10 Best Flea Treatments for Cats in 2021 Reviewed

Fleas absolutely adore cats, which is why if you own a cat you should be aware of the best flea treatments for cats.

That said, with so many different flea treatments for cats available, choosing the best one for your cat can be quite the daunting task.

This is exactly why we’ve taken the time to research, review, and compare all of the best flea treatments for cats in 2019.

Overview: Top Picks For Cat Flea Treatment

The best spot treatment is Bayer’s Advantage II Flea Prevention.

[amazon box=”B004QBDO0M”]

The best tablet flea treatment is The Capstar pill.

[amazon box=”B07Q1TKTP9″]

The best collar for cat flea treatment is the Seresto Flea and Tick Prevention Collar

[amazon box=”B00B8CG5NK”]

Types Of Flea Treatments for Cats

Fleas love pesting cats and their owners. That said, it’s simple enough to protect you and your pet from fleas. A wide variety of flea treatments for cats are available in today’s market. From over-the-counter products available at local pet shops and retailers to prescription treatments from veterinarians. For those who aren’t familiar with flea treatments for cats, these products vary significantly in nearly every aspect. 

From effectiveness and safety to composition and mode of application, various flea treatment products for cats are markedly different. This fact makes it crucial that you always read and carry out the instructions properly. If you are ever in doubt about how a product works, or how to correctly use it, make sure to consult a vet before going forward with it.

In addition to the major differences in many of the products on the market, even though a large variety of products are indeed quite safe for most cats (even pregnant cats and small kittens) many flea treatments aren’t safe for kittens and pregnant cats. Also, you should be aware that flea treatments for dogs, or puppies, should never be used in place of a flea treatment product for cats, as many treatments designed for dogs are extremely toxic to cats (in some cases to the point of being fatal).

Here are a few of the most common types of flea treatments for cats:

Spot Treatments

One of the newer and more popular methods of treating cats for fleas are commonly known as “spot treatments.” Now widely available, these treatments were once much harder to get your hands on without a vet’s prescription. The majority of these sorts of treatments come in the form of drops and are typically applied to the back of the animal’s neck.

Collars

Flea collars are quite possibly the most used form of treatment for cats with fleas. And, for the prevention of fleas to be more precise. Most of these collars are designed with such active ingredients and anti-flea substances as organophosphates, pyrethroids, permethrin, and methoprene. 

One of the biggest drawbacks of using collars for treating cats for fleas, however, is the high likelihood of it causing serious skin irritation to your pet. Today, safer and more effective collars than you can buy in the pet store are available from vets. 

Sprays

Spray treatments are also commonly used by cat owners, both aerosol sprays and pump-action sprays. The main issue, however, is that many spray treatments contain older types of ingredients that aren’t as safe as other treatments available today. 

Another consideration to make, if you do use a spray treatment on your cat, is that aerosol sprays tend to make a hissing noise that causes cats to become quite nervous (to say the least).

Tablets

Another great form of flea treatment for cats is tablets. For many cat owners, it may be easier to slip a tablet into their pets food than hold them still long enough to apply spray or spot treatments. That said, many cats may be particular about what they eat to willing to eat the tablet regardless of how well you hide it in their food.

Powders

Last but not least, flea powder is another type of treatment for cats. Albeit, many cat owners, as well as vets, tend to recommend this method less than the others mentioned in our list. The reason? The active ingredients don’t work as long, and the powder works its way off of the animal and needs re-applied far more than other types of treatments.

What to Consider Before Buying a Flea Treatment for Cats?

Before making any important purchase there are several important factors to consider. Flea treatments for cats are no exception. 

The most significant considerations to make before buying a flea treatment for cats include:

Effectiveness

The strength, as well as how long a product is effective for, is one of the most crucial when it comes to selecting flea treatment products for cats. Depending on the form of delivery, and the potency of the active ingredients, the effectiveness of the treatment may last anywhere from days to months. Make sure to double-check how long any particular treatment is effective for before making a final purchasing decision.

