to have on hand.
To answer the essential question, do you need flea wipes?
We believe yes, because having an emergency kit for your cat is always a good idea. What is an emergency kit without some form of flea repellant and solution?
With cheap prices all around, you can be assured that you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
How to Choose the Best Flea Wipes
To assure that you choose the best flea wipe for your furry friend, there aren’t many criteria to look out for.
Meaning it will be a quick research process!
Obviously, any product that comes with a veterinarian’s recommendation is a very good sign. It means that you can be assured that the product will be effective and reliable.
It is also good to read the reviews to double down on the effectiveness of the flea wipes.
There are some products where wiping your pet down can kill the fleas and come off your pet onto the wipe.
Other things to consider are the amount of wipes given per package, the use of organic ingredients as opposed to toxic chemicals, and the amount of wipes you utilize per use.
FAQs
Do Flea Wipes Work?
Yes, they do, but with caveats. While wiping down your pet with wipes can kill fleas quickly, wipes alone won’t be enough to completely get rid of the problem.
These wipes utilize the natural ingredients of clove extract and peppermint oil to stun and kill the fleas or ticks on contact. However, they won’t prevent new fleas from hopping a ride on your cat.
How to Use Flea Wipes?
Not to worry; it is a fairly easy process. Just use one wipe to wipe down your cat or dog thoroughly, coating their entire body and making sure they’re damp enough. Be sure to avoid their eyes, mouth, and genitals.
The peppermint oil used on the wipes is effective against fleas but toxic to cats in large doses. Also, because of this, be sure to stop them grooming themselves until their coat is entirely dry.
If the process needs to be repeated, wait between 2 and 4 hours before going through it again. You can also use flea wipes on hard surfaces and different pieces of furniture to further ensure that these pesky critters aren’t taking root in your home.
Do Flea Wipes Work For Cats With Sensitive Skin?
Flea wipes that utilize natural ingredients are perfect for pets with sensitive skin. The use of non-toxic elements helps to combat irritation that may occur when using a product that uses chemical-based ingredients.
Because of its application, it generates a gentler reaction than more aggressive applications of topical flea treatments such as sprays and ointments. Plus, the soft quality of the wipes helps to soothe your cat rather than disturb them.
The smell is something to be concerned about. Some products may only be available with very strong scents that could leave people either reeling or pleasantly surprised. Just make sure the wipes you choose don’t contain smells that cats really hate.
How Many Wipes Should I Use at a Time?
You only need to use one at a time when applying the treatment. If more than one wipe needs to be used, then wait 2-4 hours before treating your pet again with another wipe down.
There are some wipes that advise you to wait 1-3 days instead of hours due to the intensity of their formulas. The wipes effective abilities only make you need one, but the possibility of needing more is accounted for.
Keep in mind that pets with longer hair and wipes that utilize natural ingredients may require more than one wipe. Plus, the wipes come in packs of 50 or more, so there is a lot of longevity with these flea wipe packs for any future encounters with fleas or ticks.
How to Keep Wipes From Drying Out?
To keep the wipes from drying out, it is as easy as making sure you keep the containers of packaging closed when you are not drawing a wipe from them. Be sure to do this every time you draw a wipe to ensure that the moisture stays trapped inside.
Leaving it out or open may result in drier wipes. If this does happen, you can revitalize it with water. The wipe’s ability and effectiveness may be in question, but it is a way to make them usable.
You can also do this if, by the off chance, you buy a pack of wipes that come dry due to a manufacturing error. Keep it stored in a cool, dry area that is safe and inaccessible to children.
Do You Need to Rinse Off Flea Wipes?
Flea wipes are disposable, do not need any further moisture, and are not intended for reuse. This is why they come in packs, so that the opportunity to use more or use some in the future is always there.
Also, a reusable flea wipe sounds interesting, but it’s not very hygienic or possible with today’s cleaning technology. We have seen cases where people have re-used their wipes for multiple uses, but we decidedly advise against it.
If it’s a good flea wipe, you should be able to see the effects and, therefore, make the need for multiple uses non-existent.
