A single flea jumping into your cat’s fur can create a huge infestation, not only on your pet, but in your entire house. Your beloved pet will scratch itself bloody trying to get rid of the pests, while you’ll find yourself waking up to a body full of bites. These bites can result in infections like plaque, typhus and cat-scratch disease, and can result in severe medical consequences.
In this article, we will recommend some of the best treatments recommended by pet experts and vets. Our blog will include:
- Reviews of the best products for flea treatments (2019)
- Different forms of flea treatment products for cats
- Potentially harmful active ingredients in flea treatment for cats
- Criteria for selecting the best flea treatments for cats
- Frequently asked questions
Table of Contents
- Reviews of the 7 Best Products for Flea Treatments (2019)
- 1. Best Cat Spray: Bayer Advantage Flea Tick and Lice Treatment Spray for Cats
- 2. Best Shampoo: Sentry PurrScriptions Flea and Tick Shampoo for Cats
- 3. Best Waterless Shampoo: Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Waterless Bath for Cats
- 4. Best Collar: Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar
- 5. Best Oral Medication: Novartis Capstar Flea Tablets
- 6. Best Topical Solution: Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention for Cats
- 7. Best Natural Preventive Spray: Wondercide Flea, Tick & Mosquito Control Spray for Cats Dogs & Home
- 6 Different Forms of Flea Treatment Products For Cats
- 4 Potentially Harmful Active Ingredients in Flea Treatment for Cats
- 6 Criteria for Selecting the Best Flea Treatments for Cats
- FAQs
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Flea Treatment
- Final Thoughts
Reviews of the 7 Best Products for Flea Treatments (2019)
Here are some of the best formulae to treat cats that have a flea outbreak:
Last update on 2019-05-22
1. Best Cat Spray: Bayer Advantage Flea Tick and Lice Treatment Spray for Cats
- Kills and repels fleas, ticks and lice
- For use on cats over 7 months
- Can be applied directly to cats
- As part of a complete flea control program, treat your pets, treat your home and...
Last update on 2019-05-22
This Advantage spray serves a dual purpose; its not just used to spritz your cat that is suffering from an outbreak of lice and ticks, it can be sprayed onto your bed, cabinets, sofas and other furniture as well. Some users say that the spray doesn’t smell that pleasant, but it is highly effective, killing fleas on contact and also contain an insect growth regulator, which kills larvae and eggs.
Pros
- Kills fleas on contact
- IGR prevents hatching of eggs till up to 100 days
- Can spray on furniture and around home too
- Prevents flea bite dermatitis
Cons
- Not pleasant smell
- Not all-natural
2. Best Shampoo: Sentry PurrScriptions Flea and Tick Shampoo for Cats
- Kills Fleas, Ticks And Lice
- Coconut Berry Scent
- Adds luster and groom ability to pet's coat
- Rich In Coconut Conditioners
Last update on 2019-05-22
Sentry PurrScription is worth going through the hassle of wildly struggling with your cat who doesn’t want a bath. This is the best flea shampoo for cats and contains pyrethrins, which kill fleas upon contact. It also prevents re-infestation for 30 days. Users say they see dead fleas falling down immediately after application and that the shampoo makes their cat’s fur, soft and shiny
Need to hire an exterminator? Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area.
Pros
- Kills fleas immediately on application
- Prevents re-infestation for up to 100 days
- Leaves fur soft and glossy
- Delicious coconut berry scent
Cons
- Cats are resistant to getting wet
- Not all-natural
3. Best Waterless Shampoo: Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Waterless Bath for Cats
- EFFECTIVE AND EASY TO USE - Vet's Best Flea and Tick Waterless Bath Foam kills...
- BATHTIME FOR CATS WHO HATE BATHS - Quick and easy solution to groom your cat...
- FORMULATED FOR CATS - Carefully formulated for cats with certified natural...
- NO ADDED PERFUMES - Cleanses and deodorizes your cat's coat, leaving a calming,...
