Fleas aren’t simply annoying pests that cause your cat to itch, it can also create plenty of health problems for your cat. To prevent your cat from getting flea-related problems such as dermatitis, tapeworms, and anemia, and to prevent future infestations, you will need to use a good flea treatment on your pet.

Topical or spot-on

This is the most common type of flea treatment available for your cat. You can use flea combs and baths but, they tend to only be effective for light infestations and are labor-intensive processes.

Topical or spot-on tend to be the preferred way to kill fleas and ticks on cats because it can sometimes be challenging to make cats swallow or chew pills. Pet owners also choose topical and spot-on treatments because they are waterproof and durable, kill fleas (and ticks) successfully, and have a long-lasting impact.

Three popular topical flea prevention products on the market are Bravecto, Revolution, and Frontline Plus. Bravecto topical is a 12-weekly treatment that can be used on cats over 6 months of age and weighing over 2.6 pounds.

Revolution for cats is good for kittens over 6 weeks of age and weighing at least 5.5 pounds, while Frontline Plus is for cats over 8 weeks old, with a minimum weight of 1.5 pounds. Both products kill fleas, eggs, and larvae, and offer 30-day protection.

Revolution and Bravecto also kill ticks, while Frontline Plus not only kills ticks but kills and repels mosquitoes too.

To apply the flea treatment on your cat, first, remove its collar. You will need to apply the medication at the base of its neck or between its shoulder blades, to prevent your cat from licking it off. Allow the product to fully dry before letting your cat get wet, and before you let young children or other pets near them.

Revolution

Frontline Plus

Bravecto Topical

Oral chewables

While it may not work as easily for some cats, tablets are available for them as well. These should be seriously considered, particularly if you need to see quick results.

Capstar is a fast-acting flea treatment that has been developed to provide almost immediate relief. It kills adult fleas within 30 minutes of administering and is safe to be used up to once per day.

Cats and kittens have to be over 4 weeks of age and weigh at least 2 pounds. It is also safe to use Capstar on pregnant or nursing cats.

Collar

Besides using either atopical treatment or a tablet, the Seresto flea collar is a helpful flea preventative during summer, when flea activity is at its highest. It kills and repels fleas and ticks for up to eight months, and is safe to use on kittens from 10 weeks old.

To use, all you have to do is it around your cat’s neck as you would a pet collar, with just enough room to fit two fingers under the collar (the collar needs to make contact with your pet’s skin to be effective).

Seresto

Deciding on the best flea treatment for your cat

Choose the best flea treatment for your cat ultimately rests on your personal preference for application, frequency, and cost, as well as your pet’s weight and age.

No matter which flea treatment you decide on, ensure you use it regularly on your cat. This will ensure it doesn’t stop working. Flea preventatives should continue to be used as the weather gets colder because cats can still get fleas in winter.

To successfully get rid of fleas on your cat or kittens, it is also important to ensure you kill the fleas in your house and yard, as they are all places fleas can be hiding, ready to re-infest your pet again.