Best Flea And Tick Treatment For Cats Apr 2024

Editor’s Choice:

Last updated on 2020-09-26 at 23:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This one’s for all proud parents of beautiful four-legged furries across the planet!

We know how much our babies mean to us.

And it could get increasingly challenging to make sure our goofy-floofies never face any discomfort in any way.

However, pets could get afflicted by a lot of complications and illnesses that may be pretty difficult to determine in their preliminary stages.

Fleas in cats and dogs are one such common complication that may not be evident at first but become noticeable only when they have multiplied ten folds, living off of your pet.

The parasitic onslaught of fleas could be extremely irritable and painful for the poor animals as the bugs populate. This necessitates immediate attention as soon as you spot even one on your pet.

Being a mum of four cats, I had been at my wit’s end when the flea problem arose. And it was well after going through several treatments and many painful times together with my babies, that I was successful in getting rid of these parasites for good!

Hey, I’m Julie Wilhite, and I’m bringing you some of the best flea treatments for your cats in the following extensive guide along with a buyers’ guide for added assistance.

Best Flea Medicine For Cats Apr 2024

CAPSTAR BLUE (nitenpyram) Fast Acting Tablets

Capstar is a highly sought after and positively reviewed treatment for fleas infesting in both cats and dogs. It is known to work within half an hour or so of administration. It is a safe treatment for both puppies and kittens, but they should be over 4 weeks of age and 2-25 pounds of total body weight.

My experience with the product

When we first had the flea attack, my 5-year-old cat, Peggy had been the sufferer. This was around 2 years ago when I had 2 cats, Peggy and Sam. She scratched all day long and lost her appetite after a few days. I had started testing out several oral and topical treatments by that time, but none of them seemed to work for long.

Around this time, I was informed about Capstar by one of my distant cousins who had faced similar situations with her pet cat. She spoke about effective results it had brought her.

I gave Peggy a single dose of Capstar (nitenpyram) once for 2 consecutive days, crushing the tablet and mixing it with her food.

Fortunately, the fleas dropped off the very next day after the first dose, and she was eating well again on the fourth day!

I had also given a single dose to Sam, and he recovered from the contracted flea onslaught.

Last updated on 2020-09-26 at 23:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Advantage 12 Month II Flea Control

The Advantage Flea Control packs are topical treatments for flea infestations in larger cats which are over 9 pounds. It is a combination of imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen. The biggest benefit of the treatment is that it is waterproof, which dismisses the need for reapplying the solution if it gets washed off.

My experience with the product

Advantage Flea Control is one medication that I still keep at hand, lest my cats pick fleas from some other infected cat.

This was recommended to me by the vet when my 2-year-old cat, Dory, had picked up fleas from the neighborhood cats. She weighed around 11 pounds back then, and it was a vicious attack of fleas that resulted in severe loss of hair.

I had to apply a single tube of the ointment to the affected areas. It isn’t, however, recommended to use more than that in a single day. The medication is waterproof, so it pretty much stayed on for longer durations, till I gave her a light rub down with a damp towel.

My cat recovered within a couple of days of application and never picked fleas again.

Last updated on 2020-09-26 at 23:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Wondercide Natural Flea, Tick, Mosquito Spray

The Wondercide Spray is a natural formulation consisting of essential oils which kills and repels fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks. It is a topical solution and contains no harmful substances. It is known to be a safe alternative to pills, chewable, and collars. The spray is available in four different fragrances: Cedar, Lemongrass, Rosemary and Peppermint.

My experience with the product

Wondercide is another spray that I do keep at my place along with other flea treatments. This is kind of a multipurpose spray which you can use to prevent and fend off bugs and mosquitos.

However, this is not as potent a solution to kill fleas as the other specific medication that I use.

This spray works if you are already using a proper medication for fleas.

It works as a good spray for preventing and killing ticks and mosquitos, though. I still use it at times during warmer temperatures. It also has a soothing effect, especially if your pet has a bug rash.

It does, however, eliminate fleas and ticks in carpets, furniture, flooring, and bedding. The spray, for the most part, is made of natural components, which makes it safe for kids.

You can use it weekly on older pets without concern.

Overall, this is a decent multipurpose anti-pest spray to have around.

Last updated on 2020-09-26 at 23:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Cheristin

Cheristin is a topical treatment for fleas that is designed especially for cats. The active ingredient found in the formula is Spinetoram (11.0%) that is derived from spinosad, which is a fermentation product occurring naturally in soil bacteria. It’s known to kill fleas before they lay eggs without being toxic to mammals.

My experience with the product

This has been a fairly potent treatment for eliminating fleas, in my opinion. I had used this on Nina, my one-year-old cat, a couple of months back when she contracted fleas.

Cheristin, too, was prescribed to me by the vet. I applied the formula to the affected areas, and it did work within the day, killing almost all of the pests.

