Maintaining your cat free from fleas is very crucial because fleas can transmit diseases to cats. You can also protect your cat from fleas by using lotions that need to be applied on your cat or give special oral tablets.
Flea control treatments are available in the form of shampoo, dip, spray, powder, spot on and oral form treatments. Cats can hardly accept sprays or pills; so spot-on treatments are a popular choice among cat owners.
First of all, it is necessary to choose flea treatments that are Innocuous to cats. Some chemicals also affect the cats, always go for products that are especially made for the cats. Also, do not forget to treat your cat’s living space to prevent the accumulation of dirt or flea invasion.
To help you find the best flea treatment for your cat, I’ve put together a list of the top options available.
So, check below to know which is the best flea treatment for your cat.
List of the 7 Best Flea Treatments for Cats 2024
- Advantage II Flea Spot Treatment for Cats
- Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats at Chewy
- CAPSTAR Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment for Cats
- Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb for Dogs and Cats
- Advantage Flea and Tick Treatment Shampoo for Cats and Kittens
- Advantage Flea Treatment and Prevention
- Adams Flea and Tick Home Spray
1. Advantage II Large Cat Vet-Recommended Flea Treatment & Prevention
Advantage II is used on your cat as a liquid on the back of the cat’s neck once in a month. It begins killing fleas immediately, but some cats might not appreciate the sensation, and it can result in a certain amount of hair loss in the area. It does have a few drawbacks, but if applied on a regular base most pet owners agree that it does the job quite well.
It includes imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen that are not toxic to cat and eradicates fleas, flea eggs, and larvae within with 12 hours. This protection is actually for 30 days. But do not apply it on cats with some health conditions such as neurologic diseases.
You do not require a prescription for Advantage II. This formula is available in three different packages depending on the cat’s weight. It is also non-irritating an it within no time becomes water resistant once you apply the gel.
Pros
- Starts killing fleas on the same day you put it on
- Has two ingredients that kill fleas and stop them from coming back
- Works on fleas, eggs, and larvae
- Waterproof once it dries
Cons
- Some cats might not like the way it feels
- Can cause hair loss where you put it
- Needs to be applied every month
Specifics
- Ingredients: Imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen
- Doses Available: 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 doses
- Sizes: For cats weighing 2-5 pounds, 5-9 pounds, and over 9 pounds
- Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats
Bravecto is another spot-on treatment applied to the back of your cat’s neck. It protects against fleas and ticks and only needs to be applied every three months, making it more convenient than monthly treatments. There is also Bravecto Plus, which helps prevent heartworm and intestinal parasites, but it only lasts for two months.
You need a vet’s approval to buy Bravecto. Many people find it works well and is easier to use than other products.
Pros
- Only needs to be applied every three months
- Starts killing fleas in 8 hours
- Also protects against ticks
Cons
- Needs a prescription
- Costs more upfront but lasts longer
Specifics
- Ingredient: Fluralaner
- Doses Available: 1 and 2 doses
- Sizes: For cats weighing 2.6-6.2 pounds, 6.2-13.8 pounds, and 13.8-27.5 pounds
- CAPSTAR Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment for Cats
CAPSTAR tablets work quickly, killing fleas within 30 minutes and showing over 90% effectiveness in six hours. Unlike topical treatments, the dosage does not change based on your cat’s size. It’s suitable for any cat or kitten over two pounds and four weeks old.
The active ingredient, nitenpyram, is proven to be safe and effective. You should watch your cat for side effects like restlessness or vomiting for 24 hours after giving the tablet.
Giving pills to cats can be tricky, and while CAPSTAR works well to kill adult fleas, it doesn’t prevent new fleas from coming back, so you may need to use it along with other treatments.
Pros
- One tablet works for any size cat
- Starts killing fleas in 30 minutes and can get rid of them in 6 hours
- Can be used with other flea treatments
Cons
- Might cause side effects like restlessness or itching
- Only kills adult fleas, so more treatments may be needed
Specifics
- Ingredient: Nitenpyram
- Doses Available: 6 and 12 tablets
- Sizes: For cats over 2 pounds and older than 4 weeks
- Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb for Dogs and Cats
The Hartz Groomer’s Best flea comb is a useful tool for removing fleas and eggs from your cat. It has a comfortable handle and works well for both short and long-haired cats. It can also help with tangles.
Dr. Hess advises keeping a bowl of soapy water or rubbing alcohol nearby to dunk the comb into if you see fleas. This keeps them from jumping back onto your cat or you. Flea combs should be used with other flea treatments for the best results, so check with your vet for the right combination.
