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The 6 Best Flea Treatments For Dogs In 2024

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The best flea treatments for dogs prevent and kill pesky parasites safely and effectively. Many dog flea medicines also treat ticks and lice and prevent heartworm infections. These medications come in the form of topicals, chewable tablets, shampoos, and collars.

To choose the top flea and tick medicines, we asked veterinarians how to prevent and eliminate fleas and ticks in puppies and adult dogs. We also researched products using the Companion Animal Parasite Council's quick product reference guide. Our top pick is Advantage Multi, a prescription medicine that prevents and controls fleas and protects against heartworms. To treat both fleas and ticks, we recommend Frontline Plus for dogs, an over-the-counter (OTC) topical medicine.

It's important to ask your veterinarian what type of flea and tick preventive is best for your dog. The ideal treatment depends on your dog's temperament, lifestyle, and the most common parasites where you live.

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Our top picks for the best flea treatments for dogs

Best topical preventative overall: Advantage Multi for Dogs - See at Chewy

Best OTC topical preventative: Frontline Plus for Dogs - See at Chewy

Best pill: Simparica TRIO - See at Chewy

Best for young puppies: Capstar for Dogs - See at Chewy

Best collar: Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs - See at Chewy

Best shampoo: Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor - See at Chewy

Best topical preventative overall Advantage Multi for Dogs

With just one easy monthly application, Advantage Multi for Dogs treats, controls, and prevents more parasites than any other topical product.

Not even the best flea and tick medicine for dogs controls every harmful parasite, but Advantage Multi for Dogs comes close. It's also one of our top picks for the best flea and tick treatments for puppies.

Advantage Multi is a topical spot-on product that contains the active ingredients imidacloprid and moxidectin, which prevent flea infestations by killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs. It also prevents heartworm, mange mites, and three intestinal parasites: roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. If your dog already has worms, your vet may recommend treating them with one of the best dog dewormers. As with all medications that prevent heartworm, your dog needs a heartworm test before starting Advantage Multi and annually after that.

Advantage Multi is easy to use: Every 30 days, apply it to the dog's skin at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades. The liquid medication is absorbed and dries within hours. Unlike other topical preventatives, you don't need to wear gloves to apply Advantage Multi. If you get the product on your hands, simply wash them with soap and water. For a half-hour after application, keep dogs from licking the application site, either on themselves or other treated dogs. Children should not touch the application site for two hours after application.

Advantage Multi does not prevent ticks. If ticks are a concern, consider Frontline Plus for Dogs, Bravecto Topical for Dogs, or K9 Advantix II.

Best OTC topical preventative Frontline Plus for Dogs

Available without a prescription, Frontline Plus for Dogs kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, and chewing lice on contact.

Among the best flea treatments for dogs, Frontline Plus is our top nonprescription recommendation because it kills ticks and fleas, controls flea infestations, and kills chewing lice, all with one easy application. When used primarily for flea control, each dose of Frontline Plus lasts up to three months. If ticks or biting lice are a concern, apply it monthly.

Frontline Plus has been used and trusted by pet owners for over two decades. Parasites die on contact — they do not have to bite your dog for the treatment to work. Its active ingredients, fipronil and S-methoprene, work together to kill parasites and break the flea life cycle. Fipronil kills adult fleas and ticks, while S-methoprene prevents flea eggs, larvae, and pupae from developing. If your dog has a lot of fleas, it can take up to a month of consistent use to get rid of them because flea eggs can be in your home but not on your dog.

Frontline Plus is easy to use. Squeeze all the liquid in the tube onto one spot of your dog's skin between the shoulder blades. The liquid medication spreads across your dog's skin and gets stored in the oil glands. It distributes itself continuously via the hair follicles.

Best pill Simparica TRIO for Dogs

Simparica TRIO treats, controls, and prevents more parasites than any other oral product, offering a full month of protection with one easy-to-give flavored pill.

Our pick for the best flea treatment for dogs in pill form is Simparica TRIO. This chewable tablet is fast-acting and kills more parasites than any other oral product. It starts to work within four hours and kills 100% of adult fleas on dogs within eight hours.

