There are so many reasons why fleas are the worst and why they make your cat so miserable. They bite, cause itchiness, are bad for your cat’s health, and they look seriously gross. Oh, and those pesky fleas can also be a major bummer if they infest your house.
For all of these reasons, it’s important to figure out a way to stop them in their tracks. Flea treatments are so essential for your feline-loving family.
Not sure if you even need to worry about this? Here are some signs that your cat might be dealing with fleas:
- Scratching their head and ears
- Chewing and biting themselves
- Lots of licking, especially around their legs
- Red and irritated skin
- Some fur loss due to all the scratching
Should I be worried about using a flea treatment?
Via Pixabay
There are plenty of safe ways to get rid of fleas, including the products on this list.
Though most treatments will be safe for your kitty, some do contain pretty intense ingredients that you’re going to want to be careful with. You should consult your veterinarian before you start giving your pet anything new.
The Best Flea Treatments for Cats
Whether you’re looking for collars, oral medications or special fur-washes, you’ll be able to find something that will help your four-legged buddy stay flea-free. Here are some of the most popular flea treatments for cats.
1. Bayer Animal Health Seresto Flea Collar
This veterinarian-recommended flea collar is brought to you by the folks at Bayer, so we’re pretty sure they know what they’re doing. One collar can last up to eight months and kills fleas and ticks on contact (so your cat doesn’t have to get bitten for them to die). They’ve also included some safety precautions, like reflective clips to give more visibility and a release mechanism that ensures your cat can escape if it gets trapped in the collar.
Helpful review: “I have been battling fleas for quite a while, using top of the line spot on product, spraying the house, bombed the house. I finally bought these collars and bombed the house again. No fleas! 2 weeks in extremely satisfied.”
2. CrossBlock II Flea Preventative for Cats (over 9lbs.)
A reasonably-priced alternative to the big name flea-fighting brands, this treatment starts killing pests within two hours. Active ingredients Imidacloprid 9.10% and Pyriproxyfen 0.46% help prevent further re-infestation on cats by breaking their life cycle. Super easy to apply, this kit includes three doses—meaning your pet should be bug-free for a solid three months.
Helpful review: “I have a stray cat that decided to stay at my house, it has been a month now since i used the CrossBlock Flea and not on flea on this cat. He is happy and so am I, do not have to worry about fleas jumping on you. Great product, great price.”
3. Safari Cat Flea Comb
Though they’re a bit old school, flea combs are still an effective way to remove fleas from fluffy’s fur—although you are forced to get up close and personal with the critters. This sturdy comb seems to have the teeth spaced just right for catching those fleas, and for giving your kitty’s coat a soothing brush-through. Both the company and reviewers recommend keeping a cup of water with mild detergent close by for dipping the comb into between strokes. Happy bug-hunting!
Helpful review: “I don’t usually feel so strongly about grooming products but this comb has made our lives so much easier.”
4. Capstar Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment
If your cat rocks at taking medication orally, then this flea treatment will be a piece of cake (or, a piece of kitty treat?). Just one dose will start killing fleas within 30 minutes, which is why many reviewers rave that this treatment is the way to go. Kitties just need to be two pounds or greater, and at least 4 weeks old in order to take it. The pill can be given once a day (with or without food) until your critter problem goes away.
Helpful review: “My poor Fozzy-boy gets a skin rash (allergic reaction) from many of the name-brand topicals on the market. The one he can tolerate really doesn’t work since I still find myself giving him a flea bath or two even after being on it. With these tablets, the fleas can’t get away from him fast enough!”
5. Elanco Animal Health Cheristin for Cats Topical Flea Treatment
If you want to see some flea-killing action fast, this product claims to start eliminating bugs in just 30 minutes. This topical treatment stems from a molecule called spinetorma which occurs naturally in bacteria in the soil and has proven to be super effective in helping with bug infestations. Specifically created for cats, this solution is gentle enough for cats that are only 8 weeks old, but also lasts for an entire month.
Helpful review: “This works really fast and is incredibly effective. Cats stopped scratching within an hour of application.”
6. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray
Designed for cats (and those who love them), this spray kills fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, and ticks. Oh, and it doesn’t contain any of the harsh chemicals that are bad for your feline—just certified natural oils and other safe ingredients. Use this spray on your furniture, crates, pillows, blankets, and other areas of the house. You can also use this on cats over 12 weeks old, as long as you carefully follow the directions.
Helpful Review: “Great product. Smells nice, and pests definitely hate everything in this product. The ingredients are non-toxic to pets and humans, and you can even put it on your animals.”
7. Honeydew Natural Pet Supplies Grooming Kit
If you’re looking for a way to combine flea-control with a refreshing feline bath, this is the treatment for you (or rather, for your cat). This kit includes shampoo and a spray, and both contain citronella and lemongrass essential oil which make your cat smell great.
Helpful Review: “I love that it comes with a shampoo and spray because I can spray some on my flea comb and comb it through their hair for a quick spruce up. I love the smell and my cats don’t seem to mind it.”
8. Protecto’s Cat Flea Collar
This eco-friendly collar is made from 100% natural oils, is hypoallergenic and seems to be effective on bugs. Recommended by vets, this collar is simply placed loosely around your cat’s neck and lasts for up to 8 months.
Helpful Review: “This collar really works great. The easiest flea protection I’ve ever had! Those fleas died after contact with the collar very quickly. My kitty doesn’t scratch anymore!!! No more eggs and no more fleas! My kitty is happy and I am happy too!”
More flea treatment options
It doesn’t have to be all about flea treatments—there are plenty of changes around the house you can make for natural flea protection.
Hopefully you’re able to find a good fit for your family as your peruse this list. Remember—always make sure the treatment is meant for cats, and always consult your vet before using a new product.
