Flea remedies for cats, together with preventatives, can be found in a wide range of varieties, together with as a topical answer and as an oral remedy. Fleas can transmit critical illnesses to your cats, making preventative remedies a great tool for cat house owners with animals in danger for selecting up fleas.
“There are shampoos, dips, sprays, powders, and topical or oral preparations accessible to stop and deal with fleas on cats,” says Laurie Hess, DVM, a veterinarian at Chewy. “Cats usually hate being sprayed or given drugs, so many cat house owners want utilizing topical spot-on flea merchandise.”
Not all flea remedies work properly with cats, particularly as a result of they’re very delicate to sure chemical substances (together with some typically present in flea remedy shampoos). Utilizing vetted, cat-specific remedies in addition to treating their surroundings is essential to sustaining your cat’s well being whereas eliminating their flea downside.
For assist discovering the very best flea remedies for cats, we sought detailed suggestions from 13 households with cats. We requested them to judge their most popular flea remedies, together with reliability, security, and ease of use. By way of survey insights and our analysis, our favourite flea remedy for cats is Benefit II Flea Spot Therapy for Cats, which is quick-drying, supplies preventative safety and employs two energetic components which can be confirmed efficient. Learn on for extra of our suggestions, together with oral, spray, and shampoos, and extra.
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Begins killing fleas the identical day as utility
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Two components that kill and forestall fleas
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Kills fleas, larvae, and eggs
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Waterproof
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Some cats dislike the way it feels
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Might trigger hair loss at utility web site
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Requires month-to-month utility
Benefit II Flea Spot Therapy for Cats is a liquid topical remedy that’s administered month-to-month on the again of your cat’s neck. As with all spot-on or topical flea remedy, typically hair loss is famous within the space that the product is utilized and a few cats don’t like the sensation of the liquid on their pores and skin. Our survey responders mentioned the product efficiently eradicated energetic flea infestations on their cats, and fleas solely returned in the event that they missed a dose.
Benefit II makes use of two energetic components, imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen, each of that are protected to be used in cats and have minimal unwanted side effects. When mixed, the 2 energetic components are fast-acting, killing fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae in 12 hours and providing strong safety for 30 days after utility. Benefit II shouldn’t be utilized in cats with neurologic issues.
A prescription is just not wanted to buy Benefit II. It’s accessible in three totally different sizes, with totally different dosages relying in your cat’s weight. It’s fragrance-free and waterproof after 24 hours of utility.
Energetic Elements: Imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen | Doses: 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 dose packages | Dimension: 2-5 pound cats; 5-9 pound cats; over 9 pound cats
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Much like Benefit II, Bravecto is a spot-on remedy that’s utilized to the again of your cat’s neck. It protects from fleas and ticks and one remedy lasts for as much as three months. A Bravecto Plus choice can be accessible if you need heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention too, nevertheless it solely lasts for 2 months as an alternative of three.
Both approach, Bravecto merchandise make it straightforward to offer protected and efficient flea prevention to cats with out the month-to-month utility, and our survey responder mentioned this product has labored higher than anything they’ve tried. This product does require veterinary approval prior to buying.
Energetic Ingredient: Fluralaner | Doses: 1 and a couple of dose packages | Dimension: 2.6-6.2 pound cats; 6.2-13.8 pound cats; 13.8-27.5 pound cats
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One pill works for any dimension cat
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Begins killing fleas inside half-hour and might remove a flea infestation in 6 hours
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Can be utilized in tandem with different anti-flea merchandise
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Potential unwanted side effects embody hyperactivity, lethargy, itching, diarrhea, and extra
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Would not act as a prophylactic, so further remedies could also be crucial
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Solely kills grownup fleas
CAPSTAR tablets begin killing fleas in half-hour and obtain better than 90 % effectiveness inside six hours. Along with its fast-acting effectiveness, one of many large benefits to CAPSTAR Quick-Appearing Oral Fela Therapy for Cats is that its dosing does not change relying in your cat’s dimension, as is the case with loads of topical remedies. As an alternative, CAPSTAR will work for any cat or kitten greater than two kilos and over 4 weeks previous.
The energetic ingredient in CAPSTAR—nitenpyram—has been extensively studied and located to be each protected and efficient (generally, much more efficient than CAPSTAR’s 90 % declare). Unintended effects are uncommon, however you must monitor your cat for twenty-four hours after dosing, watching out for signs like hyperactivity, panting, lethargy, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, salivation, seizures, and pupil dilation.
In fact, it isn’t at all times straightforward giving a cat a capsule, which is one drawback CAPSTAR has towards topical remedies. Additionally, whereas extremely efficient at killing grownup fleas, CAPSTAR doesn’t kill eggs or present prophylactic safety towards re-infestation, so chances are you’ll want a number of remedies with a view to disrupt the flea life cycle and absolutely defend your cat.