Choosing between an oral or topical flea control product is tough for some dog owners. There are pros and cons to each type of product. In some cases, an oral preventive is a better choice. For instance, some dogs with sensitive skin can't tolerate spot-on treatments. "Oral products have the benefit of broad coverage to reach every spot of skin without the chance of the product being washed off," says Dr. Kate Crumley, a veterinarian with Blue Heron Consulting.

You can give the liver-flavored tablets with or without food once a month. The treatment contains three ingredients — sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel — and provides an entire month of protection against more parasites than any other oral product. Simparica TRIO is also safe for some of the youngest puppies and smallest dogs. It requires a prescription from your veterinarian, as well as a negative heartworm test. It should be used with caution in dogs with a history of neurologic disorders such as seizures.

Best for young puppies Elanco Capstar for Dogs

Capstar for Dogs is safe for puppies as young as 4 weeks old and starts killing fleas within 30 minutes.

Fleas should be eliminated as quickly as possible for heavily infested dogs, especially young puppies. Available without a prescription, Capstar for Dogs is the only flea control product safe for puppies as young as 4 weeks and weighing at least 2 pounds. With other topical and oral flea control products, puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and sometimes older.

The active ingredient in Capstar, nitenpyram, works within 30 minutes and kills more than 90% of adult fleas on dogs in as little as four hours. Its protection against fleas lasts only 24 hours, but it is safe to give daily if necessary. Daily dosing is helpful for young puppies that might not be old enough to use an oral or spot-on product that offers long-term protection. Owners should follow up with a flea control product that provides a month or more of protection once the puppy is old enough.

Best collar Seresto Flea and Tick Collar

The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs offers eight months of protection against fleas and ticks in all life stages.

Flea collars were once the main option for flea control, but most don't offer the same level of protection as topical and oral medicines. One noteworthy collar is the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs, which uses sustained-release technology to provide eight months of continuous protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, four species of ticks, chewing lice, and mange mites.

In general, topical spot-on and oral preventatives are the most effective flea control for dogs, but the Seresto collar might be a good option in certain situations. Dr. Kelley Lay, a relief veterinarian in Nashville, Tennessee, says that traditional flea and tick collars are generally not very effective. She has even seen allergic reactions and other issues with some of them. However, she has found the Seresto collar safe and effective and recommends it to clients with pets who don't tolerate topical or oral flea and tick preventives.

The collar is nongreasy, odor-free, lightweight, and adjustable for dogs of all sizes. It can be worn alongside your dog's regular collar and has a two-step safety system to keep your dog safe if the collar gets caught on something. The collar's active ingredients, imidacloprid and flumethrin, are released in low concentrations over your dog's skin and coat to kill fleas and ticks on contact — parasites do not need to bite your dog for the collar to work. It kills 100% of fleas within 24 hours of placing the collar on your dog. You don't need to remove this water-resistant collar during swimming or bathing with one of the best dog shampoos.

Best shampoo

Our top pick for the best flea shampoos for dogs is Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo. In addition to killing fleas, flea eggs and larvae, ticks, and lice for up to 28 days, this shampoo soothes skin that has become dry and irritated from flea bites and constant scratching.

The shampoo contains pyrethrins and S-methoprene (Precor) synthetic pesticides commonly included in flea and tick shampoos. It also contains piperonyl butoxide to enhance the pesticides' effectiveness. Oatmeal helps heal irritated and itchy skin, and the shampoo has a pleasant coconut scent.

Lay says that flea shampoos are fine to use alongside prescription flea control medications but shouldn't be considered the first or best line of defense against fleas. Veterinarian-prescribed, year-round flea prevention remains the gold standard. Despite marketing claims, these shampoos do not provide substantial flea protection after the bath and may leave dogs susceptible to repeated infestations. Some ingredients in shampoos can also irritate the skin.

What to look for in flea and tick medicine for dogs

Safety and efficacy: FDA- or EPA-approved products have undergone rigorous safety and efficacy testing before going to market.