Pros
- Easy to use and cheap
- Removes fleas and their eggs
Cons
- Finding fleas can take time
- Not all cats will tolerate being combed
Specifics
- Ingredients: None
- Doses Available: Use as needed
- Size: 7.17 x 1.6 x 0.61 inches
- Advantage Flea and Tick Treatment Shampoo for Cats and Kittens
Flea shampoos can be tough to use since cats often dislike water. But if you need a shampoo, Advantage Flea and Tick Treatment Shampoo is effective. It kills fleas and ticks when you wash your cat. It usually takes a few washes to completely remove fleas.
This shampoo will not prevent new fleas from coming back, so it’s best used with other flea treatments that stop new fleas from infesting your cat.
Pros
- Kills fleas on contact
- No prescription needed
- Safe for cats 12 weeks and older
Cons
- Doesn’t stop future flea problems
Specifics
- Ingredients: Pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, N-Octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide
- Size: 64 ounces
- Advantage Flea Treatment and Prevention
What We Like
- Small amount of liquid, perfect for kittens
- Kills fleas, larvae, and eggs
- Safe for young kittens
- Waterproof
What We Don’t Like
- You need to wait until it’s dry before touching the area
- Must be applied monthly
Advantage II is also available in a small size for kittens weighing 2 to 5 pounds and can be used on kittens older than 8 weeks. This version is easy to apply without making a mess and starts working the same day. It protects your kitten for 30 days and becomes waterproof after 24 hours.
It doesn’t need a prescription and is a safe option for young kittens.
Ingredients: Imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen Doses Available: 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 doses Sizes: For kittens and cats weighing 2-5 pounds, 5-9 pounds, and over 9 pounds
- Adams Flea and Tick Home Spray
If your cat has a flea problem, you also need to treat your home. Adams Flea and Tick Home Spray kills fleas, eggs, larvae, ticks, and other insects. It works for up to seven months, so it’s great for preventing future problems.
Before using the spray, make sure to remove all pets and people from the area. Once the spray is dry, everyone can come back into the house.
Pros
- Kills more than just fleas
- Keeps working for several months
- Reaches hard-to-clean areas
Cons
- Requires removing all pets and people from the house before using
- You might need more than one bottle for larger homes
Specifics
- Ingredients: (S)-Methoprene, etofenprox, piperonyl butoxide
- Size: 24 ounces
- Protection: Provides up to 7 months of control against pre-adult fleas with a single application.
How to Pick Good flea Treatment For Your Cat?
Fleas are small, annoying bugs that can make your cat uncomfortable and even sick. Choosing the right flea treatment is important to keep your cat healthy. Here are some things to think about when picking a flea treatment for your cat.
Know the Ingredients
The ingredients in a flea treatment determine how well it works. There are many options, but you should focus on safety and effectiveness. Flea treatments usually have two main types of ingredients: adulticides and insect growth regulators (IGRs). Adulticides kill adult fleas, while IGRs stop flea eggs and larvae from growing into adult fleas.
Some common adulticides are selamectin and sarolaner. Selamectin is versatile and also works on heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and ear mites. Sarolaner is often combined with other ingredients for better flea and ear mite control. Pyriproxyfen is a well-known IGR that is safe for pregnant and nursing cats.
Talk to your vet to find the best flea treatment for your cat. Some cats, like those with certain health issues, may need special care in choosing a treatment.
Be careful with pyrethroids, which are in many dog flea treatments but can be very dangerous for cats. Also, there are concerns about flea collars, especially the Seresto brand. While some say the risk of serious side effects is low, there are ongoing investigations. It’s best to look for other flea prevention options until more is known.
How to Use the Treatment
Flea treatments come in different forms like shampoos, sprays, powders, spot-on treatments, and pills. The best choice depends on how easy it is to use, your cat’s behavior, and the level of flea infestation.
Most cat owners prefer spot-on treatments because they are easy to use and last a long time. Oral medications are another option if your cat doesn’t mind taking treats. Some flea treatments can be given by a vet as injections.
How Long the Treatment Lasts
Another thing to consider is how long the flea treatment will protect your cat. Some products provide short-term relief by killing adult fleas, while others offer longer protection by also stopping the flea life cycle. Most cat owners choose treatments that last at least a month for the best prevention.
By thinking about the ingredients, how to use the treatment, and how long it lasts, you can pick the best flea treatment for your cat. Regular checks and quick action are important to keep fleas away from your cat.
Final Verdict
After reviewing the these seven best flea treatment for cats, I think that Advantage II Flea Spot Treatment is a top choice. It dries quickly, keeps fleas away, and has special ingredients that help a lot.
However, there are another good option is Bravecto Topical Solution.
Remember, always read the label carefully before using any product on your cat, and talk to your vet if you have any questions.