Ease-of-use

How easy (or hard) a flea treatment is to administer to your cat is another vital factor to be aware of before purchasing a product for your pet. Products such as spot treatments and pump-sprays are among the easiest to handle, even with feisty cats. However, some treatments, such as pills or aerosol-sprays, can be extremely difficult to use depending on the behavior of the cat. That said, owners know their cats better than anyone. This knowledge should give you some insight into which method of application would best work with your cat. 

Safety

The safety of a flea treatment product for your cat should be among the most important. They are also one of the easiest considerations to be aware of as the packages seem to be well marked most of the time. And, brands that are safer than others like to show that off in their advertising and marketing. In other words, finding a safe product these days is pretty easy if you’re paying attention.

Weather Resistance

Many flea treatments for cats, especially sprays, spot treatments, and other topicals, are either semi or fully weatherproof. The range of weather resistance in some products takes up to 24 hours to fully activate, at which point the treatment will remain active even after bathing your pet. Taking the time to check a potential treatment product for its level of weather resistance goes a long way in helping you find the best treatment for your cat.

Cost

The prices of flea treatments for cats in 2019 fluctuate greatly depending on the type of treatments, the cost of active ingredients, how many treatments come in one package, and  more. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 for a single flea treatment product including everything from shampoo to a tablets or bottle of spray. If multiple treatments are included, expect to pay a slightly higher price for the extra doses.

10 Best Flea Treatments for Cats Reviewed

To help you make the best-informed decision possible, we’ve researched, compared, and reviewed dozens of treatments for cats available online and came up with a list of the very best of them.

Here they are:

1. Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention (Best Spot Treatment)

The Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention treatment kills fleas through contact. That means your pet doesn’t have to be bitten by the fleas for them to die; fleas die as soon as they come into physical contact with the treatment. Furthermore, the treatment is effective in killing all four stages of fleas; eggs, larvae, pupae, and full-adult. That way, the cycle of life fueling the infestation is broken for good. 

The package comes with six months worth of Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention treatments (six individual one-month treatments). The treatments are easy to apply and begin to kill all fleas that come in contact with your pet within 12 hours. Another great aspect of this particular treatment is that its fragrance-free (many cats tend to have issues with strongly scented treatments). 

Pros

  • Kills fleas on contact
  • Easy to apply
  • Works within hours of application
  • Unscented (which cats prefer)
  • Manufactured by a reputable brand

Cons

  • Needs reapplied every 30 days
  • May cause skin irritations
  • Somewhat pricey
  • May take a day before becoming water resistant

[amazon box=”B004QBDO0M”]

2. Capstar Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment (Best Pill Treatment)

The Capstar pill is far and wide one of the most popular treatments for fleas. One of these tablets begins dropping fleas typically in 30 minutes or less of ingestion by your pet. Capstar is without a doubt one of the most powerful and fastest-acting treatments available without a prescription from a veterinarian. 

Capstar tablets are best used in conjunction with collars, sprays, powders, or spot-treatments. That said, these pills are no joke. You can literally sit back and watch the fleas start falling off of your pet (dead). However, they may be a bit expensive. Capstar tablets are also available for dogs.

Pros

  • Works in less than an hour
  • Kills fleas on contact
  • Trusted by veterinarians
  • Convenient pill form

Cons

  • High cost
  • May be hard to administer
  • Best works in combination with additional products
  • Less active ingredients than other products

[amazon box=”B07Q1TKTP9″]

3. TevraPet Actispot II Flea Prevention & Treatment

TevraPet’s Actispot II Flea Prevention & Treatment consists of all the same powerful ingredients found in Advantage II (at a fraction of the cost). The treatment is easy to apply to pets, on the back of their neck and between their shoulder blades. It’s also waterproof so you don’t need to worry about it washing off.

A package of TevraPet Actispot II Flea Prevention & Treatment includes six individual one-month prevention and treatment applications for your pet. The product works without fleas having to bite your pet as well, killing fleas on contact. Best of all, this is a treatment that really breaks the life cycle of fleas; killing eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults.

