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The 5 Best Flea Treatments For Cats Of 2024, According To Vets
Best topical Revolution Plus Topical Solution for Cats (3-pack)
Safe for use in kittens as young as 8 weeks, Revolution Plus Topical Solution treats, controls, and prevents more parasites than any other topical product, including roundworms, hookworms, heartworms, fleas, ticks, and mites.
Revolution Plus Topical Solution is the most complete parasite preventive for cats. It kills adult fleas before they can lay eggs and prevents heartworms. It also treats and controls ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and black-legged (deer), Gulf Coast, and American dog ticks.
Dr. Ashley Bourgeois, a veterinary dermatologist at Animal Dermatology Clinic, prefers Revolution Plus, saying that its active ingredients (selamectin and sarolaner) are very effective and well-tolerated by cats.
Dr. Keith Harper, a veterinarian at Hayward Veterinary Hospital, also likes Revolution Plus. "It's one of the most effective topical flea preventions on the market," he says. "I'm a fan of Bravecto as well; it's a longer-lasting flea prevention, effective against fleas and ticks." Bravecto contains fluralaner, which is in the same drug class as selamectin and sarolaner; it is also very effective and well-tolerated by cats. However, it doesn't control as many parasites and can't be given to kittens under 6 months of age.
Revolution Plus is easily applied every 30 days to a cat's skin at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades. The liquid absorbs and dries quickly, leaving no residue. Unlike with some topical preventives, you don't need to wear gloves to apply it or avoid touching your cat after application. If you get the liquid on your hands, simply wash them with soap and water.
You'll need a prescription from your vet to buy Revolution Plus. Make sure to use it cautiously in cats with a history of neurologic disorders such as seizures.
Best OTC topical
We chose Frontline Plus as one of the best flea treatments for cats because it not only kills fleas and controls flea infestations, but it also kills ticks and chewing lice. It protects for 30 days with one application, and 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 with heavy infestations, since flea eggs can still be present in your home, says Bourgeois.
Frontline Plus is easy to use. Squeeze the contents of the tube onto one spot on your cat's skin between the shoulder blades. The liquid medication spreads across your cat's skin and gets stored in the oil glands. It then self-distributes continuously through the hair follicles throughout the month.
Keep in mind that this treatment does not prevent or kill worms. For that, read more about our recommendations for the best cat dewormers.
Best fast-acting
Comfortis Chewable Tablets are fast-acting and good for cats that can't tolerate topical flea preventives. Spinosad, the active ingredient in Comfortis, starts to work within 30 minutes and kills 98% of adult fleas 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 an ideal choice among the best flea treatments for cats. For instance, some cats with sensitive skin can't tolerate a spot-on treatment. "Comfortis is one of the ones I like," Harper says. "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 an entire month. However, Comfortis is not safe for kittens younger than 14 weeks old, while Capstar is safe for kittens as young as 4 weeks old.
Give your cat one of the beef-flavored tablets once a month. You can give them the tablet just before or after feeding your cat or hide it in a small amount of food. To purchase Comfortis, you will need a prescription from your veterinarian.
Best for young kittens
Available without a prescription, Capstar is the only flea control product safe for kittens as young as 4 weeks and weighing at least 2 pounds. Kittens must be at least 8 weeks old and sometimes older to be treated with other topical or oral flea control products.
With heavily infested cats, especially young kittens, it's important to eliminate fleas as quickly as possible. The active ingredient in Capstar, nitenpyram, works within 30 minutes and kills more 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 one of the best flea treatments for cats that provides long-term flea control once their cat is old enough.
Best collar Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats
Regardless of the season, it's important to protect your feline friend from fleas and ticks. The Seresto collar may be a good option for your pet, as it can provide eight months of protection against fleas and ticks in all life stages. It's 24% off, which is a deal we haven't seen in months.
A March 2021 investigation by USA Today reported 1,700 animal deaths and other adverse reactions linked to Seresto flea collars. It's unknown if the EPA-approved pesticides used in the collar caused these incidents. You can read more about the safety of Seresto collars in our FAQs.
Flea collars were once a standard option for flea control, but they now take a back seat to the best flea treatments for cats that are topical and oral preventives. One standout in the category remains: the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar. It uses patented sustained-release technology for eight months of continuous protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, and ticks.
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.
