Fleas are annoying little creatures. They cause cats discomfort, can cause some health issues, can cause you irritation, and are an all-round nuisance.
Which is why cat owners need to treat their cats routinely to keep fleas at bay. You should do this regardless if you think your cat has fleas or not. Prevention is a lot better than cure.
Allowing a flea outbreak on your pet can lead to an outbreak in your home. And it can be incredibly difficult, not to mention expensive to completely eradicate them.
Treating your cat is very simple and painless. Most applications come in pipette form. Meaning all you have to do is squeeze a small amount of liquid onto your cat’s neck.
All cat owners should have a calendar, with repeat treatments marked on there. Then simply keep a good stock of treatments and apply them when directed.
There are a lot of different brands and types on the market. It can seem confusing at first. Which is why I have reviewed some of the best on the market, and highlighted some of the best value purchases.
Quick Comparison: Best Flea Treatment for Cats
| Picture | Flea Treatment | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merial Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control for Cats and Kittens | $$ | 4.5 |
| Bayer Advantage II Flea Treatment for Large Cats | $$$ | 4.4 |
| Sentry 4 Count Natural Defense Flea and Tick Squeeze-On for Cats | $ | 4.3 |
| VetGuard for Cats (All Weights) | $ | 4.1 |
Read on for detailed reviews of each product.
Why Treating Your Cat for Fleas Is Important
Fleas found on cats, also known as (Ctenocephalides felis), are fairly common, especially if the cat is not treated regularly.
Some cats seem to be mostly unaffected by having a small amount of fleas. While others will live in torment, and can potentially fall very sick.
The cat flea does carry some diseases, as well as larval stage tapeworm. If cats eat these while grooming, they are at higher risk of contracting health problems.
Some cats will scratch excessively if they are also allergic to flea bites. Causing a great deal of discomfort.
Not to mention that fleas can also cause some humans a great deal of irritation.
How Do I Know If My Cat Has Fleas?
It’s not always easy to spot fleas on the coats of adult cats. Especially if the cats have long fun, or are dark in color. It can be almost impossible to spot them with the naked eye.
Some of the early warning signs is noticing that your cat is scratching a lot more than they used to. Or maybe you’re finding flea bites on yourself somewhere. Usually the ankles.
If you have cause for concern. Combing through a cat’s fur with a fine flea comb will often pull some out if they are present.
Also look for flea waste or droppings left in areas your cat has been sleeping. It looks like small black dots, and is a sure sign there are fleas present.
Reviews of 4 of the Best Flea Treatments for Cats
Merial Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control for Cats and Kittens
It’s a fast-acting and long-lasting treatment. You can buy it in batches of 3, 6, or 12 doses. It kills fleas, the flea eggs and ticks.
You can use this on cats 8 weeks and older, and can expect 30 days continuous protection. It really is a good minimal hassle solution. Just treat your cat once every 30 days and rest assured that any fleas are being killed.
Bayer Advantage II Flea Treatment for Large Cats
It kills the existing fleas, and then prevents further eggs being laid. Kills any eggs already laid. Also killing larvae.
This prevents the secondary conditions caused by excessive scratching as mentioned earlier. Each application lasts a month, so much like other treatments all you need to do is mark the calendar then apply the next treatment 30 days later.
It’s less expensive than some other brands, but just as effective. Worth taking a closer look and trying with your cats.
Sentry 4 Count Natural Defense Flea and Tick Squeeze-On for Cats
It’s safe to use around humans, unlike most the other products it includes natural ingredients. Such as cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, lemon grass oil and thyme oil.
This is a flea treatment product for owners concerned with allergies, irritations, and using harmful chemicals on their pets. So if that’s any of your concerns, this product is worth a closer look.
VetGuard for Cats
It’s always nice to see owners who have used a product over a long duration recommend it. So I have confidence in VetGuard.
It’s applied like other pipette applications. Just apply the whole applicator on the cat’s skin. Make sure you work it onto the skin, not just on the top of the fur.
Always Be Careful and Responsible
It’s worth mentioning that when using flea treatments you should always read the labels carefully. You’re handling potentially dangerous chemicals, and should always wear gloves.
If you think there is any adverse reactions, allergic reactions, or your cat is reacting to the treatment – you need to consult the professional advice of a veterinarian.