Last update on 2019-05-22
Even cats have dry shampoos. Rather than fighting to get your cat into a bathtub, try Vet’s waterless shampoo. The formula contains peppermint oil and Eugenol and can be sprayed directly onto your cat. It kills lice, ticks, and mites while cleaning your cat’s coat at the same time.
Pros
- Repels mosquitoes too
- No wet and rinse form
- Great for cats who hate baths
- Cleanses and deodorize cat’s fur
Cons
- Only for cats older than 12 weeks
- Peppermint smell may irritate some cats
4. Best Collar: Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar
- Veterinarian-recommended flea and tick prevention for cats
- Just one flea collar for cats offers 8 continuous months of protection
- Avoid the hassle of monthly treatments
- No mess, non-greasy and odorless. Water-resistant
Last update on 2019-05-22
When it comes to taking oral medication or topical treatments, cats can be picky. Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar is the best cat flea collar in the market and uses the active ingredients, flumethrin, and imidacloprid, that kills not just fleas but their larvae and eggs as well. The chemicals are released in low concentrations from the collar and are non-greasy and odorless. The protection lasts for 8 months.
Pros
- Kills fleas, larvae, and eggs
- Protection lasts 8 months
- Non-greasy, odorless
- Breakaway mechanism
- Waterproof
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Not all-natural
5. Best Oral Medication: Novartis Capstar Flea Tablets
- Kills adult fleas before they can start an infestation.
- One convenient tablet starts killing fleas within 30 minutes.
- Treat flea infestations fast.
- Safe to give as often as once a day.
Last update on 2019-05-22
If you have multiple cats at home, Capstar flea tablets should be your go-to treatment for an immediate remedy. A single dose of the tablet contains nitenpyram, which will start killing adult fleas within 30 minutes and peaking at six hours. Using tablets is one of the most effective ways as the medication flows through the cat’s bloodstream. However, it does not provide long-term prevention or protection.
Pros
- Starts killing fleas in 30 minutes
- Very effective for killing adult fleas
- Leaves no residue
Cons
- Doesn’t kill larvae or eggs
- Does not prevent infestation
- The effect lasts only 24 hours
6. Best Topical Solution: Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention for Cats
- Contains two one-month applications of Bayer Advantage II topical flea...
- Advantage II works through contact, so fleas don't have to bite your cat to die
- This effective flea treatment kills fleas in multiple life stages - eggs, larvae...
- Easy-to-apply cat flea treatment starts working within 12 hours and protects for...
Last update on 2019-05-22
Bayer topical solution is one of the strongest and best flea prevention treatments in the market. The solution can be applied directly to the skin of the cat’s neck or places where it can’t lick it. It kills fleas on contact and spreads through the cat’s fur within 12 hours. The effect lasts for four weeks.
Pros
- Kills flea, larvae, and eggs in 12 hours
- Prevents re-infestation for four weeks
- Odorless
- Waterproof
Cons
- Cats may not like topical application
- Some cats may have a mild reaction to the formula
- Not all-natural
7. Best Natural Preventive Spray: Wondercide Flea, Tick & Mosquito Control Spray for Cats Dogs & Home
- KILLS FLEA AND TICK LIFE CYCLE. Safe and effective alternative to monthly...
- FRESH LEMONGRASS AND CEDAR SCENTS with aroma therapeutic qualities. Lemongrass...
- BEST USE: Spray directly on your pet. This natural flea treatment helps make...
- SAFE FOR DOGS AND CATS OF ALL AGES, INCLUDING SENIORS. Safe when used as...
Last update on 2019-05-22
People who are eco-conscious and do not like to treat their cats with chemical ingredients should try Wondercide cat spray. This natural cat flea solution can be sprayed onto your cat’s coat as well as any surface of your home, where fleas can breed. The formula contains lemongrass and cedar oil that have antiparasitic properties. However, it may not be as effective as other products; nevertheless, it acts as a good repellant and is effective against adult biting pests. This all means that it can be used as a preventive measure.
