When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Nils Jacobi/Getty ImagesChoosing safe and effective flea medicine for cats can be tricky.
Decades ago, options for killing fleas were limited and toxic. Today many safe and effective flea control products are available, both prescription and over the counter. For this guide to the best flea preventives and treatments for cats, I conducted research using the quick product reference guide published by the independent, nonprofit Companion Animal Parasite Council and consulted four veterinarians.
I’m also very familiar with the flea control products available today. I spent eight years working as a veterinary assistant in animal hospitals and have helped treat countless cats for fleas. Read more about how we selected products at the end of this articleRead more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.
A word of caution: Before choosing a flea medicine for your cat, talk to your veterinarian, who can advise you on what might be best depending on your cat’s temperament and lifestyle and what parasites your cat is most at risk for contracting in your area. Read product labels very carefully. No matter what product you choose for your cat, never use one that is labeled for dogs.
A product made for dogs can make cats extremely sick, and in some cases, it can be fatal. The best flea treatments for cats in 2022Best topical flea preventive for cats: Revolution Plus Topical Solution, $58. 99 on ChewyWith just one simple monthly application, Revolution Plus Topical Solution not only kills fleas and ticks, it also prevents heartworms and treats and controls roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites.
Best OTC topical flea treatment for cats: Frontline Plus, $63 on ChewyAvailable without a prescription, Frontline Plus kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, and chewing lice. Best fast-acting flea control product for cats: Comfortis Chewable Tablets for Cats and Dogs. $106.
07 on ChewyComfortis Chewable Tablets start killing fleas within 30 minutes and offer a full month of protection with one easy-to-give flavored pill. Best flea control product for young kittens: Capstar Flea Control Tablets, $36. 99 on ChewyCapstar Flea Control Tablets are safe for kittens as young as 4 weeks old and start killing fleas within 30 minutes.
Best flea collar for cats: Seresto Flea and Tick Collar, $53. 84 at PetcoThe Seresto Flea and Tick Collar offers eight months of protection against fleas and ticks in all life stages. Best topical flea preventive overallRevolution/InsiderWith just one simple monthly application, Revolution Plus Topical Solution not only kills fleas and ticks, but it also prevents heartworms and treats and controls roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites.
Pros: Kills and prevents six types of parasites, including deadly heartworm; once-monthly treatment; easy to administerCons: Does not kill tapeworms; caution required in cats with a history of neurologic disorders; not labeled for use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing catsParasites prevented: Fleas, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, ear mites, three tick speciesDuration of effectiveness: 30 daysSafe for: Cats and kittens 8 weeks and older, weighing at least 2. 8 poundsNot labeled for use: Kittens under 8 weeks old; breeding, pregnant, and nursing catsPrescription: YesRevolution Plus Topical Solution is hands down the most complete parasite preventive available for cats. It not only treats and prevents flea infestations by killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs, but it also prevents heartworms and treats and controls ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and infestations of black-legged (deer), Gulf Coast, and American dog ticks.
“The really exciting thing about flea control is there are always new developments in how we can make them better and safer and more effective,” Bourgeois said. “My preference is Revolution Plus. ” According to Bourgeois, the active ingredients in Revolution Plus — selamectin and sarolaner — are newer flea controls that are very effective and well-tolerated by cats.
Harper also likes Revolution Plus. “Overall, Revolution has a pretty good track record,” he said. “It’s one of the most effective topical flea preventions on the market.
I’m a fan of Bravecto as well; it’s a longer-lasting flea prevention, effective against fleas and ticks. “Bravecto also contains fluralaner, which is in the same drug class as selamectin and sarolaner, and is also very effective and well-tolerated by cats. However, Bravecto doesn’t control as many parasites, and it can’t be used in kittens under 6 months of age.
Revolution Plus is easily applied every 30 days in one spot to the cat’s skin at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades. The liquid medication is a small volume that is absorbed and dries quickly, leaving no residue behind. Unlike with some of the other topical preventives, you do not need to wear gloves to apply it or avoid touching your cat after application.