Number of parasites treated: Using a product that protects against more than just fleas is convenient. While your veterinarian can advise you on which product is best for your dog, we generally favor products that cover more parasites.

There are some exceptions. For instance, Capstar treats only fleas, but it is the only medicine available for puppies younger than 6 weeks. OTC products, like Frontline Plus, protect against additional parasites such as ticks and lice but not heartworms. Products that treat heartworm always require a veterinary prescription.

Ease of use: The easier it is to use a product, the better. For example, chewable tablets are quick and easy to give your dog, provided they like the flavor. Products that require a person to wear gloves when they apply it or require the treated animal to stay away from children or other pets for a while may be a hassle.

Minimum age and weight: Flea treatments are intended for dogs above a minimum age and weight. Your options for a very young puppy will be more limited until they are older and weigh more.

Prescription vs. Over-the-counter: Some flea control products are available over the counter. Others require a prescription from your veterinarian. You can buy prescription medicines from your veterinarian or online pet pharmacies and stores like Chewy, Petco, and PetSmart.

Prescription flea control products typically cost more than OTC options because they protect against more parasites, most importantly, deadly heartworms. Dogs must test negative for heartworms before starting a heartworm preventive.

Types of flea and tick medications: There are several types of treatments, including topical, oral, collars, shampoos, and sprays. Cost, convenience, ease of use, and effectiveness vary among these products. Your vet can help you determine the best type for your dog. We advise against flea sprays because topical spot-ons and oral products are more effective. Remember that some dogs with sensitive skin may not tolerate topical products. Crumley says that frequent bathing or swimming may also reduce the effectiveness of a topical product that remains on the skin's surface.

Natural vs. Synthetic: Our experts do not recommend using natural products instead of veterinarian-recommended topical and oral flea control. While natural treatments can deter fleas and ticks, they won't eliminate an infestation. "If you use them, be prepared to apply them at least daily before your pet goes outside for the best chance of keeping the hitchhikers from latching on," says Crumley. If you also have kitties at home, avoid natural flea control products containing essential oils because some can be toxic to cats.

Other pets in your home: Any product labeled for use in only dogs should never be given to a cat. Some ingredients can be toxic to cats. While any dog-only flea product can harm felines, cats are especially sensitive to pyrethrins. If you're looking for a safe product for your cat, check out our guide to the best flea treatments for cats.

How we selected the best flea treatments for dogs

We consulted two veterinarians for advice regarding the treatment and prevention of fleas and other parasites in dogs. This information guided our selection of the best flea treatments for dogs, but our experts did not endorse any of the products included in this guide unless explicitly quoted.

We also conducted research using the quick product reference guide published by the independent, nonprofit Companion Animal Parasite Council. This helpful reference includes all FDA- and EPA-approved parasite control products for small animals along with each product's active ingredients, directions for how to use it, and which parasites it controls.

Flea medicine for dogs FAQs Do dogs really need flea and tick medicine?

Yes. Not only are fleas and ticks a big nuisance, they also carry diseases that can make dogs extremely ill. Although you may be tempted to use parasite preventives only in spring and summer, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and intestinal parasites are resilient. Veterinarians recommend that dogs stay on broad-spectrum parasite preventives all year.

What are the types of flea and tick medicine for dogs?

Flea and tick medicines are available as oral and topical products, collars, and shampoos. Oral products are chewable tablets, while topical products are ointments that go directly on the skin. Flea collars have fallen out of favor because they are less effective than oral and topical treatments. Shampoos are also less effective and do not provide long-lasting flea protection. These medicines are available over the counter or by prescription and contain different active ingredients to kill and repel fleas and ticks.

What do vets recommend to get rid of fleas?

Getting rid of fleas can take several days to weeks. Veterinarians recommend a multipronged approach: Kill the existing fleas, prevent new infestations, and treat the environment, both indoors and outside. If you have multiple pets, treat them at the same time. Treating inside your home involves vacuuming where flea eggs and larvae like to hide, such as cracks and crevices, and washing bedding in hot water. Treating outdoors involves eliminating any areas where fleas could hide, such as piles of leaves and tall grass. If this process seems daunting, you can hire a pest control service.