Energetic Ingredient: Nitenpyram | Doses: 6 and 12 pill packages | Dimension: Cats over 2 kilos and over 4 weeks previous
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Catching reside fleas generally is a problem however combing useless ones off your cat may be simply as tough should you don’t have a flea comb. The Hartz Groomer’s Greatest flea comb helps you clear your cat, eradicating useless fleas, particles, and eggs. It will possibly additionally assist detangle small mats. The comb has a snug grip that will help you gently navigate delicate areas equivalent to paws and the face. It will also be used to comb out short-haired cats, even when they don’t have fleas.
Dr. Hess says to maintain a bowl of soapy water or rubbing alcohol useful to dunk your comb into should you see fleas to stop them from leaping again onto your pet (otherwise you). Flea combs will should be utilized in mixture with one other flea remedy to totally remove them; work together with your vet to find out the precise remedy plan in your cat.
Energetic Ingredient: Not relevant | Doses: Use as wanted | Dimension: Not relevant
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Flea shampoos for cats may be arduous to make use of and are usually not at all times really helpful by vets as a result of cats are infamous for hating water, Hess informed The Spruce Pets. However if you need to make use of a flea shampoo for cats coping with an infestation, we just like the Benefit Flea and Tick Therapy Shampoo for Cats and Kittens. Cats ought to solely be bathed with cat-specific flea shampoos as a result of some components utilized in formulations for canines are usually not protected for cats.
The Benefit Flea and Tick Therapy Shampoo works by killing fleas and ticks on contact. The energetic components are a combination of chemical substances which can be poisonous to fleas and ticks, nevertheless it normally takes a number of makes use of to utterly remove the fleas at present residing in your cat. This product is labeled to be used as much as as soon as each seven days.
Bear in mind that flea shampoos will not stop fleas from coming again, and so they work greatest together with different flea remedies that may stop the return of fleas and ticks, like a topical remedy.
Energetic Elements: Pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, MGK 264 insecticide synergist | Dose: Use as wanted | Dimension: Cats 12 weeks and older
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Small quantity of liquid for kittens
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Kills fleas, larvae, and eggs
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Protected for kittens
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Waterproof
Kittens are further delicate, so not all flea remedies are protected to make use of on child cats. Our favourite total flea remedy for cats—Benefit II Flea Spot Therapy—can be accessible in a dimension acceptable for cats between 2 and 5 kilos. It may be used with kittens over the age of 8 weeks. Search for the inexperienced field.
Benefit II comprises a small quantity of an alcohol-based liquid. This makes utility straightforward and avoids making a multitude throughout your tiny kitten. It not solely kills fleas but in addition flea larvae and flea eggs and begins working the identical day of utility and retains working for 30 days. It’s fragrance-free and waterproof after 24 hours of utility.
It doesn’t require a prescription and is a protected and efficient choice in your younger cat.
Energetic Elements: Imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen | Doses: 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 dose packages | Dimension: 2-5 pound cats; 5-9 pound cats; over 9 pound cats
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Kills extra than simply grownup fleas
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Continues killing a number of flea life levels for a number of months after utility
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Will get into hard-to-clean locations within the dwelling the place fleas disguise
Hess stresses that in case your cat is coping with a flea infestation, you can’t simply deal with your cat—you will need to deal with their surroundings, too. The Adams Flea and Tick Residence Spray comprises three energetic components to kill fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, and plenty of different bugs. Hess says to deal with your complete home first, together with carpet, baseboards, beneath rugs, and furnishings, then deal with the areas your cat frequents most frequently.
This spray lasts within the dwelling for as much as seven months to stop future infestations however is just not meant to be utilized to a cat or some other pet. Your pets must be faraway from the home earlier than spraying this aerosolized remedy spray. As soon as it dries, your pets can return to their area.
Energetic Elements: (S)-Methoprene, etofenprox, piperonyl butoxide | Doses: 24 ounces (one spray remedy towards pre-adult fleas lasts 7 months) | Dimension: N/A
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Would not require a prescription
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Begins killing fleas in half-hour
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Designed to kill as much as 98-100% of fleas inside 12 hours
In case your cat is extraordinarily uncomfortable and might’t cease biting, scratching, or licking at fleas on their pores and skin, the Cheristin Flea Spot Therapy for Cats is your only option. This fact-acting formulation begins killing fleas in simply half-hour after utility and is designed to kill as much as 98-One hundred pc of fleas inside 12 hours.
The topical formulation can be utilized on any cat over 1.8 kilos and eight weeks previous and does not require a prescription, making it a fantastic choice for a lot of cats or should you’re ever in a pinch. Our survey responder mentioned it is very straightforward to make use of, fast to use, and will get the job completed.