If you get the product on your hands, simply wash them with soap and water. You must obtain a prescription from your veterinarian to purchase Revolution Plus. As with all medications that prevent heartworm, your cat will need a heartworm test prior to starting this medication and every year afterward.
Revolution Plus should be used with caution in cats with a history of neurologic disorders such as seizures. Best OTC topical flea preventiveFrontline/InsiderAvailable without a prescription, Frontline Plus kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, and chewing lice. Pros: Kills 5 types of parasites; fleas don’t have to bite for it to workCons: Not recommended for kittens younger than 8 weeks of age; does not prevent wormsParasites prevented: Adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, chewing liceDuration of effectiveness: 30 daysSafe for: Cats and kittens 8 weeks and older, weighing at least 1.
5 pounds; breeding, pregnant, and nursing catsPrescription: NoWe recommend Frontline Plus because it not only kills fleas and controls flea infestations, but it also kills ticks and chewing lice. Used and trusted by pet owners for more than 20 years, it protects for 30 days with one application. Fleas do not have to bite your cat for it to work — they die on contact.
Frontline Plus has two active ingredients, fipronil and S-methoprene, which work together to kill parasites and break the flea life cycle. Fipronil kills adult fleas and ticks, while S-methoprene prevents the development of immature flea stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae). It can sometimes take a little time of consistent use before all fleas are completely gone, especially if your cat was heavily infested, since flea eggs can still be present in your home.
“In flea-infested environments, when they do studies looking at the efficacy of these products, sometimes it takes a few months of consistent, high-quality flea prevention to even see that population completely eradicate because there’s four different stages to the flea life cycle,” said Bourgeois. Frontline Plus is easy to use. Squeeze the entire contents of the tube onto one spot on the cat’s skin between the shoulder blades.
The liquid medication spreads across your cat’s skin and is stored in the oil glands. It self-distributes continuously through the hair follicles for one month. Best oral flea control productComfortis/InsiderComfortis Chewable Tablets start killing fleas within 30 minutes and offer a full month of protection with one easy-to-give flavored pill.
Pros: Fast-acting treatment starts killing adult fleas within 30 minutes, easy to give alone or in foodCons: Does not kill flea eggs or larvae or prevent parasites other than fleas, not labeled for use in kittens younger than 14 weeksParasites prevented: Adult fleasDuration of effectiveness: 30 daysSafe for: Cats and kittens 14 weeks and older, weighing at least 4. 1 poundsNot labeled for use: Breeding, pregnant, and nursing catsPrescription: YesOur top choice for an oral flea control product for cats, Comfortis Chewable Tablets, is fast-acting and good for cats that can’t tolerate topical flea preventives. Its active ingredient, spinosad, starts to work within 30 minutes and kills 98% of adult fleas on cats within four hours.
Although topical flea control products are typically easier to use (no need to convince your cat to swallow a pill), there are some cases when an oral preventive is a better choice. For instance, some cats with sensitive skin can’t tolerate a spot-on treatment. “Comfortis is one of the ones I like,” he said.
“It’s harder to get the cat to take an oral product, but if you can manage it, it’s a pretty effective oral flea medication. It’s strictly and solely for fleas. “Comfortis is one of two oral flea control products available for cats; the other is Capstar Flea Control Tablets.
Unlike Capstar, which kills fleas for only 24 hours, Comfortis protects cats against fleas for a full month. However, Comfortis is not safe for kittens younger than 14 weeks old. Capstar is safe for kittens as young as 4 weeks, so it’s our choice for best flea control product for kittens.
The beef-flavored flavored tablets should be given with food once a month. You can offer them alone just before or after feeding your cat, or hide them in a small amount of food. In order to purchase Comfortis, you will need a prescription from your veterinarian.
Best flea control for young kittensCapstar/InsiderCapstar Flea Control Tablets are safe for kittens as young as 4 weeks old and start killing fleas within 30 minutes. Pros: Safe for kittens 4 weeks of age or older, safe for pregnant and nursing cats, fast-acting treatment, easy to give alone or in food, can be used with other flea control products, available without a prescriptionCons: Does not offer long-term protection, does not kill flea eggs or larvae or prevent any parasites other than fleasParasites prevented: Adult fleasDuration of effectiveness: 24 hoursSafe for: Cats and kittens 4 weeks and older, weighing at least 2 pounds; pregnant and nursing catsPrescription: NoAvailable without a prescription, Capstar is the only flea control product safe for kittens as young as 4 weeks and weighing at least 2 pounds. With other flea control products, whether topical or oral, kittens must be at least 8 weeks old, and sometimes older.
