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My cat's flea spot-on failed. Can I use a different flea treatment?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed

Hello, I used a spot on flea treatment on thr cats, it's been a week and it doesn't seem to be working. I have treated the house already. How soon can I use another treatment such as flea shampoo? Is it safe to and should I use another spot on treatment of a different brand?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on October 20th, 2017

It will take at least a month before you see noticeable improvement being as most of the fleas are in the environment. Of course it also depends on what flea product you are using as some work better than others. The fasted products are oral products such as Comfortis. Even with the treatment of the house, it will take a solid 6 months of continuously using a good flea product on all the pets before the fleas will be completely gone. Check with the product specifically, but most topical treatments can be used every 2 weeks. You will need to call the company however to verify that it is safe as they are all different. Flea shampoos will generally wash off your flea product so I don't recommend using one. Also watch out for tapeworms as these are spread by fleas. Best of luck with Tabby!

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    Answered By Anna M., DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sorry to hear about your flea troubles! Treatment takes time, as the medication you applied to the cats (hopefully) kills fleas that contact them, but most fleas are in the environment. So, I’m not surprised you’re still finding fleas a week later. However, not all flea products are created equal and I absolutely recommend getting your flea treatment from a vet, as many over-the-counter options are less effective and less safe. My favorite cat products are Bravecto and Revolution, but your vet may carry other equally good options. Without knowing specifically what products you’ve used, I can’t advise how soon another product can be given, or whether you can/should use something else. The most important detail is to make sure you’re using an effective product from a vet. However, if it’s been a week, the previously applied spot-on treatment should be absorbed and it should be fine to use a flea shampoo now. Just make sure that it’s labeled for cats, as some flea treatments for dogs are dangerous for cats. Finally, I recommend giving a dewormer for tapeworms, which are spread by fleas. Hope this helps!

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