Can Flea Wipes Be Used With Other Flea Treatments?
It is not advisable to combine topical flea treatments, considering some treatments may not produce immediate results. Also, the effects of combining treatments with different chemical or natural ingredients may be more irritating to the skin than expected.
It is better to stick with one topical treatment and then wait to see the results before jumping onto a new treatment. However, you can likely use a flea wipe with a preventative medication. Just ask your vet first.
Using the flea wipes as a repellent rather than a treatment still raises the same question. As long as nothing is being combined that is wet, then everything should be okay. Wait till the moisture left by the wipes is dry before trying something else, if you must. This is just to ensure the comfortability and safety of your pet.
Best Flea Wipes On the Market
Are you ready to take a look at some of my top picks for the best flea wipes for cats?
Use the table below for a quick look, then read on for more details.
1. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Wipes
- FLEA WIPES FOR DOGS & CATS: Say goodbye to flea and tick infestations...
- CERTIFIED NATURAL: Made with certified natural ingredients like...
- EASE OF USE: Our flea and tick wipes for dogs and cats provide for...
The Vet’s Best wipes are vet-recommended for cats and dogs over 12 weeks old. This is probably due to the natural ingredient of peppermint oil utilized in these wipes.
Peppermint oil is toxic for cats, and it will take extra care to make sure they don’t groom themselves right after treatment.
As for the effectiveness of the treatment, you can be assured that this is a guaranteed flea killer.
This brand has many flea treatment products that all utilize the same formula, so working with the other products will provide great results!
Be sure to treat your environment as well, or else these wipes might as well be a temporary fix for the moment.
Pros
- Kills fleas, ticks, and eggs by contact
- Manufactured from natural and plant-based ingredients
- Multi-use for pets and furniture
Cons
- Natural products tend to be needed more frequently
- Peppermint oil is toxic for cats, so vigilance will be required to prevent your cats from grooming right after you treat them
2. Only Natural Pet EasyDefense
- FLEA & TICK PREVENTION - Easy Defense Tickless Flea & Tick Tag offers...
- LONG-LASTING PROTECTION - With a simple and hassle-free attachment to...
- PURE AND PET-SAFE APPROACH - Our innovative flea tag is a testament to...
Keeping true to its namesake, Only Natural Pet’s wipes utilize only natural ingredients whilst manufacturing a product that is biodegradable and therefore environmentally friendly.
This is a really nice feature to coincide the use of natural products, keeping your pet safe from toxic chemicals whilst keeping the environment safe.
The smell has been reported to be very strong, so for sensitive noses this may be a deal breaker.
Plus, given the natural ingredients and dogs with longer hair, more wipes will be needed.
Pros
- Manufactured with natural and plant-based ingredients
- Biodegradable wipes factoring in environmental waste
- Safe for daily and repeated use
Cons
- Very strong smell that may bother the cats or people with sensitive noses
- Longer haired dogs require more wipes
Conclusion
Flea wipes can be an easy and effective way to combat the amount of fleas and ticks your pets may accumulate.
They’re simple to use and store, the only thing that may be stressful is making sure you follow the safety guidelines as best as you can.
This means coating your pet thoroughly and then distracting them until their coat dries before they try to groom themselves.
It may sound tedious, but it is all to ensure that your cat stays safe from the ingredients that are used.
Keeping these wipes on hand may help you out whenever the situation arises or even just being diligent anytime you and your cat venture outdoors.
At the end of the day, flea wipes can be an effective tool to use against the inevitable battle against fleas, ticks, or their eggs and the havoc they wreak on your pet.
However, they’re not an alternative to actual flea and tick preventatives. Have you used any of these flea wipes for cats? Share your thoughts below.
Resources:
Dr. Linda Simon MVB MRCVS is a locum veterinary surgeon who has worked in London for the past 8 years. She graduated top of her class in small animal medicine from UCD, Dublin. She is currently a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Linda is the resident vet for Woman magazine and a frequent contributor to People’s Friend Magazine, the Dogzone website, Vet Help Direct and Wag! Linda also writes content for the CVS veterinary group, Vetwriter and a number of other establishments.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