Fleas should be eliminated as quickly as possible for heavily infested cats, especially young kittens. The active ingredient in Capstar, nitenpyram, works within 30 minutes and kills greater than 90% of adult fleas in as little as six hours. Capstar only protects against fleas for 24 hours, but it is safe to give daily if necessary.
Since giving a cat a pill every day can be inconvenient, pet owners should follow up with a long-term flea control product (a spot-on or oral preventive that lasts a month or longer) once the kitten is old enough. Best flea collarSeresto/InsiderThe Seresto Flea and Tick Collar offers eight months of protection against fleas and ticks in all life stages. The EPA has been reviewing the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar’s safety since a March 2021 investigation by USA Today reported 1,700 animal deaths and other adverse reactions linked to Seresto flea collars.
It’s currently unknown if the EPA-approved pesticides used in the collar caused these incidents. Read “Can a flea collar harm your cat?” for more details. Always speak to your veterinarian if you have concerns before using a product and only purchase Seresto collars from authorized retailers.
Pros: Eight months of protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, and ticks; lightweight and easy to wear; adjustable for cats of all sizes; fleas don’t have to bite for it to workCons: Not recommended for kittens younger than 10 weeks of age, children should not handle the collar or put it in their mouth, adjusting size can be trickyParasites prevented: Adult fleas, flea larvae, ticksDuration of effectiveness: 8 monthsSafe for: Cats and kittens 10 weeks of age and olderPrescription: NoAlthough flea collars were once a standard option for flea control, these days they take a back seat to topical and oral preventives. One standout in the flea collar category remains, Seresto’s Flea and Tick Collar. It uses patented sustained-release technology to provide eight months of continuous protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, and ticks.
While topical spot-on and oral preventives are the easiest and most effective form of flea control, there are instances when the Seresto collar might be a good option. Sawyer said the collar may be a good choice for owners who forget to give their cat monthly treatments. She also likes it for cats who can’t tolerate topical flea products and resist taking pills.
Bourgeois said that the Seresto collar might also be a good choice for cats that roam outside a lot. “We have some people who have truly outdoor cats,” she said. “They might not see them reliably all the time to give them a monthly product.
[The Seresto collar] would be the only collar that I would be trusting of. “Although the EPA is currently conducting a review of the safety of the Seresto collar, Harper doesn’t think pet owners necessarily need to stop using the collar if it’s the best form of flea control for their cat. “We’ll wait and see what this review actually brings to light,” Harper said.
“The jury is still out. If you absolutely can’t use any other form of flea preventive, I know the fleas are going to be a problem, so let’s prevent that. “The collar is nongreasy, odor-free, lightweight, and adjustable for cats of all sizes.
It can be worn alongside your cat’s existing collar and is designed with a two-step safety system to ensure your cat will not be harmed if the collar catches on something. The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar contains imidacloprid and flumethrin, which are released in low concentrations over your cat’s skin and coat to kill fleas on contact. The water-resistant collar kills 100% of fleas within 24 hours of placing the collar on your cat.
What else we consideredChewy/InsiderAdvantage II: Advantage II is a topical spot-on product that uses imidacloprid and pyripoxyfen to kill fleas, eggs, and larvae for one month. Available without a prescription, it’s safe for adult cats and kittens 8 weeks or older weighing at least 2 pounds. It is also labeled safe for use in pregnant and nursing cats.
Advantage II lost out to Frontline Plus because it does not kill ticks, and unlike Frontline Plus, its product label states that severe infestation may require more frequent applications, as often as every 14 days for kittens and every seven days for adult cats. Bravecto Plus Topical Solution for Cats: Bravecto is a topical product that uses fluralaner to kill fleas and ticks. Unlike most topicals, which must be applied monthly, one application of Bravecto kills fleas for three months and ticks for two months.
