If you’re the pet parent of a cat, you might assume that cats don’t get fleas because they don’t spend as much time outside.
Unfortunately, that’s not true, and that assumption can be dangerous. Any pet can get fleas, and it’s important to ensure that your cat is on a preventative flea and tick medication.
Fleas and ticks not only cause uncomfortable sensations like itching and inflammation, but also pose serious health risks to both pets and humans. Plus, if these pests are not caught and treated early, they can cause a full blown infestation in your home—and no one is itching for that situation.
Thankfully, there are medications that not only prevent and treat fleas and ticks, but also minimize the likelihood of a flea infestation.
There are a wide range of options on the market, from over-the-counter topical treatments to prescription chewables. It might be hard to choose which flea medication is best for your cat, and a veterinarian can help you do that.
One of the top recommended flea and tick prescription medications for cats is Credelio.
How does Credelio work?
To put it simply, Credelio CAT kills adult fleas and ticks on cats.
However, the spectrum of action for this medication is quite significant. Credelio also serves as treatment for flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and tick infestations (Amblyomma americanum [lone star tick], Dermacentor variabilis [American dog tick], Dermacentor reticulatus, Ixodes scapularis [black-legged tick], Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes holocyclus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus [brown dog tick]. It's also labeled for prevention of transmission of Babesia canis in dogs and as an extralabel treatment option for demodicosis.
This vet-backed flea and tick chewable is given once a month and provides protection for a full month. A veterinarian will choose the right Credelio product for your cat based on their weight. In order for Credelio to be most effective, it should be given with food.
Credelio Chewable Tablets for Cats, 2-4 lbs, (Purple Box)$30
If you qualify for Pawp prescriptions, you can get your pet’s monthly flea & tick Rx for $30/mo. plus 24/7 on-demand vet care.
Credelio Chewable Tablets for Cats, 4.1-17 lbs, (Teal Box)$30
If you qualify for Pawp prescriptions, you can get your pet’s monthly flea & tick Rx for $30/mo. plus 24/7 on-demand vet care.
Can you get Credelio without a prescription?
Credelio cannot be obtained without a prescription from a veterinarian.
While there are plenty of non-prescription flea and tick medications, in some cases, these can be less effective and not as safe. It's best to get a recommendation from a veterinarian.
"In addition to helping you avoid the dangerous and ineffective OTC products, getting recommendations from a veterinary professional has many other benefits," explains Dr. Jo Myers, DVM. "By working with your vet, you'll be able to get something that is safe and effective, but also be provided with the information you need to use it correctly in order to get the best results. It's also the best way to make sure you're making the best choice for your pet's unique health status and environment. "
How to get a prescription for Credelio online
If you’re looking to get a prescription for Credelio ASAP to get ahead of flea and tick season, it can be frustrating if your vet is booked up and you’re unable to get a prescription.
Fortunately, Pawp members in qualified states including New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Michigan, can get a prescription for Credelio online through our Pawp Pharmacy, a pharmacy of Rx, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Pawp members may purchase OTC products and supplements on their own, but they'll need a valid prescription from a veterinarian for Rx medication.
All you have to do is log in to Pawp and begin a chat with our vet team. If you live in one of the four qualified states and one of our vets recommends Credelio for your cat, they can write a prescription online and your cat’s medication should arrive within days.
Pawp members can also fill prescriptions they already have from a different vet at the Pawp Pharmacy.
If you're looking for teletriage or teleadvice, our Vet Pros are available 24/7 via text or video chat.
How to give your cat Credelio
In most cases, Credelio should be given to your cat orally once a month—with food—at the minimum dosage of 2.7 mg/lb (6 mg/kg). Your vet will determine if your cat needs a different dose or treatment schedule.
Make sure your cat consumes the entire tablet. If any of the medication is lost, or if your cat vomits within two hours of consumption, administer another full dose.
If you miss a monthly dose, give your cat Credelio right away and then resume on a monthly basis.
It's also important to note that Credelio should not be given to kittens younger than 8 weeks of age or cats weighing less than two pounds.
You can begin giving your cat Credelio at any time of the year, and if you live in an area where fleas are common year-round, you should continue the treatment throughout the entire year without interruption.
Make sure you store Credelio at 15-25°C (59-77°F), excursions permitted between 5 to 40°C (41 to 104°F).
Potential side effects of Credelio
Safety studies in cats show the incidence of adverse effects of Credelio to be very, very low when administered as directed. Reported adverse effects included weight loss (2.2%), rapid breathing (1.3%), vomiting (1.3%), diarrhea (0.9%), and elevated blood chemistry values for some kidney and liver analytes in a small number of geriatric cats. These elevated levels returned to normal by the end of the study.
If your cat has an adverse reaction to Credelio, follow up with a veterinarian and they can provide the best course of action.
Get an online prescription for Credelio
Talk to our vet team to understand if an online Credelio prescription is available in your state and right for your cat.