Fleas are ectoparasites (external body parasites) that typically cause skin irritation. Flea bites can cause flea-allergy dermatitis, and severe flea infestation causes blood-loss anemia. Fleas can carry infectious agents, including tapeworms, feline hemotropic mycoplasmas, and Bartonella species bacteria (the causative agents of Cat Scratch Fever). Flea bites are itchy and uncomfortable, and some flea species can even bite and infest human beings.

Flea control in pregnant and lactating animals and very young kittens can be challenging. However, good flea treatment and control is still possible with the current arsenal of available products. There are a large number of available topical medications, pills, and sprays that are licensed for use in cats and kittens. Several (Frontline Plus®, Frontline Top Spot®, Revolution®, Program®, and Capstar®) are approved for use in pregnant and lactating female cats.

Most products are restricted to kittens eight weeks of age and older and are not helpful in very young animals. The exceptions are Capstar® (at least four weeks of age and two pounds body weight) and Program® (at least six weeks of age).

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