Shelter Cats Go Social via Kong Campaign Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Undersized Turtles Report: Pet Ownership Up, Spending Down Purina Recalls Vet Diet on Thiamine Deficiency Heska Earnings Drop on Flat Q1 Revenues

Elanco Launches Flea Control Product Just for Cats

Elanco Companion Animal Health has launched Assurity, a topical flea treatment developed specifically for cats. Most other feline flea treatments share canine formulations, according to the Indianapolis-based company.

The active ingredient is spinetoram, registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2007 for use on a variety of fruits and tree nuts. In regards to agricultural use, spinetoram has a lower environmental impact than many current insecticides because both its use rate and toxicity to non-target species are low, according to Elanco.

Assurity is said to be the first flea control product using this active ingredient.

Elanco reported that Assurity kills 98 percent to 100 percent of fleas within 12 hours, killing fleas before they can lay eggs. It is 100 percent effective for a full month, according to the company.

The product, only available through licensed veterinarians, comes in a six-dose package and a single-dose package. One dose treats all sizes of cats and kittens, eight weeks of age and older, according to Elanco.

“To reinforce dispensing within the context of a valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship, all boxes and cartons of Assurity contain a unique product tracking code,” said Steve Connell, DVM, director of technical, academic and consumer services for Companion Animal Health at Elanco. “This code helps ensure product quality and integrity.”

Elanco encourages pet owners to always read, understand and follow label and use directions.

 Give us your opinion on
Elanco Launches Flea Control Product Just for Cats

Industry Professional Site: Comments from non-industry professionals will be removed.

Hair loss even though we tried to wash it off with Dawn as soon as we saw a bald spot...it didn't help and more came out. About the size of an elongated fifty cent piece. Cat was sick for three days. I think it must be absolutely centered on a part of the neck/back where the cat cannot reach to clean it. The cat is in good health and 10 years old, 9 lbs; we have used flea prevention and never before had hair loss on products ie. Advantage for cats. While we were in the office, another lady came with pictures of her cat with hair loss the size of a playing card or phone. The vet office said that is was "very unusual"; Since we had gone their particularly to request Assurity (since we successfuly used the other product on our dog) and BECAUSE it is offered "only through vets", we went ahead and had the office put Assurity on our cat. Within 1-1/2 days the hair fell out, we tried to wash it off but to no avail. The cat would not eat for 3 days. The cat seems to be doing okay now (of course living with the bald spot) but since it is effective for 30 days and the cat is on the furniture and bed with us, could this strong substance hurt our own skin?? This is disturbing. Did this product come to market without testing? Did the FDA approve it to market without testing? Maggie, Clearwater, FL Posted: 4/23/2012 1:07:12 PM OK....just heard from Elanco. They said it would take about 21 to 28 days for the hair to grow back. They have gotten lots of complaints, but we were told that it happened more on the second dose. I won't be using it again on my Mister Boots. Charley, Augusta, GA Posted: 4/2/2012 9:07:12 AM My cat has a bald spot where I applied the medicine a few days ago. Does anyone know if the hair ever grows back? This is really sad. Charley, Augusta, GA Posted: 4/1/2012 7:02:27 AM For Judy of Ellenton, Fla.: Call your veterinarian and tell him/her about your cat's hair loss after using the product. Your vet may want to talk to the manufacturer and report the incident. Often, the manufacturer can suggest recourse. Not every product works for every animal. --the editors Marilyn, Irvine, CA Posted: 1/20/2012 3:03:05 PM