Pros
- No artificial fragrances, preservatives, or synthetic pesticides
- Prevents re-infestation for four weeks
- Can be sprayed on cats as well as around the home
- Pleasant smell
Cons
- Doesn’t kill, only repels
- Effective against adult biting pests only
- Only prevents re-infestation
6 Different Forms of Flea Treatment Products For Cats
Some of the best flea treatments for cats come in various forms since ease of application is one of the biggest criteria for users. Here are the most popular kinds of anti-flea formulae:
Topical Application
Topical applications are applied directly on the skin of the cat, in a place which your pet cannot easily lick. These are very effective treatment options as the formula can seep into the cat’s bloodstream and kills any flea that bites your pet. Some topical applications release noxious fumes that adversely affect pests only and repel them. They also come with growth inhibits that stops the growth of larvae and eggs. A downside of this type of treatment is that your cat may not like the feeling of the medication on its skin.
Medicinal Tablets
These oral tablets are concentrated with potent drugs that flow into the bloodstream and start killing fleas in just half an hour. Unfortunately, these tablets cannot kill larvae or eggs, only biting adults and their effect last for no more than 24-48 hours. Hence, these tablets should be used in conjunction with other long-term cat flea treatment that also targets eggs and larvae.
Oral Drops
These are similar to topical solutions, only this type of treatment is taken by the cat through the mouth. They are also extremely effective and target fleas through the cat’s bloodstream. However, your pet may dislike taking oral drops.
Shampoo
Although many cats dislike taking baths, this should be a part of their regular grooming, the best flea shampoos for cats does not just kill pesty adults, but eliminate their larvae and eggs as well. They also offer some limited repelling properties and make your cat’s fur is left smooth and glossy.
Collars
Many cat owners supplement flea shampoos with flea collars. These are highly effective and periodically releases active ingredients that get absorbed into the cat’s boy, killing the fleas. Some of the best flea collars for cats may contain IGR that also kills larvae and eggs. However, since flea collars are worn around the neck, the fleas may escape to further regions of the body like the rump or tail.
Sprays
The great thing about sprays is that they not only kill fleas in various stages of life on the cat’s body but are also effective in eliminating the pests around the house. They also serve as a repellant, and their effects may last several weeks.
4 Potentially Harmful Active Ingredients in Flea Treatment for Cats
Cat owners should be beware of some ingredients in anti-flea products that can end up being harmful to their pet.
Tetrachlorvinphos
Tetrachlorvinphos is found in some cheap cat collars and can be highly toxic to cats when ingested. The EPA stated that overexposure can cause nausea, dizziness, paralysis and in some cases, even death, in children or people with weak immune systems. It is also considered to be carcinogenic.
Pyrethroids
Pyrethroids are generally safe for mammals, but not for cats. Although the product is safe to use in dogs treatment, in cats, in can cause muscle tremors, seizures, loss of balance, hyperthermia and, if left untreated, can result in death.
Pyrethrins
Pyrethrins are very common active ingredients in cat sprays, collars, and shampoos. However, they must never be ingested. Pyrethrins can cause tremors, drooling, breathing trouble and vomiting and eventually death. However, if used properly, they are quite safe.
6 Criteria for Selecting the Best Flea Treatments for Cats
Choosing the right type of cat flea treatment can be quite the challenge. With so many types of products and brands in the market, cat owners often get confused about what will serve their beloved pet the best. For your convenience, we have listed a set of criteria that can help you get the best cat flea treatments.
Fast-Acting
A single flea can lay 50 eggs per day, just 24 hours after its first blood meal and eggs can reach their adult stage in as little as two weeks. That means, whatever treatment you use, it needs to be very fast-acting. Many products start killing fleas after 30 minutes of application and kill the entire population within 12- 24 hours. The best flea treatments for cats can kill a large number of fleas in the least amount of time.