Pros

  • Cheaper than other name-brand products of the same type
  • Easy to apply
  • Kills and prevents fleas
  • Comes with six months worth of treatments

Cons

  • May be somewhat greasy
  • Could cause skin rash
  • Needs to be reapplied every 30 days
  • May take 24-hours before weatherproof

[amazon box=”B07R9GNRC2″]

4. Cheristin for Cats Topical Flea Treatment

Cheristin’s topical flea treatment for cats is designed to last for up to six weeks. However, it is highly recommended to reapply on a monthly basis. Application is simple, with a rounded applicator tip, it couldn’t be easier. Even more, this is one flea treatment for cats that works on kittens as well as adults (as long as they are at least 1.8 pounds or 8 weeks old).

Cheristin for Cats Topical Flea Treatment is non-prescription and works fast. All it takes is 30 minutes for the effects to begin killing fleas on your pet. In fact, in a controlled study, this treatment began working faster than products from such major brands as Advantage II and Frontline Plus and killed between 98 and 100 percent of fleas within a 12-hour period.

Avoid dozing your cats more than once per month, as well as not allowing the treatment to be ingested. If the treatment is ingested (by you or the pet) seek medical attention immediately.

Pros

  • Lasts for up to six weeks
  • Quick and easy to apply
  • Begins working within 30 minutes
  • Kills nearly all fleas on your pet within 12 hours
  • Can be used on small cats and kittens

Cons

  • Somewhat messy
  • Can cause skin irritations 
  • Needs reapplied every 30 to 45 days
  • Greasy

[amazon box=”B07DJVPKTW”]

5. Adventure Plus Triple Flea Protection

Another fast-acting treatment that kills fleas on contact, with minutes of application is Adventure Plus Triple Flea Protection. It comes as no surprise that the treatment is advertised as providing the same effectiveness as popular products like Advantage II. In fact, the product uses many of the same ingredients, and provides the same amount of protection, of much better-known brand’s products and costs less to boot

Just like the other major brands, Adventure Plus Triple Flea Protection kills fleas in all four of their life stages. In addition, the treatment is water, sun, and sweatproof remaining and actively killing fleas even after bathing your pet. The treatment is produced in the United States and is registered with the EPA.

Pros

  • Registered with the EPA
  • Made in the USA
  • Trusted manufacturer
  • Potent active ingredients
  • Waterproof and sunproof

Cons

  • May be slightly greasy
  • Could cause rash
  • Possibly messy application
  • May take several hours for water and sun resistance to begin working

[amazon box=”B07P9NH3B5″]

6. Seresto Flea and Tick Prevention (Best Collar Flea Treatment)

One product you’ve probably never heard of is the Seresto Flea and Tick Prevention Collar for Cats. As long as your cat, or kitten, is at least 10 weeks old, or older, the treatment is safe and effective. One of the greatest aspects of the treatment is that its effect lasts for up to eight solid months. That’s quite some time compared to other products.

The Seresto Flea and Tick Prevention Collar work with active ingredients such as flumethrin and imidacloprid. For those of us who aren’t vets, these ingredients are responsible for actually repelling fleas and ticks (which brands such as Frontline lack). The collar is designed in a way that slowly releases the ingredients over your pet’s fur and skin, from head to toe. It is odorless, easy to put on and adjust, and doesn’t require you to remove your pet’s regular identification collar.

Pros

  • Works with kittens 10 weeks and older
  • One of the safest flea treatment products
  • Effective for eight months
  • Unscented product
  • Repels fleas

Cons

  • May work best in combination with additional products
  • Allergic reactions are possible
  • Doesn’t always protect pet’s entire body
  • Can come off accidently

[amazon box=”B00B8CG5NK”]

7. Provecta Advanced for Cats

Long-lasting and waterproof, Provecta Advanced for Cats works on pets weighing five pounds and that are at least eight weeks old. Quick and easy to apply to pets, this powerful topical treatment both kills and actively repels not only fleas but mosquitos too.

Provecta Advanced for Cats includes the active ingredients pyriproxyfen and imidacloprid and needs to be applied no more than once every 30 days for optimal results. If you’ve never used the product before, be sure to carefully read the complete instructions before moving forward with the treatment.

