Fleas are challenging for all cat owners.
To get rid of them completely can sometimes seem like an impossible task.
The treatments available in dealing with this issue are a lot and differ in their results.
Choosing one can be overwhelming, that’s why I’ve compiled the 5 best cat flea treatments.
I’ve chosen different kinds of treatments so you can pick the most convenient one for you and your cat.
Table of Contents
1. Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention – Best for Small Cats
Bayer’s flea prevention is among the most effective topical treatments. It kills through contact without the need for fleas to bite your cat to die. The treatment kills adult fleas, flea larvae, and flea eggs to break the life cycle of the insect.
What makes it convenient is being easy to use. You simply apply it on the back of your cat’s neck, at the base of the skull. The treatment can be used with small cats of 8 weeks and older that weigh from 5 to 9 pounds.
These pre-measured tubes start working after 12 hours and provide 30-day protection. They have no fragrance and get water-resistant after 24 hours. All you need is to apply them once-a-month.
Pros
- Kills through contact
- Doesn’t have a fragrance
- Lasts for 30 days
Cons
- Not applicable for large cats
- Veterinarian recommended monthly flea treatment for cats
- Odorless
- Kills through contact; No biting required
- Easy to apply flea prevention for cats
- Starts working within 12 hours, keeps working for 30 days
2. Cheristin for Cats Topical Flea Prevention – Works Fastest
This is another treatment recommended by vets without the need of a prescription. The Cheristin topical treatment is fast-acting and starts killing fleas in 30 minutes. It kills around 98% of your flea in 12 hours.
The applicator is designed with a rounded top that’s gentle on your cat while applying it. All you have to do is to press the cap of the applicator until it clicks then apply it to the base of your cat’s neck.
This treatment isn’t greasy or messy and dries within a day or two with no fragrance. It’s effective for 6 weeks. However, a monthly application is recommended by the manufacturer.
You can use it with 8-week old cats or older and cats of 1.8 pounds or greater.
Pros
- Stays effective for 6 weeks
- Starts killing in 30 minutes
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some cats can be allergic to the treatment
- Topical flea treatment and prevention designed just for cats
- Long-lasting treatment protects against fleas through 6 weeks
- One-size-fits-all for all cats and kittens over 1.8 lbs and 8 weeks old
- Twist-to-use applicator for clean, easy application
- Starts killing fleas in only 30 minutes and kills 98-100% of fleas in 12 hours in a controlled study
3. Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats – Best Flea Collar
Using flea collars has also proven to get rid of fleas among many cats’ owners. Seresto’s is an easy-to-use prevention collar with a ratchet-release mechanism. It has low concentration and gets distributed over your cat’s coat and skin
The collar kills through contact without the need for fleas to bite your cat in order to die. It starts getting effective within 24 hours. Moreover, it provides 8 months of continuous release and prevention. You can use it on cats 10 weeks of age or older.
Though an odorless and non-greasy method, your cat can take time to get used to the collar feeling on its neck. It’s also crucial to watch your cat carefully the first couple of days to make sure there are no allergic reactions or irritation.
Pros
- Odorless
- Lasts for 8 months
- Fast-acting
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Not suitable for cats less than 10 weeks old
- Vet-recommended, premium flea & tick protection for cats & kittens without the price tag
- Long-lasting flea collar kills & repels fleas for 8 continuous months
- Seresto is the #1 selling non-prescription flea & tick brand, stocked by 8,000 vet clinics (Elanco Animal Health, data on file)
- Starts working within 24 hours to kill & repel fleas by contact so pests don’t have to bite your cat to die
- Hassle-free, non-greasy, easy-to-use flea & tick protection
4. Safari Flea and Tick Prevention Comb – Best Flea Comb
Combing your cat’s hair is another effective method to get rid of fleas. It can help you detect fleas and ticks early before they grow in number. It can also help you identify dry flaky skin.
This Safari comb is compatible with long-haired and short-haired cats. It has rounded smooth right-spaced teeth to catch the little fleas. Yet, you have to remove any tangles and mats from your cat’s hair before using the comb not to break it.