While topical 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. Dr. Colleen Sawyer, a veterinarian at Rolesville Veterinary Hospital, says the collar may be a good choice for people who forget to give their cats monthly treatments. She also likes it for cats who can't tolerate topical flea products and resist taking pills. Bourgeois says the Seresto collar might also be a good choice for cats that roam outside often and whose owners don't see them consistently.
The collar is nongreasy, odor-free, lightweight, and adjustable for cats of all sizes. Your cat can wear it alongside their existing collar. If the flea collar catches on something, your cat can free itself thanks to a two-step safety system.
Although the EPA is reviewing the safety of the Seresto collar, Harper doesn't think pet owners need to stop using the collar if it's the best flea control for their cat. "The jury is still out," he says. "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." Purchase a Seresto collar only from a reputable online retailer, brick-and-mortar store with a guarantee program, or your veterinarian. Before placing the collar on your cat, make sure it's authentic. You can call Elanco product support at 800-422-9874 to verify a collar is authentic.
What to look for in cat flea medicine
When shopping for flea medication for your pet, we recommend evaluating them using the same standards we applied to our top picks. As always, it's best to talk to your vet before beginning any treatment.
Safety and efficacy: The product should be FDA- or EPA-approved.
Number of parasites treated: Flea preventives that treat additional parasites are ideal. Generally, the more parasites a preventive product covers, the higher we rated it. Among our recommendations, the exceptions are Capstar, the only treatment available for kittens younger than 8 weeks, and our OTC pick, Frontline Plus, which treats fleas, ticks, and lice.
Ease of use: Look for products that are easy to use. When comparing two similar products, the easiest one to apply may be your best bet. For instance, we ranked products lower if a person must wear gloves to apply the treatment or if children and pets must be kept away from the treated animal for a specified time.
Minimum age and weight: Cats must be above a minimum age and weight to use flea medications. For this reason, there are fewer options for young kittens.
Prescription vs. OTC: Some flea control products are available over the counter, while a veterinarian must prescribe other products. Prescription flea control products are usually more expensive than OTC 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. 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 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.
You can purchase prescription medicines from your vet or at online pet stores like Chewy, Petco, and Petsmart.
Types of flea and tick medications: There are various medications, including topical, oral, collars, shampoos, and sprays. They vary by cost, convenience, ease of use, and effectiveness. Your vet can help you choose the best type for your cat.
Natural vs. Synthetic: All three veterinarians we consulted do not recommend natural products, as they do not work nearly as well as topical and oral flea control products. "They are just not proven to be really effective," says Bourgeois. "My biggest concern with natural products is, even if they're safe, if they're not effective, that's not helping our pets." If you're considering using natural flea control products that contain essential oils, exercise caution because some essential oils can be toxic to cats.
How we selected the best flea treatments for cats
To find the best flea treatments for cats, we referred to the quick product reference guide published by the independent, nonprofit Companion Animal Parasite Council. This handy reference includes all FDA- and EPA-approved parasite control products for small animals. It lists each product's active ingredients, how to use the product, and which parasites it controls.
For additional expertise on preventing and treating fleas in cats, we consulted with three veterinarians: Dr. Ashley Bourgeois, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist with the Animal Dermatology Clinic in Portland, Oregon; Dr. Herman Jeffer, a veterinarian with Cornwallis Road Animal Hospital in Durham, North Carolina; Dr. Keith Harper, a veterinarian at Hayward Veterinary Hospital in Hayward, California; and Dr. Colleen Sawyer, a veterinarian with Rolesville Veterinary Hospital in Rolesville, North Carolina. Our veterinary experts did not specifically endorse any of the products included in this guide unless explicitly mentioned.
Cat flea treatment FAQs What is the most effective flea treatment for cats?
Our experts say topical and oral flea treatments are the most effective and easy to use. The best flea control product for your cat will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and preexisting health issues. Topical preventives are great for both killing fleas and preventing flea infestations. They are usually applied to the skin in one spot on the back of the neck once a month. They spread across the entire body as they dry, leaving no residue. Oral flea control products are given to your cat by mouth to kill fleas. Some pills kill fleas for up to a month; others require more frequent application to continue killing fleas, as often as once a day.