Spinetoram is known to affect the nervous system of the fleas, killing them off instantly.

However, your cat or kitten has to be over 8 weeks of age and should weigh over 1.8 pounds to be able to receive this medication. Although Nina was a healthy 3 pounds kitten and almost a year old at that time, it did cause a bit of discomfort to her after the application.

But it didn’t interfere with her system or habits in any way. So, I’d recommend this.

Last updated on 2020-09-26 at 23:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Flea Collar For Cats Apr 2024

Bayer Animal Health Seresto Flea and Tick Collar

The Seresto flea and tick collar from Bayer provides entirely odorless and safe pest protection without affecting your pets’ health in any way. It provides up to 8 months of protection from fleas. The product is recommended by the veterinarian as it is non-greasy and easy to use.

My experience with the product

I had bought the Bayers Seresto flea collar for Dory after she went through the treatment for fleas. The collar worked just fine, and one of the things that I really like about this collar is that it is non-greasy.

It involves a sustained-release mechanism to emit the active ingredients for protection against ticks and fleas. This doesn’t get your hands dirty. This collar also allows you to adjust the size so that your pet feels comfortable with it around their neck.

These Seresto collars are designed to protect your cat from the bites of ticks and fleas. Seresto is actually a unique matrix collar that carries a combination of two potent anti-flea ingredients, namely imidacloprid and flumethrin. These are released in low concentrations over a period of 8 months to protect your cat from the infestations of fleas and ticks.

It prevents and eliminates infestations of all kinds of ticks, including deer and dog ticks.

Last updated on 2020-09-26 at 23:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Only Natural Pet EasyDefence Flea and Tick Control Collar Tag

This collar tag from Only Natural uses your pets’ natural energy to create a natural protective barrier to pests. These can be used on both cats and dogs. The collar is supposedly treated with a bioenergetic procedure and sealed inside an electromagnetically shielded envelope. It works by using your pets’ inherent ability to emit frequencies that repel pests.

My experience with the product

Honestly, I had little trust in this product. It sounded very gimmicky.

I only gave this one a try because one of my neighbors who had used this for her dog had recommended it to me.

This one is a pretty cheap product, so there wasn’t really any substantial financial risks involved in giving it a go. Plus, I was also interested in decoding the kind of mechanism the collar uses to repel pests.

I bought this for Sam, which had picked up fleas in the past from Peggy when she had them. They were treated together and were since free of fleas.

I can’t say if the device worked for certain, but Sam never caught fleas again. He remained safe even during flea season for that matter.

The tag is pretty easy to use. Just put it on your pet’s collar, and they’re good to go.

Last updated on 2020-09-26 at 23:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Gottard Flea Collar

The Gottard flea collar for cats uses essential oils to fight the infestation of fleas and ticks. It is an entirely safe protective collar since it does not contain any chemicals. Not only does it keep your pet from catching fleas and other bugs, but it also actively eliminates the same from your pet’s body.

My experience with the product

This was one of the many collars that I could confidently say that it worked for my cats. I had initially bought one for Peggy when she was down with the infestation. The collar worked well in providing her comfort from the bites. The fleas were completely eradicated when I used Capstar but pairing with the collar, the process was faster and more efficient.

But to test it out again I bought one for Dory during the flea season, and it really helped to keep her safe throughout the period.

The only downside to it, I suppose, is that with Peggy, it got a bit greasy because of the oils and a little smelly. However, you shouldn’t keep it on your cat while you’re bathing them.

Dory still uses her Gottard collar, by the way, and she hasn’t contracted any kind of bugs since.

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OFHUH Flea Collar

The OFHUH Flea Collar from PUMEK works around the clock every day to protect your pets from the onslaught of fleas and ticks. It uses active natural ingredients to repel pests and is entirely safe for your cat.

Moreover, the effects of this collar can last up to approximately 365 days.

My experience with the product

The OFHUH collar works pretty similarly to the Gottard collar that I reviewed earlier. I bought this for Peggy a few months ago when the effects of the Gottard collar had completely worn out.

This collar works just fine, preventing the onslaughts of fleas and ticks.

It is safe and hasn’t caused any allergic reactions yet. The collar could be adjusted to custom fit your cat or dog. Also, if it is too long for your pet, you can cut out the extra bit to make it convenient for them.

The collar is infused with essential oils that work all day to provide maximum protection for your pets.

However, my only gripe with this one is that the material feels a bit hard, at least to me. Although Peggy hasn’t shown any sign of discomfort with it, I usually take it off of her at bedtime.

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Buyers’ Guide For Buying Flea Treatments For Cats

Getting just the right flea treatment for cats can be a pretty challenging task. It calls for knowledge regarding the medications for the treatment and the potential risk of side-effects from harmful drugs.

I have prepared the following buyers’ guide to help you understand what to look for when you buy a flea treatment for your cat.