To kill the fleas you will need to dip the comb in hot water mixed with a mild detergent such as dish soap. Then start combing your cat carefully but deeply to reach for fleas. Both fleas and debris will stick to the comb’s teeth then you will kill them by dipping the comb again in the water.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Effective
- Safer than chemical treatments
Cons
- Time-consuming
- Takes lots of effort
- Dog Flea Prevention: Double row dog flea combs help find fleas early to prevent further infestation
- Healthy Dog Coat: Metal dog comb identifies flaky, dry dog skin to help reduce skin irritation
- Owner-Friendly Dog Flea Comb: This flea brush is contoured to fit in your palm for better control
- Easy-to-Use Dog Comb: The perfect comb for outdoor dogs with short and long hair during flea season
- Coastal Pet Cares: We design and deliver quality products that people trust for the pets they love
5. Bayer Advantage Shampoo Flea and Tick Treatment – Best Flea Shampoo
The shampoo you use to wash your cat can also help solve your flea treatment. As part of their flea control program, Bayer Animal Health offers this treatment shampoo. The shampoo is made to kill both fleas and ticks for cats over 12 weeks.
When washing your cat use warm water and apply as much shampoo needed to cover your cat’s hair. Gradually lather every part and leave it for about 5 minutes before you wash thoroughly. Notice however that it won’t lather much like regular shampoos.
However, the shampoo doesn’t have a favorable scent so you may need to apply your regular one later. Furthermore, it would be more effective to use a comb to get the shampoo deep into the hair. You can also use it again after a week to get rid of the fleas and any debris completely.
Pros
- Works fast
- Kills flea and ticks
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Not enough treatment on its own
- Kills fleas and ticks on contact
- Unscented shampoo for fragrance-sensitive pets or owners
- Cleans and conditions your cat’s coat
- For use on cats and kittens more than 12 weeks old.
- As part of a complete flea control program, treat your pets, your home and your yard with appropriate products
Choosing The Right Cat Flea Treatment
There are different types of treatments available when it comes to fleas.
However, you should make sure that the one you choose is suitable for your cat’s needs and safety.
Your Cat’s Needs
You always need to make sure that the treatment you’re using is suitable for your cat’s age and weight.
It’s crucial for its safety to check the products’ descriptions and directions carefully before purchasing any. When dealing with fleas, having an outdoor cat is a different challenge than having an indoor one.
An outdoor cat will need more coverage and extra protection as they’re more prone to catch fleas. Therefore, one method of treatment may not be enough for your cat.
For example, you may need to use shampoo while using a collar or a topical treatment if the fleas aren’t completely gone.
If you have a long-haired cat, using a comb will also be more effective.
Your Current Situation
Getting a product for prevention or treatment for a small number of fleas is totally different than dealing with a flea infestation.
The more critical the situation the faster and more effective the methods should be. In the case of infestation, you will need something that won’t kill only fleas but also their eggs and larvae.
Furthermore, a fast killing method such as direct contact would be more effective than the flea biting methods. If the fleas have spread in the house you’ll need separate house treatments.
Methods can range between sprays, powder, and foggers. Yet, Make sure that all house treatment products are also safe to use with your pet around.
Ingredients
Unfortunately, not all cats’ treatments are always made with safe ingredients.
It’s your role to carefully read and understand the ingredients used in treatment products. Stay away from products with poisonous ingredients for cats such as permethrin and many types of essential oils.
Moreover, if your cat has highly sensitive skin you may want to consider natural methods for flea control and treatment.
The smell and the feeling of the product are also important. Cats can get really disturbed from strong bad smells or when feeling greasy and wet. Make sure you use a suitable product that won’t harm your cat or make it upset.
Effectiveness Duration
Before purchasing, check how long the product will remain effective before you have to reapply it.
This can save you time and money. Collars are mostly the most long-lasting treatment choice. They’re meant to last for months so you don’t have to change them often. Topical treatments will last less.
Still, the exact time differs from one product to another. Using shampoo or comb is likely to have the least effectiveness duration of all.
Therefore, it’s better that you use them frequently to get satisfying outcomes. They’re best used with other powerful methods to give better results with getting rid of fleas.
Final Thoughts
Although getting rid of those fleas can be a tedious task, it’s still achievable.
All you need to do is to carefully consider your cat’s needs and what’s better for its safety.
If you’re still confused, remember you can never go wrong with the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats.
It’s a great choice that can get you started fast with treating your cat.