Energetic Elements: Spinetoram | Doses: 1, 3, or 6 dose packages | Dimension: Cats over 1.8 kilos
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With not solely protected and efficient flea-killing energy, Revolution Plus additionally kills or prevents heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites. It even kills or protects towards ticks, concentrating on the three most typical species, making it a great tool in your arsenal throughout tick season.
Revolution Plus makes use of two energetic components—selamectin and sarolaner—each of that are protected to be used in cats and have minimal unwanted side effects. When mixed, the 2 antiparasitics are fast-acting, killing fleas inside six hours and providing strong safety after 24. Revolution Plus shouldn’t be utilized in cats with neurologic issues.
A prescription is required to buy Revolution Plus. It’s accessible in three totally different sizes, with totally different dosages relying in your cat’s weight.
Energetic Elements: Selamectin, sarolaner | Doses: 3 and 6 dose packages | Dimension: 2.8-5.5 pound cats; 5.6-11 pound cats; 11.1-22 pound cats
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Two months of safety per dose
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Formulations for big and small cats
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Can be utilized on cats 8 weeks and older
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No prescription wanted
You probably have bother remembering to use a flea remedy every month, the Benefit XD Massive Cat Therapy protects for 2 months per dose, which outlasts the everyday flea life cycle. This topical formulation begins killing fleas inside half-hour to 4 hours after utility after which continues working for the subsequent two months. Hess says most vets suggest year-round flea prevention for cats to stop infestations, so this can be a nice technique to cowl extra floor with much less product.
Energetic Elements: Spinetoram | Doses: 1, 2, and 4 dose packages | Dimension: 1.8-9 pound cats; 9 pound cats and above
Closing Verdict
Our choose for the very best total flea remedy for cats is the Benefit II Flea Spot Therapy for Cats. The topical formulation doesn’t require a prescription, and the 2 energetic components work rapidly to kill fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae in 12 hours. It gives strong flea safety for 30 days after utility. Nonetheless, it doesn’t provide safety towards ticks. You probably have reside fleas that it’s essential to kill rapidly, the Cheristin Flea Spot Therapy for Cats is your only option as a result of it really works inside half-hour, offering quick aid to cats in ache.
How We Discovered the Greatest Flea Therapies for Cats
As a result of veterinary merchandise may be tough to independently check, we as an alternative depend on our large pool of testers for suggestions about their experiences with drugs, dietary supplements, and different veterinary merchandise. Most lately, our analysis crew created a complete survey to assemble constant knowledge throughout a number of households about most popular flea remedies. This survey of greater than 15 cats (their house owners did the answering) offered us insights into every cat’s age, weight, and different components that helped us choose the very best remedy for any number of cats.
We requested about which flea remedies had been utilized in every family and the way typically, gathering knowledge on utility, consistency, and most popular manufacturers. Lastly, we additionally requested every cat proprietor to offer numerical rankings and detailed suggestions for his or her chosen flea remedy, scoring for ease of use, effectiveness, and worth.
We additionally consulted with a number of knowledgeable sources, each whereas growing our survey and for added insights into learn how to greatest use flea and tick remedies for cats.
What to Look For in a Flea Therapy for a Cat
Elements
Some components are merely not protected to make use of as flea remedies in cats. Merchandise particularly designed for canines are typically harmful to make use of in cats, so solely use merchandise particularly labeled for cats. There are a number of totally different components in flea remedies however most are a mix of:
- Adulticide: A wide range of components that kill grownup fleas, together with imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen, amongst many others.
- Insect Development Regulator (IGR): These components inhibit flea larvae from maturing into grownup fleas.
Some frequent adulticides and IGRs embody:
- Selamectin: Treats fleas, heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and ear mites in cats. Apply on to pores and skin. Begins killing fleas in a number of hours, and will increase in effectiveness over a number of days. Unintended effects are uncommon, however shouldn’t be used with sick or underweight cats.
- Sarolaner: Solely utilized in mixture with different components when treating cats (don’t purchase a sarolaner canine flea remedy in your cat). Additionally treats ear mites.
- Pyriproxyfen: Disrupts flea egg and larval improvement. Doesn’t kill grownup fleas. Utilized topically or in sprays. Very protected to be used, together with with pregnant or lactating cats.
Your veterinarian can advise you about merchandise which can be protected in your cat and mix the effectiveness of an adulticide plus an IGR. Some cats with neurological issues shouldn’t be uncovered to adulticides, so at all times test together with your vet earlier than utilizing these merchandise.
Keep away from utilizing pyrethroids in cats as they are often poisonous. These are extra generally present in some canine flea remedy merchandise, however are nonetheless sometimes seen in cat merchandise. Pyrethrins and permethrin merchandise will also be harmful to be used in cats.