What is the most effective flea and tick treatment for dogs?

There is no single treatment that works best for all dogs. The best flea and tick treatments for dogs vary in many ways, including how many parasites they target, active ingredients, safety restrictions, and how long they're effective. The most desirable treatments provide long-lasting protection, target adult fleas as well as eggs and larvae, and are effective against other parasites, such as heartworm and intestinal worms. Your veterinarian can help you select the most appropriate product for your dog.

What kills fleas permanently?

To eliminate fleas permanently, you'll need to do more than kill adult fleas. The other developmental stages, egg and larvae, must also be eliminated. Products that kill the early stages of fleas are the most effective. Year-round flea and tick treatment is also crucial to preventing future infestations. It may take several weeks before all the fleas are gone.

Which is better, NexGard or Frontline?

Both NexGard and Frontline kill fleas at all life stages, plus ticks. Both treatments have their advantages. There are several Frontline products: Shield, Plus, and Gold. Our top choice for an OTC flea preventive is Frontline Plus, which also protects against chewing lice and helps control sarcoptic mange infestations. Compared to Frontline Plus, NexGard kills fleas more quickly (4 hours versus 12 hours) and ticks (24 hours versus 48 hours). For this reason, NexGard is a better choice for preventing the transmission of Lyme disease from ticks. Some veterinarians also use NexGard to treat mange.

What is the safest flea and tick medicine for dogs?

Flea and tick medicines are FDA-approved to be safe and effective. However, these medicines also have safety restrictions depending on age, weight, and whether a dog is pregnant or nursing. Some treatments also have safety warnings for dogs with a history of seizures or other neurologic disorders. As you evaluate flea and tick medicines, check the label to ensure it's safe for your dog.

What is the difference between prescription and OTC flea medicine?

Some flea control products are sold over the counter, while others require a prescription. Prescription products typically cost more than OTC treatments because they protect against more parasites, including heartworms. However, OTC options can still provide effective, long-lasting treatment against fleas and other parasites.

Can I get flea and tick medicine without a vet prescription?

Yes, OTC treatments are available without a prescription. These medicines usually do not protect against as many parasites as prescription flea and tick products.

Do flea collars work?

Yes. Flea collars work but are generally less effective than topical or oral treatments. Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs provides eight months of protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, ticks, and mange mites. Lay recommends flea collars for dogs that cannot tolerate topical or oral flea products.

Is Seresto harmful to dogs?

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. Purchase a Seresto collar only from a reputable online retailer, brick-and-mortar store with a guarantee program, or your veterinarian. To verify product authenticity, call Elanco product support at 800-422-9874. 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.

How can I tell if my dog has fleas?

Fleas are hard to see with the naked eye. Look for signs of a flea infestation on your dog, including nonstop biting, scratching, or licking and red, irritated skin. Flea dirt, a rust-colored mixture of blood meal and dried feces, is a telltale sign of fleas and can be found in places your dog spends time, such as their bed. Running a flea comb against the direction of your dog's fur can pick up the dirt. You can often see it on your dog in hard-to-reach places like the base of the tail, middle of the back, and groin. Other signs include pale gums, which are a sign of anemia, and patches of hair loss.

The 5 Best Flea Treatments For Cats Of 2024, According To Veterinarians

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If your cat has fleas, it's important to get rid of them quickly. You also want to prevent your cat from getting fleas in the first place. Thankfully, the best flea treatments for cats are the safest, most effective way to prevent and eliminate a variety of parasites, including ticks, worms, and lice.

To select the best cat flea medicine, we consulted four veterinarians and referred to the quick product reference guide published by the Companion Animal Parasite Council. Our top pick for a prescription topical treatment is Revolution Plus, which controls fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites. If you're looking for an over-the-counter (OTC) topical medicine to kill fleas, ticks, and lice, Frontline Plus for Cats is an excellent option.

