This episode covers tick prevention in cats, why paralysis ticks are such a serious risk in eastern Australia, and how modern preventatives make protection far easier than in the past. The discussion explores the different product options available, how they work, safety considerations, and how to choose the right prevention for indoor and outdoor cats.
Podcast Summary: Tick Prevention in Cats
- Paralysis ticks are the primary tick danger for cats in Australia, especially along the eastern coastline where bandicoots act as natural hosts.
- Outdoor cats, acreage cats, and suburban cats with yard access are all at risk — ticks can be carried into gardens by wildlife.
- Bravecto and Bravecto Plus provide three-month protection as a topical systemic medication that kills ticks fast enough to prevent paralysis.
- Frontline Spray coats the skin surface rather than acting systemically, but requires full-body spraying and is less convenient than top spots.
- Rinses such as Fido’s Free Itch use natural pyrethrins safe for cats but provide only three days of protection and require frequent wet application.
- Seresto collars now have tick registration for cats, offering long-acting (up to eight months) protection, but collars can be lost or cause entanglement issues.
- Revolution Plus is a monthly topical product covering ticks, fleas, heartworm, intestinal worms, and mites — a simple all-rounder for many cats.
- Never use dog tick or flea products on cats — many contain synthetic pyrethrins that are highly toxic to cats and can cause seizures.
- Tick season peaks in spring and early summer, but ticks occur year-round; prevention should be continuous, not seasonal.
- Most topical preventatives are very safe for cats when used as directed; occasional mild skin reactions can occur at the application site.
- Applying top-spots correctly (high on the neck, where cats can’t lick) and pairing treatment with treats can make application easier.
Jump to a Section
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:00 – 02:15 | Introduction and why paralysis ticks are the major concern for cats. |
| 02:15 – 03:21 | Indoor vs outdoor cats and how wildlife movement increases risk. |
| 03:21 – 04:33 | Bravecto & Bravecto Plus — how they work and what they cover. |
| 04:33 – 05:17 | Frontline Spray — non-systemic action and practical drawbacks. |
| 05:18 – 07:32 | Fido’s rinses — natural pyrethrins, safety, and short duration. |
| 07:32 – 09:35 | Seresto collars — long-acting option, pros and cons for cats. |
| 09:36 – 11:37 | Revolution Plus — monthly spot-on with broad parasite coverage. |
| 11:38 – 13:48 | Tick season myths, year-round risk, and when prevention is essential. |
| 13:48 – 17:48 | Safety of products, toxicity of dog formulations, and application tips. |
| 17:48 – End | Practical advice for making application easier and reinforcing positive associations. |
General advice only. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your cat.