Flea control for Persians

Question
Good Morning:
I have 3 Persian cats.They are indoors 100% of the time but managed to get fleas anyway. The Vet has has given me a monthly flea control product called "Frontline", I have also used "Advantage". Both products have made one of the cats very sick with each application so I resorted to combing her out each day. I find 5-10 fleas on her each day anyway. I'm worried, since she's getting old.
Is there another product I can try that will help resolve the problem? Also is there a food,herb, etc. that she can eat that will help repel the fleas?
Hope you can help!
Thank you
Jim
PS please send reponse to JVMESH@aol.com

Answer
Jim--
Many apologies for the length of time it has taken me to answer your question. It required a bit of research and I don't have a lot of spare time at this time of year!! However, I think I have some info that may help.

You don't say whether you were using external products or not -- I understand that both Frontline and Advantage are available as both oral or "spot-on" products. I personally am afraid of spot-on products as I have heard of sensitivities to them such as you encountered. But I have had great results with a combination of the following treatments:

1) Bathe cat with a gentle flea shampoo that is safe for feline use. You can find some at www.revivalanimal.com. Call them and ask about the products, they are great over the phone.

2) Administer an oral product that will inhibit the growth of new fleas. I have used Program several times without a problem and know a number of catteries that use it regularly. If you can't get it from your vet, you can probably buy it online. However, since your cat has gotten sick before, you are probably better getting any treatment products directly from your vet; that way he has some responsibility!

3) Keep combing daily to remove fleas, as you are doing.

4) Add garlic and brewer's yeast to your cat's diet. These create an unpleasant skin odor for fleas, but are unnoticable to humans. Use 25 milligrams of yeast per ten pounds of body weight added to moist food (this will avoid intestinal gas) in spring and summer.

In addition, here are two herbal remedies I have found -- I have not personally tried these so I don't know how effective they are but I don't think they could possibly cause any harm to your cat.

Rub ground cloves, eucalyptus oil, or strong wormwood tea into fur.

Try citrus oil, available at health food stores or make your own by boiling 4 cut lemons in just enough water to cover them. Simmer for 45 minutes, cool and strain. Then apply to fur while brushing to help oil penetrate to skin. Dry and rebrush.

I hope this helps and happy holidays!

iris