Warning
The U.S. Environmental Safety Company is at present evaluating the security of Seresto Flea & Tick Prevention Collars in mild of a wave of shopper complaints. Whereas the EPA has but to discover a hyperlink between the chemical substances in flea collars and pet deaths, the quantity of reported incidents associated to Seresto have led to Congressional investigations, a ban in Canada, and a class-action lawsuit settled for $15 million. Whereas the American Veterinary Medical Affiliation has to this point decided that your cat is extremely unlikely to expertise harmful or deadly unwanted side effects from use of a Seresto flea collar, we won’t be recommending Seresto model flea collars or different flea collars till extra conclusive findings have been launched.
By no means use flea collars designed for canines in your cat, as they are often very harmful to your cat’s well being. Even flea collars designed for cats have some dangers. Many flea collars include components that may trigger pores and skin irritation, toxicities, and hair loss.
Supply Technique
Flea remedies for cats embody shampoos, dips, sprays, powders, and topical or oral preparations accessible to stop and deal with fleas on cats. Some supply strategies are solely acceptable for killing reside fleas whereas others will assist stop a flea from having the ability to reproduce. Some flea remedies, like dwelling sprays and coverings, aren’t meant to be put in your cat and are as an alternative designed for use within the surroundings the place your cat lives.
How a flea remedy is run or delivered to a cat is simply as essential as what components are in it. If you happen to give a flea remedy to a cat by way of the incorrect supply methodology, it may be harmful, so you must at all times observe the bundle suggestions for learn how to safely administer a product.
Ease of Use
Some merchandise are simpler to make use of than others. Shampoos, sprays, dips, bombs, powders, and combs take extra effort and planning to make use of whereas topicals, orals, and injections could also be simpler to manage.
Most cat house owners that use preventatives use topical remedies as a result of they’re straightforward to make use of and final a great period of time. In case your cat will take a deal with, oral merchandise could also be a great choice, too. Collars are straightforward to position on a cat that may enable them however as beforehand mentioned, considerations encompass using flea collars.
Injectable flea preventatives are normally solely administered by veterinarians so taking your cat to the vet is all that’s required of you for that choice.
How Lengthy Does It Final?
Every product ought to say how lengthy it lasts on the packaging. Some solely final for twenty-four hours whereas others include an insect development regulator (IGR) or different components that final a number of months. In case you are solely attempting to kill grownup fleas, a product that lasts 24 hours or much less will do the trick, however you’ll want one thing longer-lasting to kill the eggs and larvae. To stop fleas, most cat house owners want merchandise that final not less than a month so they do not must reapply the remedy too typically.
FAQ
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The best flea remedy for cats will mix a product to kill grownup fleas with a product to kill flea larvae and forestall fleas from changing into adults. These merchandise will assist remove infestations and forestall any new ones sooner or later, so long as the product is used as directed.
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The easiest way to eliminate fleas quick is to decide on a product that begins working inside half-hour to kill fleas. Flea remedies also needs to prolong past the cat and into the house surroundings. By treating your cat and your private home on the similar time, you improve your probabilities of eliminating fleas rapidly and effectively.
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Shampoos designed to kill fleas and ticks may be bought and not using a prescription, nevertheless, most merchandise that embody tick safety require a prescription.
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A mix of adulticides and bug development regulators will successfully kill fleas, flea larvae, and flea eggs on cats. These components are scientifically confirmed and veterinarian-recommended.
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Some frequent indicators of flea infestation in a cat embody scratching, extreme grooming, purple bites or scabs, hair loss, flea dust (excrement that appears like black specks) on the pores and skin, fur, or bedding, and pores and skin an infection.
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Sure. Roaming outdoor will increase their publicity to potential host environments the place fleas thrive. Nonetheless, indoor cats can and do get fleas as a result of flea eggs, that are fairly hardy, can enter the surroundings on carpets, footwear, or different supplies.
Why Belief The Spruce Pets?
This text was most lately up to date by Abbie Harrison, a senior editor and Affiliate Editorial Director of The Spruce Pets.
A earlier model of this text was written by Adrienne Kruzer, a registered and licensed veterinary technician in three states, who has been writing on pet and vet subjects for over a decade. She loves researching, studying, and problem-solving with a view to higher assist pet house owners. Her years of working in varied animal hospitals, alongside her formal school training and elective persevering with training courses, have offered her with a wealth of expertise and data to learn cat house owners.
Dr. Laurie Hess, a veterinarian at Chewy and the Veterinary Middle for Birds & Exotics in Bedford Hills, New York, was additionally consulted for this roundup. She offered deep insights into safely and successfully utilizing flea remedies for cats.