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How to treat fleas and mites on cats and rats without a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | unneutered | 8 months and 4 days old | 1lb

Hello! I have been trying to rid my house of fleas as quickly as possible because my 12 year old cat Junior has Flea Bite Dermatitis. Enzo and my other rat Butters I believe have fleas and maybe even mites.. I don't have money to brings them to the vet because I am 18 and just graduated trying to find a job. I heard Revolution for kittens/cats works for fleas but I need a prescription for it and on sites without prescription is a little more expensive. What do you recommend for my fur babies?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 10th, 2017

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Medications such as Revolution are safe for rats for fleas and mites, however the dosing is important as they require less then cats/dogs, and the medication is formulated in packing for dogs/cats. It is important to know the weight of Butters and Lorenzo in order to treat them appropriately. I would recommend calling your vet where you have your cat seen and asking them about dosing for your rats, and see if they would be willing to recommend a dose without seeing Butters and Lorenzo, as they have a relationship with you with your cat. Getting a prescription from a vet without the vet having seen your animal is illegal, and therefore only if you have a good relationship with your vet, will they possibly help you out with this, if they know you and your cat otherwise. If this isn't possible you can try picking the fleas of Butters and Lorenzo, however this won't work for the mites. This will mean you need to save up and bring them to the vet, which is the recommended action. Best of luck with them!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 20th, 2017

    Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There are products in the U.S. that you can get 'over the counter' at pet stores that are safe and effective. Revolution is a good product that is safe for rats. There is a kitten dose that is mauve coloured (ask for the lowest dose possible from the pet store), and split that dose between your two rats. You will need to do this once a month for at least 3 doses. Sometimes you will need to use this at 2 week intervals, however this should only be done under supervision of a vet. Best of luck with Butters and Lorenzo. Also, getting them neutered if they aren't is a good idea, as some of the scabs could be due to fighting and not fleas. You may have to separate them.

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