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Cats + Medications & Supplements

  • Famotidine is an antacid given by mouth or into the vein and is commonly used off label to treat gastrointestinal ulcers and acid reflux. Side effects are uncommon but may include a slow heart rate, stomach upset, or dry mouth and skin. Use cautiously in pets that are geriatric or have liver, kidney, or heart disease.

  • Fenbendazole (brand names Panacur®, Safe-Guard®) is a medication used to treat a variety of parasites in dogs. Its use in cats for the treatment of parasites is off label or extra label. Fenbendazole comes as oral granules or as a liquid suspension and is given by mouth. At regular doses, fenbendazole does not usually cause any side effects. Fenbendazole should not be used in puppies younger than six weeks of age or in sick animals.

  • Fipronil is used topically to treat flea, tick, and chewing lice infestations. Side effects are uncommon but may include skin irritation at the application site. Do not use this product on pets less than 8 weeks old, geriatric pets, or sick/weak pets.

  • Fipronil with dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen, topical (brand name Catego® for cats), is a medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older and weighing at least 0.7 kg (1.5 lb). Fipronil with dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen comes in topical, spot-on forms.

  • Fipronil with etofenprox and s-methoprene, topical (brand name Frontline® Tritak for cats), is a medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens 12 weeks of age and older. Avoid use in rabbits and other small mammals.

  • Fipronil with etofenprox, topical (brand names Fiproguard® Max, Pronyl® OTC Max), is a medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens 12 weeks of age and older. Avoid use in rabbits and other small mammals.

  • Fipronil with s-methoprene and pyriproxyfen, topical (brand name Frontline® Gold), is a medication used to treat and control fleas and ticks in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, and to control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older and weighing at least 1.36 kg (3 lb). It may be used to treat sarcoptic mange in dogs and cats, as well as chewing lice in dogs.

  • Fipronil with s-methoprene, topical (brand names Frontline® Plus, PetArmor® Pro Advanced, Fiproguard® Max, Fiprotrol® Plus, others), is a medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, sarcoptic mange mites, and chewing lice in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing more than 2.3 kg (5 lb). It is also used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older. It may be used off-label in other species.

  • Fish oil is an over-the-counter supplement, given by mouth, that is commonly used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are not common but may include vomiting, diarrhea, or a fishy odor. Do not use concurrently with anticoagulant medications. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Fleas are the most common nuisance and parasite affecting cats, and an infestation can lead to serious health problems. Flea control requires a three-pronged approach; they need to be eliminated from 1) your cat, 2) any other cats and dogs that you have, 3) your home and yard. There are many flea control products available and your veterinarian can help you determine which are safest and most effective for your pets.