One downside is it cannot be used in kittens younger than 6 months old. Our best overall pick, Revolution Plus, is safe for kittens 8 weeks or older, and also treats and controls heartworms and ear mites. Additionally, Bravecto’s label states that children should not touch the application site until dry; Revolution Plus has no such warning.
For cat owners who are mainly looking for protection against fleas, Bravecto is a great choice due to its long-lasting protection. It should be used with caution in cats with a history of neurologic disorders such as seizures. Advantage Multi Topical Solution for Cats: Advantage Multi uses imidacloprid and moxidectin to prevent heartworm; kill fleas; and treat and control roundworms, hookworms and ear mites.
Unlike Revolution Plus Topical Solution, Advantage Multi does not kill ticks. Its label states that children should not touch the application site for 30 minutes after it’s applied, and treated cats should be kept separated from other pets that might lick it; Revolution Plus has no such warning. Advantage Multi requires a prescription from your veterinarian as well as a current negative heartwormCheristin: Cheristin is a monthly topical that uses spinetoram to kill adult fleas.
Because it doesn’t kill flea eggs or larvae or any other parasites, it’s not a top pick for a topical flea preventive. Revolt: This product contains the same active ingredient as Revolution (selamectin). Like Revolution, it is applied to the skin once a month.
It kills the same parasites as Revolution. It is manufactured by Aurora pharmaceutical based in Northfield, Minnesota. I recommend Revolution over this version since Revolution is the original, has been on the market longer, and comes from a large, reputable veterinary pharmaceutical company.
Our cat flea treatments research methodologyTo find the best flea treatment for cats, we conducted research using the quick product reference guide published by the independent, nonprofit Companion Animal Parasite Council. This handy reference, which includes all FDA- and EPA-approved parasite control products for small animals, lists each product’s active ingredients, how the product is used, and which parasites it controls. For additional expertise on preventing and treating fleas in cats, we consulted with three veterinarians: Herman Jeffer, a veterinarian with Cornwallis Animal Hospital in Durham, North Carolina; Ashley Bourgeois, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist with the Animal Dermatology Clinic in Portland, Oregon; Colleen Sawyer, a veterinarian with Rolesville Veterinary Hospital in Rolesville, North Carolina; and Keith Harper, a veterinarian with VetnCare Alameda in Alameda, California.
Our veterinary experts did not specifically endorse any of the products included in this guide unless explicitly mentioned in direct quotes. Here are the main attributes we used to evaluate products:Safety and efficacy: Only FDA- or EPA-approved products were considered for this guide. Number of parasites treated: We gave higher ratings to flea preventives that treat additional parasites.
In general, the more parasites a preventive product covers, the higher it is rated. The exceptions are Capstar, which is the only treatment available for kittens younger than 8 weeks, and our over-the-counter pick, Frontline Plus, which treats fleas, ticks, and lice. Ease of use: Products were rated lower if they were more complicated to use than a similar product.
For instance, products ranked lower if the pet owner must wear gloves to apply the treatment or if children and pets need to be kept away from the treated animal for a specified amount of time. Types of flea control productsHighwaystarz-Photography/Getty ImagesTopical preventives: Also called “spot-on” products, topical preventives are great for both killing fleas and preventing flea infestations. As they dry, they spread across the entire body, leaving no residue behind.
They are usually applied to the skin in one spot on the back of the neck once a month. Oral flea control: Oral flea control products, or “flea pills,” are given to your cat by mouth to kill fleas. Some oral flea control products kill fleas for up to a month; others must be given more frequently to continue killing fleas, as often as once a day.
Flea collars: Flea collars are worn around the neck, where they deliver flea preventive medication to a cat’s skin and coat. Our experts said that topical and oral products are superior to traditional collars because they are more effective and easier to use. However, at least one flea collar (Seresto) delivers preventive medication for up to eight months, a much longer period than topical applications, making it a viable option for cat owners who don’t want to have to apply something every 30 days.
Flea shampoos: Flea shampoos kill fleas that are currently on your cat. We do not recommend them since topical spot-ons and oral products are easier to use and more effective. Read more about this in our slide on “What to consider when shopping for flea control products.