Which is better, Frontline or Advantage, for fleas on cats?Frontline and Advantage both make two different topical flea control products. Frontline Plus, Frontline Gold, and Advantage II are available over the counter, while Advantage Multi requires a prescription from your vet. Frontline Plus is our OTC recommendation; it kills fleas at all life stages and protects against chewing lice and ticks. Frontline Gold protects against the same parasites as Plus and works faster but is significantly more expensive. Advantage II lost out to Frontline Plus because it does not kill ticks and may require more frequent applications to eliminate severe infestations. Advantage Multi does not kill ticks, but it prevents heartworm and treats and controls roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites. However, we recommend Revolution Plus for treating worms, fleas, and ticks due to its easier application.
How can you tell if your cat has fleas?Although outdoor cats are more likely to pick up fleas, even indoor cats can get them when they go to the veterinarian or a boarding facility or when the family dog has them. Fleas can even hitch a ride indoors on your clothes or shoes. 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). To check your cat for fleas or flea dirt, run a flea comb through your cat's coat or part the hair with your fingers to examine the skin. If you find live or dead fleas or flea dirt, your cat has a flea infestation.
How harmful are cat fleas?A severe infestation can seriously damage a cat's skin, induce an allergic reaction, or cause anemia from blood loss. Fleas can also spread parasites like tapeworms and may transmit diseases.
Why are some flea products dangerous to cats?Never use a product on a cat if it is labeled only for dogs. 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 says. "[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."
Is Seresto harmful to cats?In March 2021, USA Today and the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting published a report alleging that the Seresto flea collar is linked to thousands of adverse incidents in pets and humans. To date, 2,500 pet deaths have been allegedly linked to the collar.
Elanco published a statement defending the collar's safety and efficacy. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Pet Poison Hotline followed suit. The EPA recommends pet owners read the entire label before using any flea collar and follow all directions carefully. Your veterinarian can provide additional safety guidance. If your pet has an adverse reaction, immediately remove the collar and call your veterinarian. Tim Carroll, EPA's press secretary, advises pet owners to contact the National Pesticide Information Center and report adverse reactions to the EPA.
The Best Flea And Tick Prevention For Dogs (2024 Guide)
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Flea and tick season is in full swing right now, and as we start taking our dogs into the field again, chances of them encountering fleas and ticks are high. Warm, furry and low to the ground, dogs make vulnerable targets for fleas and ticks looking for a host which is why flea and tick prevention for dogs is important. Flea and tick-borne maladies range from the annoying, itchy bites of fleas to potentially serious diseases spread by ticks, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever making them some of the deadliest insects in the world. Once your dog brings fleas and ticks into the house, you become their next target.
Although the most effective flea and tick pills require a prescription, you can choose from several excellent over-the-counter treatments as well. Topical treatments, sprays, shampoos, collars all make effective weapons in the fight against these pests. They contain small amounts of pesticide that either kill fleas and ticks outright or reduce their ability to lay eggs.
Any time you deal with pesticides you have to know what you're doing. Consult with a vet before using flea and tick medication, especially with puppies, old dogs, dogs with health problems, and dogs with a history of seizures.
Read on to learn how to find the best flea and tick prevention for your dog.
How We Picked The Best Flea and Tick Prevention for DogsAs longtime dog owners—and owners of a couple of cats over the years—we're familiar with the need to combat flea and tick infestations to keep pets healthy, and we've used numerous prescription and over-the-counter products throughout the years. Our use of prescription preventatives allowed us to accurately judge the effectiveness of over-the-counter treatments.
We looked at a wide range of over-the-counter treatments because pet owners' needs vary—and also because sometimes you need to use several types of treatment, such as a topical for your pet plus a yard treatment, to combat bad infestations. We selected them according to the following criteria:
Best Topical Flea and Tick Treatment
Why it made the cut: A very effective, over-the-counter topical treatment, K9 Advantix is the best topical flea and tick treatment for dogs who won't take pills or that claw at collars.
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Advantix II contains permethrin, the active ingredient in many insect repellents, so it not only kills fleas and ticks, it repels mosquitoes as well. Applied to a dog's back where it can't reach around and lick it off, Advantix II is absorbed into the dog's skin, and attacks the nervous systems of fleas and ticks that come in contact with it. Sold in doses sized for dogs from 4 to over 55 pounds, Advantix comes in six packs that provide half a year of protection.
Best Collar: Seresto Flea and Tick CollarBest Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
Why it made the cut: Vets often recommend this as the best flea and tick collar for dogs, which offers long-lasting protection up to eight months.
