Currently, pipettes for cats are a product widely used by caregivers and are often part of routine deworming protocols. Its easy application, its effectiveness, its broad spectrum of use and its safety are the pillars on which its success is based.
But if you have doubts about their use, in this article on our site we explain the characteristics of pipettes for cats, how they work, dosage and side effectsand we review some of the best known.
How do cat pipettes work?
Pipettes are plastic containers that contain a liquid inside that can act against different parasites. They are single-dose and have an elongated applicator that breaks to put the product on the animal, directly on top of its skin. From the point of application it is distributed to the rest of the body subcutaneously, creating a protection barrieragainst some external parasites and eliminating those found on the animal.
Other pipettes also act against internal parasites, but in these cases there is no preventive effect. The product reaches the blood and tissues, from where it comes into contact with the parasites and kills all those that are infesting the cat at that moment. Regardless of whether we apply the pipette for internal or external parasites or both, it can be found in various formats depending on the weight of the cat.
How often to pipette a cat?
For cat pipettes to be effective, it is important that we follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding their application. But, how often should we deworm a cat? There is no single answer, because the duration of the pipette will vary depending on the brand that we use.
Thus, we can find pipettes that maintain their effectiveness for four weeks, while others can reach twelve. The veterinary will tell us the duration of the one he prescribes. In any case, these dates are indicative, since factors such as the number of parasites in the medium must also be taken into account, which sometimes makes it necessary to apply the pipette more frequently.
How to put a pipette on a cat?
Cat pipettes are very easy to apply. We can take advantage of a moment when the cat is resting or, for the more moved or if it is the first time, we can ask for someone to help us hold it It is very effective to wrap the cat in a towel or blanket, leaving the head uncovered. Putting a pipette does not hurt, but for some cats the smell can be unpleasant and we can see that they shake their heads or drool.
Before holding the cat we have to have the pipette ready, removing it from the container and breaking the application area. We should always put it where the cat cannot reach it with its tongue. It is common to try to clean it and, if you manage to contact the product, you could also hypersalivize. Therefore, the best application area is located on the top of the head, in the center, between the ears or a little lower, without reaching to the neck because the cat could access it there.
It is important that part the hair well and put the product directly on the skin and, as long as it does not dry, we should not caress the cat in that area so as not to remove it. After drying, the hair around it may be stained like white powder, but it disappears in a short time. In general, it is recommended not to wet the cat a couple of days before or a couple of days after so that the product can spread without problems, although it depends on each pipette.
Side effects of pipettes for cats
In general, pipettes are very safe and usually do not cause more problems than a transient hypersalivation in some cats or asmall loss of hair in the area of application. The problem appears when the cat manages to ingest a considerable amount, we apply more product than corresponds to its weight, that is, we overdose or, above all, we use a pipette not suitable for cats.
To avoid frights it is important that we only use the pipettes recommended by the veterinarian and in the appropriate dose. We must be especially careful with pipettes for dogs because they may contain active ingredients that are toxic to cats whether they are put on them or if they come into contact with a dog to which we have just applied them.
The most common signs of pipette poisoning are those that affect the nervous system. The cat will present uncoordinated movements, hypersalivation, dilated pupils, but may also vomit. In any case, try to clean the pipette and immediately go to the vet
In addition, care must be taken with pipettes for baby cats, since the use of pipettes for kittens under 6-8 weeks and about 0.6-2 kg in weight is not recommended, depending on the brand. To deworm these little ones there are safe products, such as sprays or syrups for external and internal parasites, respectively.
Pipettes for cats to deworm internally and externally
There are some products to deworm cats that we can find in practically any veterinary clinic. Below we will mention some of the most common pipettes as an example:
- Frontline cat pipettes: These pipettes act on fleas, ticks and lice and maintain their effect for about four weeks. There is a combo version of the product that also prevents the development of flea eggs and larvae, better controlling possible infestations, since most of the fleas are not on the animal, but develop in the environment.
- Stronghold Cat Pipettes: This pipette fights fleas, heartworms, sarcoptic mange, ear mites and intestinal roundworms. Monthly administration is recommended.
- Broadline pipettes for cats: against cestodes, nematodes and external parasites, its application is recommended when the cat suffers from a double infestation, it is say, by internal and external parasites, or are at risk of contracting it. It is applied once a month.
These are some of the best pipettes for cats. The veterinarian will help us choose the most suitable for the characteristics and living conditions of our dog.
Types of pipettes for cats
As we have seen so far, there are pipettes for cats for internal and external deworming and, also, with an effect on both the animal and in front of their eggs. These pipettes are the ones that we can find in veterinary clinics or specialized establishments, but there are other types of pipettes, which we could call natural, which can also be used to apply to cats.
The problem is that its effect is only repellent of external parasites and is usually much less durable than that of the pipettes we have talked about. They also won't act on the eggs. If you are interested in this option, you can read our article How to make a homemade pipette for cats. In any case, even if it is a natural product, to avoid poisoning or adverse effects, you should also consult your veterinarian before applying it.
Pipettes for cats: price
Pipettes are usually sold in boxes of 3, 4 or 6 units, but in veterinary centers they can be sold by single units. The price of the boxes, depending on their size, ranges between 13 and 40 euros Individual pipettes can be found from 3 to 10 euros
