Frontline is the brand name for fipronil, which kills fleas, ticks and the mite known affectionately as walking dandruff. According to Merial, the manufacturer, the monthly topical form of Frontline and the spray form should not be used on kittens less than eight weeks old, on pregnant, nursing cats or cats with special needs. But for most cats and kittens over two months old, the spray will be fine.
Fipronil can react badly with some other medications. Before using Frontline spray on cats or kittens, please contact a vet.
Application for Cats
Before applying Frontline spray, first weigh the cat. Place on surgical gloves, latex gloves or welder’s gloves if possible. Stand the cat up, if possible, so that the head is facing away from you. Ruffle the cat’s fur and then give one pump of the spray for every pound the cat weighs. Spray the cat’s back and legs, but not the head or under the tail. Rub the Frontline spray into the fur. Wash your hands when you are done, even if you have worn gloves.
According to Merial, you can use up to three pumps of the spray for long-haired cats. This is a lot of spray to put on the cat and it may not be evenly distributed over the body, no matter how much precautions you take.
Application for Kittens
Kittens need to be at least eight weeks old in order to tolerate Frontline spray for cats. Each kitten will only need one spray on the back. Gently rub the Frontline spray into the fur. Be sure to supervise the kittens and the nursing mother cat for a day after spraying to be sure they are not suffering any bad side effects.
Originally, when Frontline first came on the market, Merial reported that Frontline spray (but not the topical) was safe for nursing cats, pregnant cats and kittens as young as two days old. After numerous complaints from consumers and from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the FDA recommended to Merial that they should change their recommendations about using Frontline spray on rabbits and kittens. Merial complied in August of 2000, but cat care books published before then will claim that Frontline Spray for cats is safe for kittens, pregnant and nursing cats.
Time Frame
Do not bathe the cat or kitten 48 before or after using Frontline. Do not use more than once a month or the animal risks getting overexposed to the drug. The cat or kitten may look wet from the spray for up to 24 hours after being sprayed. The cat and kitten will have to be treated again in one or two months in order to kill off any fleas that may have hatched.
Additional References:
The Pill Book Guide to Medications for Your Dog and Cat.” Kate A.W. Roby, VMD, et al. Bantam Books; 2008.
Merial. “Frontline FAQ.” http://frontline.us.merial.com/hlp_faq.asp
US Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. “Fipronil – Review of Incidence Reports of Three Products.” Jan. 24, 2000. http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/chemical/foia/cleared-reviews/reviews/129121/129121-137.pdf
Pet Education. “Fipronil (Frontline Top Spot).” http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=0+1303+1463&aid;=1419