“Flea spray: Flea sprays are applied to the skin and coat. Like shampoos, we do not recommend them since topical spot-ons and oral products are easier to use and more effective. Read more in our slide on “What to consider when purchasing flea control products.
“Cat flea treatment FAQsdeimagine/Getty ImagesHow do cats get fleas?Cats that go outside are more likely to pick up fleas, but even indoor cats can get them, either from the family dog or when they go to the veterinarian or a boarding facility. Fleas can even hitchhike indoors on your clothes or shoes. What are the health risks to a cat?If your cat has fleas, you want to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
These parasites can pose a threat to your cat’s health. A severe flea infestation can seriously damage a cat’s skin, induce an allergic reaction, or cause them to become anemic from blood loss. Fleas are also responsible for cats contracting parasites like tapeworms and may transmit diseases.
“Fleas can pass on diseases to cats, which can then be passed on to people,” Jeffer said. “The most common one that we see is cat scratch fever (Bartonella henselae bacteria), which can cause all kinds of issues in people, but in cats, it can make them very sick. “How do you check a cat for fleas?Signs of fleas in cats include scratching, skin irritation, and the presence of dark red or black specks on your cat’s skin, fur, bedding, or furniture.
These specks, about the size of grains of black pepper, are called “flea dirt” and are flea feces (or digested blood). Back when I worked in the veterinary hospital, I learned a handy trick to help find out if those little specks are regular dirt or flea dirt. Scoop some onto a damp paper towel.
If the paper towel turns red, it’s flea dirt. To check your cat for fleas or flea dirt, run a flea comb (a small, very fine-toothed comb) through your cat’s coat or part the hair with your fingers to examine the skin. If you find any live or dead fleas or flea dirt, your cat has a flea infestation.
What is the difference between prescription and over-the-counter flea medication?Some flea control products are sold over the counter, which means you can buy them without a prescription. Other flea control products require your veterinarian to write a prescription. You can purchase prescription products directly from your veterinarian or buy them from online pet pharmacies and stores like Chewy, Petco, Petsmart, and Walmart PetRx.
Most prescription flea control products also prevent heartworms and sometimes other parasites like roundworms, hookworms, mites, and ticks. Any product with a heartworm component requires a prescription. Pets must test negative for heartworms before starting one of these products because giving a heartworm-positive pet this type of medication can cause rare but potentially very serious and sometimes fatal complications.
You also want to know if your pet has adult heartworms because preventive medication will not kill them — it only kills the larval stages. Prescription flea control products cost more than over-the-counter options because they protect against more parasites, most importantly, deadly heartworms. There is no treatment for cats with adult heartworms, and they will eventually die from the infection.
This is why veterinarians recommend using a year-round heartworm preventive for all cats, whether they live indoors or out. They also recommend year-round intestinal parasite prevention. For these reasons, prescription flea control products that also prevent heartworms and other parasites are the best choice for your cat.
The more parasites you can prevent with one treatment, the better off your cat will be. Why are some flea products are dangerous to cats?Products labeled for use in dogs only should never be used on a cat. Some ingredients that are well-tolerated by dogs can be toxic to cats.
“Anything with a permethrin, also known as pyrethrin, should never be used on a cat,” Sawyer said. “[Cats] are very sensitive to pyrethrins and can have significant neurologic side effects, even death. Never use a product labeled for a dog on a cat as it may have pyrethrins in it even if not exclusively mentioned on the label.
” Are flea shampoos necessary?Decades ago, people might have used a flea shampoo containing pesticides to kill fleas quickly, but these shampoos are no longer the gold standard. Veterinarian-recommended topical and oral flea control products are far more effective. Some flea shampoos are even harmful to cats since many contain pyrethrins.
Plus, most cats really dislike being bathed. “Nowadays, flea shampoos are rarely if ever needed because the topical and oral flea products are much more effective and safer,” Sawyer said. “For flea-infested animals, we typically give a fast-acting oral product such as nitenpyram [Capstar] and follow with a bath in Dawn dish detergent or another mild cat shampoo.