Effectiveness
Another thing to take into account is how effective the product is on every stage of the flea’s life cycle. There are some products that kill only biting flea adults, while others are IGR that only attack larvae and eggs. You can supplement these with other products; however, the best kind of cat flea treatments contain pesticides that do not just kill mature fleas but also targets their eggs and larvae.
Mode of Control
The best cat flea treatment should provide long-lasting protection. There are some products that kill fleas on contact while others kill the pests when they feed on the cat’s blood. Then there are others that can’t kill fleas, but only repel them. Oral medications can only kill fleas but cannot repel them. People who want to rid their cats of fleas no matter which life stages they are in and give them long-lasting protection should buy those products.
Ingredients
All of these treatments can come with a few side effects. Some cat owners complain their cat suffered from hair loss or irritation after they applied topical solutions. Tablets or oral solutions can cause gastric issues in your feline. Sprays with a strong smell can irritate or cause an allergic reaction in your pets. Then there are ingredients like fipronil that can be toxic if ingested by your pet. Even natural products like peppermint can be very irritating to cats. Before thoroughly applying products for external us, do a patch test. For oral products, consult your vet.
Ease of Application
Ease of application also matters to a cat owner. If your cat has very thick fur, sprays may not provide adequate protection as it may not adequately penetrate the coat. Topical solutions may also not get sufficiently absorbed by its skin and instead stick to the fur. Other cats dislike the idea of taking oral medication or baths, so tablets, oral drop, and shampoo treatment can be a bit challenging. Find out what application works best for your cat and then get the best product accordingly.
Length of Effectiveness
This depends on the type of flea infestation your cat has. If your cat needs quick relief than a fast-acting oral medication is a good option. Tablets like Capstar can start killing fleas in just 30 minutes and peak at 6 hours. However, their effect only lasts for 24 hours. However, products like Bayer cat collar can repel and kill ticks, mites and fleas and its protection can last for 8 months, so this is a good option for a long-term solution. The best type of treatment involves two or three different types of products working in conjunction with each other.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Flea Treatment
Q: Is flea treatment safe for cats?
A: If you are buying EPA-certified, good-quality brands to get rid of fleas, the treatment is quite safe for your cat. There are some ingredients that can cause allergic reactions and negative side effects to your pet if inappropriately used, so it is your job to follow the application or administration instructions carefully.
Q: What type of ingredients cause toxicity in cats?
A: Pyrethroids, pyrethrins, and tetrachlorvinphos can all cause dizziness, nausea, tremors and other side effects, under some circumstances. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are safe for use on cats in small doses and if applied appropriately. However, you should avoid products that have tetrachlorvinphos.
Q: How old must cats be to have their first flea treatments?
A: Some cats need to be 12 years old to be treated with certain products. However, there are some options that are also safe for a kitten that are just seven weeks old. To be on the safe side, always consult your vet first.
Q: What are some good flea treatments for cats that have sensitive skin?
A: For cats with sensitive skins, flea sprays, flea tablets, and flea collars are some good options. Anything topical applied directly on the skin of the cat can cause it irritation. Cat sprays are a good option because they are spread on the fur of the cat and are not concentrated on the skin. Cat collars may also be a suitable fit as they release their ingredients slowly, but you need to make sure the collar is loose enough to not chafe the cat’s neck.
Whenever you decide to apply any product to your cat, do a small test and wait a few hours to see if it has any adverse effects.
Q: Are products with all-natural ingredients work on cat fleas?
A: There are some products that come with essential oils like lemongrass, cedar and peppermint oils that are somewhat effective in repelling fleas. However, most of them are not good for killing pests. The aroma of the essential oils can also irritate your cat or even lead to toxicity.
Final Thoughts
Even though finding the best flea treatment for cats may be a chore, it is very necessary for the well-being of your cat and your family. For best results, use two or three different products together. However, always consult your vet first to see if it is appropriate for your cat.