We recommend asking your vet which flea medication might be best for your cat's temperament, lifestyle, and the parasites they're most at risk for contracting where you live. It's important never to use a product labeled only for dogs. Dog flea medicines can make cats extremely sick, and in some cases, they can be fatal.

Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products and check out our Chewy coupon page for discounts on pet products.

Our top picks for the best flea treatments for cats

Best topical: Revolution Plus Topical Solution - See at Chewy

Best OTC topical: Frontline Plus - See at Chewy

Best fast-acting: Comfortis Chewable Tablets for Cats and Dogs - See at Chewy

Best collar: Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats - See at Chewy

Best for young kittens: Capstar Flea Control Tablets - See at Chewy

Best topical Revolution Plus Topical Solution for Cats

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 easy to apply 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 Frontline Plus for Cats

Available without a prescription, Frontline Plus kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, and chewing lice.

We chose Frontline Plus as one of the best flea treatments for cats because it not only kills fleas and controls flea infestations but also kills ticks and chewing lice. The topical medicine 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 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, we recommend using 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 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. 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.

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. 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.

While topical and oral medicines 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.

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."

Best for young kittens Capstar Tablets for Cats

Capstar Flea Control Tablets are safe for kittens as young as 4 weeks old and start killing fleas within 30 minutes.

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.

What to look for in flea medicine for cats

When shopping for the best flea treatment for cats, we recommend evaluating treatments using the same standards we applied to our top picks. As always, it's best to talk to your veterinarian 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 flea and tick treatment for your cat.

Topical preventives, often called "spot-on," kill fleas and prevent flea infestations.

Oral flea control products, or "flea pills," are given to a cat by mouth to kill fleas and prevent fleas.

Flea collars deliver medication to a cat's skin and coat.

Flea sprays are applied to the skin and coat; we do not recommend them because topical and oral products are more effective.

Flea shampoos kill fleas that are currently on your cat, but topical and oral flea control products are far more effective. Some flea shampoos are even harmful to cats since many contain pyrethrins. "Nowadays, flea shampoos are rarely if ever needed because the topical and oral flea products are much more effective and safer," Sawyer says. "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]."

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 cat flea treatment?

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 heartworms 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?

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.

How Much Opill, The Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill, Actually Costs

The first over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill was approved last year. It's called Opill, and over the past month or so, it has finally started showing up on pharmacy shelves. Finally I can answer those questions everyone was asking when it was first approved: How much does it actually cost? And will insurance cover it?

What is Opill's sticker price?

The price for Opill you'll see on almost every website is $19.99 per pack. (This is sometimes described as a "monthly" pack, but there are only 28 pills per pack; as is common with birth control. You'll go through about 13 packs per year.)

Some sellers have single packs available for slightly less. Right now, Amazon and Walmart are both charging $18.97, saving you about a dollar.

Daily Oral Contraceptive, Birth Control Pill, Full Prescription Strength, No Prescription Needed, 28 Count

Can you get Opill at a discount?

You can save a few bucks by buying two or three packs at a time. The sticker price for a three-"month" pack of Opill is $49.99, or $16.66 per pack.

If you don't have insurance, you live in the U.S., and your household income is below 200% of the federal poverty line, you're eligible for Opill maker Perrigo's cost assistance program, which will provide the medication at "reduced or no cost." To find out more and to sign up, visit the cost assistance program page here.

Will insurance cover Opill?

Maybe! In general, the Affordable Care Act requires insurance plans to cover birth control pills as a form of preventive care. The law doesn't specifically require them to cover this brand of pills, or to cover OTC pills, so they aren't automatically included.

That said, if your insurance uses CVS Caremark for its pharmacy benefits, you'll be happy to know that CVS has included Opill on its list of zero-cost contraceptives. Contact your insurance provider for specifics on your coverage.

Several states have also passed laws requiring over-the-counter birth control to be covered by insurance, although the details vary by state. The Kaiser Family Foundation has a rundown of state laws here. California, Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Washington all have state laws that theoretically could apply to Opill. Again, check with your insurance company to find out what coverage is available for you.

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