Program Flea Control
for Healthy Cats

"This insecticide is a very
effective way to get rid of fleas."

How Does it Work?

The active ingredient in Program Flea Control is an "insect development inhibitor," or IDI, called lufenuron. It works by inhibiting the development of flea eggs laid by adult female fleas.

This is a very effective long-term flea control method, as it interrupts the flea life cycle and prevents flea infestations. Unfortunately, this means that the flea must first bite your cat before the IDI gets into the flea's system and works! 

How Long Does it Take to Work?

It takes about 21 days for the lufenuron in your cat's blood level to be high enough to start killing fleas. You may continue to see fleas for 30 to 60 days beyond your cat or kitten's first dosage of Program Flea Control. 

If you already have a flea infestation, you'll need to take other flea control steps to get rid of the existing adult fleas. This is particularly important if your cat suffers from flea allergies. 

You can reduce the number of adult fleas with natural flea control methods, such as flea combing your cat and washing all areas where fleas may be. You may also want to use an adult flea insecticide until you eliminate the flea infestation and the Program starts to take effect.

Preventative Flea Medication

Program is best used as a preventative measure against fleas on your cat. Start using it before flea season in your area to prevent flea infestations.

Ways to Administer Program Flea Control

This flea medication can be given to your cat either orally or by injection. If injected, Program will last for six months. 

It can be given orally to your cat or kitten in tablet or liquid form with food. If you use the tablets or liquid, you must do this every month with a regular meal. Watch your cat carefully to make sure that she ingests the whole dosage. You can break up the tablet if it makes it easier for your cat to consume the whole thing.

The dosage will depend on your cat or kitten's weight. Read the manufacturer's instructions to make sure you give your cat the right dosage.

If you are giving Program to more than one cat, dose them separately to make sure that they all get the proper amount.

Precautions

Because Program Flea Control for cats does not kill adult fleas, it's important to treat all the animals in your house to prevent flea infestations. You may also need to use a flea insecticide to kill the adult fleas in your home until the Program has had time to interrupt the flea life cycle.

Killing the adult fleas as quickly as possible may be particularly important if you have kittens (to prevent anemia) or if your cat suffers from flea allergies (caused by the saliva from a flea bite). Plus, fleas carry tapeworm, so you want to get them away from your cat as soon as possible. 

Program can be used in kittens six weeks and older. If you have dogs in  your home, be sure to give them Program made specifically for dogs.

Side Effects

The following adverse reactions have been reported in cats after taking Program Flea Control:

  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Depression
  • Lethargy
  • Hyperactivity
  • Labored breathing
  • Itchy skin
  • Skin rash

If any of these symptoms occur, it's best to discontinue use and consult with your veterinarian.

No Prescription Required

Program is now available without a prescription. You can buy Program directly from many pet supplies stores and online.


Top Recommendation for Flea Medicine Online


For transparency and disclosure, you should assume that all links on this page are affiliate links and that I do receive a commission if you click through and make a qualifying purchase.

That said, please note that I only recommend products that I believe in.


Amazon carries this medication as well as all other popular conventional flea control meds. Make sure you choose the right size for your kitty's weight.

Only Natural Pet Store is my#1 recommendation for natural flea control products. If you decide to go natural, this is the place to go.

Didn't find what you were looking for?
Use the Search Box to find more feline info.

Top of page

All About Flea Control

From Program Flea Control to My Healthy Cat home

Share this page:
Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

If you suspect your cat is ill, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
The material presented in this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to replace your veterinarian's advice.
Copyright 2003-2023 © www.myhealthycat.com

SitemapContact Us | About UsDisclosure | Privacy Policy