I accidentally gave my cat a flea treatment yesterday, but she has ticks. Is it safe to give her the correct treatment today?

Hi there! Thanks for reaching out with your question. It's important to be cautious when it comes to administering treatments to your cat, as giving the wrong combination or too close together can sometimes lead to an overdose or adverse reaction.



Most flea treatments are not designed to kill ticks, so I understand why you'd want to correct that. However, before administering a different product, it’s important to give your cat some time to ensure her system handles the initial treatment well without any negative reactions. Typically, it's best to wait at least several days to a week between different topical treatments to avoid overwhelming her system.



In the meantime, you can manually remove any visible ticks using a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to your cat's skin as possible, and pull upward with steady, even pressure. After removal, clean the area with mild soap and water.



Watch your cat for any signs of distress, such as vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy. These could indicate an adverse reaction and would warrant a prompt visit to the vet.



If you're uncertain or if your cat has underlying health issues, it’s wise to book a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet. They can give you personalized advice and ensure your cat is on the best path to being tick-free and healthy!