Long-term Efficacy

Strong and potent flea treatments such as powders, ointments, and collars ensure protection from fleas for a prolonged duration of time. This way, you can keep the infestations at bay even during flea seasons, where chances of your cat contracting fleas are significantly high.

The products that I have reviewed in this list are designed to last for a substantial period of time without losing their effectiveness all too soon. These mostly require only a single application or dose in a day, and they ensure complete protection and elimination of fleas both inside and around your home.

Natural or Chemical?

There are both natural and chemical alternatives for treatments, but these greatly vary in potency. Most of the times, chemical treatments show greater efficiency in treating flea infestations. They generally work much faster and last much longer than natural alternatives.

However, the opposite may also be true with natural options proving to be greatly efficient.

Also, if your cat is sensitive to strong chemical medication or has a pre-existing medical condition, then natural alternatives should probably be the safer option, given they don’t end up causing an allergic reaction.

Consultation and Labels

It is always the best idea in every situation that you go for a veterinary consultation first before getting any treatment for your cat. And if you are confident about using a certain product, then do make sure to check out the labels and directions first.

Be informed of all potential allergens in the ingredients even if it is a natural alternative.

Allergies can be lethal. So make sure that there are no such elements in the medication that can potentially bring about a severe reaction in your pet.

Cost

As you can see, some of these treatments can be really expensive. However, you can also get more affordable alternatives if you looked around a bit. The only downside to them could be that they may take longer to eliminate fleas or may last for a comparatively shorter duration.

High-end brands will generally give you a much quicker result, but they may not always be safe for your pet.

Either way, you should chart out a budget that not only allows you to get a potent formulation, but also something that will be safe for your pet. Never compromise with your pets’ health for a few extra bucks.

Kinds of medication you can avail

Tablets or oral chews

These basically contain insecticides that are transferred into your pets’ bloodstream, generally within an hour of administration. Then when the fleas bite your pet, the insecticides kill it off instantly.

Oral chews and tabs usually work much faster than any other methods of treatment, but they usually last for about 24 hours before passing out of the system.

However, do consult a vet before administering an oral treatment to your pet as these can have side-effects and affect your pets’ system.

Also, tablets and chews are not an ideal preventive measure and can only work to treat an ongoing infestation.

Spot-ons

These are concentrated liquids that come in small bottles. They are applied to the back of your cat’s neck, the clefts and folds, and other affected areas. The concentrated oils and other active agents are gradually dissipated all over your cat’s skin. These medications can kill fleas within 24-48 hours of application, breaking their life-cycle.

These also prevent new generations from developing within a month or two.

Shampoos

Shampoos are one of the most potent treatments to get rid of fleas quickly and easily. However, they only last for a day in most cases like oral treatments before the effects wear off.

Generally, shampoos work best when paired up with other forms of medication, prolonging the overall protective effects of the treatments. Also, these are mostly used when it’s absolutely necessary.

Sprays

Sprays work much like the spot-on liquid treatments, but they are comparatively more diluted than spot-ons. You would have to apply them once every week for a considerable period of time to get some concrete results. However, these are much safer than other forms of treatment.

Collars

Collars contain a combination of pesticides and essential oils that are gradually diffused onto the skin of your pet and absorbed by the layer of fat in their neck. These kill fleas and ticks when they bite and repel these pests for a significant period of time.

The effects of flea collars can last anywhere between 6 to 12 weeks.

Chemicals that you should AVOID at all costs

Pyrethroids

Medications containing Pyrethroids are classified as a subsection of the CDC according to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Diseases. This can cause numbness, itching, stinging, burning, or tingling sensations in humans when they are exposed to it.

Pyrethroids occur in flea medication labels as flumethrin and etofenprox.

Pyrethrins

As clarified by VCA Hospitals, cats can’t metabolize pyrethrins and pyrethroids. Although these elements aren’t inherently harmful, the medications that contain these increase the risk factor of overexposure for your cats, if they come in contact with the same chemical elsewhere.

Pyrethrins are commonly found in many outdoor pesticides, sprays, dust, pet shampoos or fogger (bug bombs).

Poisoning from pyrethrins can cause seizures, tremors, incoordination, vomiting, hypothermia, and strained breathing.

Selamectin

Researchers and scientists have found that selamectin leaves behind a significant amount of chemical residue on those who come in contact with it. This poses a risk for people who are frequently exposed to the substance by way of applying it to their pets once a month.

Tetrachlorvinphos

Overexposure to Tetrachlorvinphos, as stated by the EPA and Humane Society, can cause harmful side-effects to humans. These generally include dizziness, confusion, nausea and in some rare cases, paralysis and death. The symptoms are more likely to manifest in children.

Conclusion

And with that, we come to the very end of this extensive guide dealing with flea treatments for cats.

I hope this was a useful read for you.

Here’s wishing for a healthy life for all our kitties and every other pet!

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