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Seresto collars start working within 24 hours to kill fleas, ticks and lice. The active ingredients include imidacloprid for fleas and flumethrin for ticks. The odor-free collar is water-resistant, so you can leave it on when you take your pup for a swim. The collars trim to fit and are neither oily nor smelly like some collars are.
Best Spray: Frontline Dog SprayBest Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs
Why it made the cut: An effective spray treatment that is safe even for puppies as young as eight weeks. It begins working within 24 hours.
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This is the best flea and tick prevention spray for dogs because it massages into your pet's fur and is completely safe to touch once the dog's coat is dry. It's waterproof, so there's no worry about taking your dog for a swim. The treatment is effective against fleas in all life stages, as well as against several types of ticks. It can also help control flea allergy dermatitis. Frontline spray also comes in home versions to spray on carpets in the house to stop flea infestations once dogs bring the fleas home.
Best Shampoo: Adams Flea and Tick Shampoo with PrecorBest Flea and Tick Shampoo
Why it made the cut: A mild, effective shampoo that kills parasites on contact just got better with the addition of Precor flea growth inhibitor.
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This shampoo combines pesticides to kill fleas, flea eggs, flea larva, ticks, and lice with Precor, a growth inhibitor that prevents fleas from growing to maturity when they can lay eggs themselves. Adams Flea and Tick Shampoo also contains oatmeal, lanolin and aloe, so it's good for your dog's coat and is a good choice for dogs that have sensitive skin. It is one of the few flea and tick control products that can be used on both dogs and cats, so you don't have to buy two different treatments if you have both animals which is why it's the best flea and tick shampoo.
Best Spray for Home: Wondercide Flea and TickWhy it made the cut: All-natural and safe to spray on pets and in kennels where fleas and ticks can lurk
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This best flea and tick prevention spray for home was founded by a pet owner whose dog became ill from conventional flea and tick control products, Wondercide contains safe, natural oils and plant-based ingredients. Mild enough for cats and dogs, it also can be sprayed on bedding that usually holds fleas once they get into the house. It comes in a spray bottle, so you can spray your pet's fur and rub the Wondercide in. It has a pleasant, lemongrass scent and no chemical odor.
Best Outdoor Treatment: Vet's Best Flea and Tick Outdoor Yard and Kennel SprayWhy it made the cut: This effective natural spray takes the fight outside to the yard, where fleas and ticks wait to hitch a ride on your dog.
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Vet's Best Yard and Outdoor Kennel Spray hits pests where they live. Attach the included hose adapter to the bottle and spray your yard and outdoor kennels to kill fleas and ticks before they get a chance to climb onto your dog and then come inside. It's safe for the family, around other pets and small animals, and it won't harm trees, shrubs or flowers. With peppermint and clove oils as the active ingredients, it has a pleasant smell, too.
Things to Consider Before Buying The Bes Tick and Flea Prevention for DogsGetting the best flea and tick prevention for your dog is not all about cost, or even about which one is most effective. The treatment has to be right for your lifestyle and for the type of dog you have. Keep the following factors in mind before deciding:
The best tick prevention for dogs is to keep them away from ticks during tick season. Ticks abound in woods and long grass. If you can keep your dog away from tick habitat until cold weather arrives, you will avoid most ticks. Failing that, all-natural treatments like Wondercide can be very effective and have excellent safety records.
Q: What do vets recommend for flea and tick control?Veterinarians usually recommend a prescription oral treatment like Nexgard or Bravecto. Oral treatments have several advantages. It is easy to give the proper dose and there is no chance of accidental exposure to children or other pets with a tablet. The pills taste good and most dogs take them readily.
Q: What is the most effective way to prevent fleas and ticks on dogs?Keeping dogs out of contact with fleas and ticks is the very best form of prevention, but that's not always possible. If you live in an area with lots of fleas and ticks, you may need to take a multi-pronged approach by treating your pet, your carpets and your yard with products specifically designed for those purposes. You should not try combining treatments for your pet, such as using topical treatments and shampoos without consulting a veterinarian.
Q: How much does a Seresto flea and tick collar cost?A Seresto collar costs around $60 for one collar that will last up to eight months.
Final Thoughts on the Best Flea and Tick Protection for DogsFlea and tick prevention for dogs helps keep your dog—and you and your family—healthy. We rated Advantix the best over-the-counter remedy overall because it provides long-term protection, is easy to apply, and isn't liable to damage like a collar might be. As with any treatment you give your pet, you should consult your veterinarian before use.
Why Trust UsFor more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it's a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.
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