You can use a flea comb to assist in removing dead fleas and flea dirt [flea feces]. “Do natural flea control products work?If you’re considering using natural flea control products that contain essential oils, exercise caution. Some essential oils can be toxic to cats.
All three veterinarians we consulted do not recommend natural products, which do not work nearly as well as veterinarian-recommended topical and oral flea control products. “They are just not proven to be really effective,” Bourgeois said. “My biggest concern with natural products is, even if they’re safe, if they’re not effective, that’s not helping our pets.
I get more concerned about the secondary ramifications for the pet if we’re using something that hasn’t been proven to be effective, versus products that have been proven to be effective and well tolerated. “Can a flea collar harm your cat?The safety of flea and tick collars has been in the news lately, specifically the bestselling Seresto flea and tick collar. On March 2, 2021, USA Today and the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting published a report maintaining that the Seresto collar has been linked to thousands of adverse incidents, including pet deaths and incidents of harm to humans.
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) filed a legal petition in April 2021 urging the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to cancel the registration of the Seresto flea and tick collar.
A week later, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) published an article addressing the controversy surrounding the Seresto collar. According to the AVMA, Seresto’s “manufacturer has defended the collars as safe and effective, and veterinary experts say they have seen no cause for alarm. “Elanco published a statement on its website calling the media coverage “misleading” and stating that the company stands by the product.
“All data and scientific evaluation used during the product registration process and through Elanco’s robust pharmacovigilance review supports the product’s safety profile and efficacy,” the statement reads. On July 12, 2021, the EPA announced that it was seeking public comment on the petition from the CBD requesting that the EPA cancel the registration of Seresto. “In addition, EPA is reviewing the additional information received by Elanco and Bayer and will use it to evaluate if the continued registration of these pet collars still meets the legally required standard of no unreasonable adverse on the environment, taking into account the economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits of the use of the pesticide,” said Tim Carroll, deputy press secretary for the EPA.
“Upon completing the analysis and assessment, EPA may take further action, if needed. ” As of September 28, 2022, the EPA’s investigation is ongoing. What pet owners need to knowIf you have questions about the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar, or any other flea-control product, speak to your veterinarian for advice.
Regardless of what type of flea-control product you choose for your cat, the EPA urges pet owners to read the entire label before using the product, follow all directions carefully, and monitor your pet after treatment. There are also reports of counterfeit Seresto collars on the market, particularly through online retailers. Petco and Petsmart, major suppliers of pet products, told us that they purchase Seresto collars directly from the manufacturer, Elanco.
It’s important to purchase from a reputable website, brick-and-mortar store with a guarantee program, or for the most assurance, directly from your veterinarian. Before placing a Seresto collar on your pet, we also recommend that pet owners call Elanco product support (800-422-9874) to verify the authenticity of the product’s serial number. If you suspect that your pet is having an adverse reaction to a flea collar, immediately remove the collar and call your veterinarian.
Carroll also advises pet owners to contact the National Pesticide Information Center, which is an EPA information-sharing partner with staff who are specially trained to respond to pesticide exposure incidents, as well as to report adverse reactions from flea collars and topical treatments on the EPA’s website. Our sourcesDr. Ashley Bourgeois, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist with the Animal Dermatology Clinic in Portland, OregonDr.
Keith Harper, a veterinarian with VetnCare Alameda in Alameda, CaliforniaDr. Herman Jeffer, a veterinarian with Cornwallis Animal Hospital in Durham, North CarolinaDr. Colleen Sawyer, a veterinarian with Rolesville Veterinary Hospital in Rolesville, North CarolinaCheck out our other cat buying guidesAleksandr Zubkov/Getty ImagesThe best cat dewormersThe best hairball remedies for catsThe best cat brushesThe best cat toothpaste, toothbrush, dental treats, and water additiveThe best cat food for kittens, adult cats, and seniorsThe best cat litter boxesThe best cat litterThe best online veterinary services for your petsThe best cat toysThe best products to protect your furniture from cat scratchingThe best automatic cat feeders for wet and dry foodThe best cat carriersThe best airline cat carriersThe best cat harnessesThe best cat collarsThe best interactive cat toysRead the original article on Insider.
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