Pros

  • Potent and long-lasting active ingredients
  • Protects pet for 30 days
  • Quick and easy application
  • Comes with four doses
  • Works against mosquitoes as well

Cons

  • Needs to be reapplied every 30 days
  • Ingredients may cause rash
  • Somewhat greasy
  • Doesn’t work for kittens

[amazon box=”B071G1KJ5Q”]

8. CrossBlock II Flea Preventative

Considered a spot treatment by many, CrossBlock II Flea Preventative is a potent anti-flea liquid. That said, it’s pretty oily and takes approximately 24 hours to fully dry, but seems to be very effective. Currently, It is one of the most highly rated flea treatments for cats being produced in Germany.

Consisting of the same excellent ingredients as much more well-known brands like Bayer Advantage II (previously mentioned on our list), CrossBlock II Flea Preventative kills fleas in all of their various stages of life including eggs. The biggest downside seems to be that it’s a bit trickier to apply than other brands as it is packed in a plastic bubble (not a tube) that requires being cut open.

Pros

  • Made in Germany
  • Kills all stages of fleas
  • Kills on contact
  • Repels fleas
  • Easy to apply

Cons

  • Messy application
  • May leave an oily coat on your cat
  • Takes a day to fully dry
  • May cause skin irrations

[amazon box=”B06X9YB8HS”]

9. Catego Fast-Acting Flea & Tick Treatment For Cats

The Catego Fast-Acting Flea & Tick Treatment For Cats is another worthy spot treatment to consider picking up. It’s safe for cats (and kittens of at least eight weeks old) that weigh as little as a pound and a half. The treatment isn’t oily and dries within hours, lasting for up to one month before it needs to be repeated.

Made up of the three active ingredients Dinotefuran, Pyriproxyfen, and Fipronil, the treatment has a very unique recipe (and it seems to really work). The treatment provides faster relief to your pet than most brands, killing most fleas in as little as just six hours. Compared to 12 to 24 hours, that’s pretty fast. Furthermore, Catego’s patented applicator makes it easier than ever to apply to pets smoothly and reduces the risk of causing skin abrasions.

Pros

  • Includes three potent active ingredients
  • Provides relief faster
  • Patented applicator – easy to apply
  • Works on kittens and small cats
  • Also works against ticks

Cons

  • Strong ingredients may cause rash
  • Somewhat greasy 
  • Needs reapplied every month
  • Takes several hours for any realwater resistance

[amazon box=”B01LYON1J4″]

10. Advecta II Flea Treatment for Cats

Our final mention, Advecta II Flea Treatment for Cats, is far from the least worthy. It’s waterproof, fragrance-free, and lasts up to four months per dosage. Containing the powerful active ingredients Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen, this flea treatment begins working quickly and kills the majority of fleas on your cat within 12 hours of application.

Advecta II Flea Treatment for Cats is another of the many products designed to break the life cycle of fleas by killing off fleas of all stages; eggs, adults, larvae, and pupae. This makes it even more effective at not just eliminating fleas but also at keeping them away for longer periods. The product is incredibly easy to use, comes in a convenient package, and is highly recommended online.

Pros

  • Longer lasting protection than most brands
  • Two potent active ingredients
  • Wipes out most fleas within 12 hours
  • Works on all stages of fleas
  • Unscented

Cons

  • Doesn’t always work in 12 hours
  • Takes several hours for water resistance to work
  • May have a chemical-based scent
  • Somewhat oily

[amazon box=”B01C47QGPE”]

Final Thoughts

Depending on the approach you decide to take in treating your cats for fleas there are several excellent options that easily stand out amongst the rest.

For those interested in trying a spot treatment product, Bayer’s Advantage II Flea Prevention is one of the most proven and highly rated on the market. The product kills fleas in all their cycles in less than a day and continues to protect them for a month at a time. 

[amazon box=”B004QBDO0M”]

The Capstar pill, however, is without question one of the very best tablets for cats that money can buy. It practically wipes out the entire flea population on your animal in as little as a single hour.

[amazon box=”B07Q1TKTP9″]

If it’s a collar you’re after, the Seresto Flea and Tick Prevention Collar is the way to go. Not only does it work for full-grown cats, but it works for kittens as well. It also lasts for eight months, which is longer than most competitor collars.

[amazon box=”B00B8CG5NK”]