How we found the best cat flea treatments
Products like this can’t really be tested by ourselves under safe conditions, so we relied on thousands of genuine customer reviews to work out what to include (and most importantly, what to avoid).
Any products which were difficult to administer, or which didn’t do the job, were disregarded. Brands that are known often fared best in reviews, and we know they pass rigorous testing too, so we avoided any unfamiliar products.
We also looked at the different forms of cat flea protection, and our research showed that cat lea collars and powders aren’t generally recommended by veterinarians and other professionals – so we didn’t recommend them either.
We have produced this information as a guide. If you are concerned about any other aspects of your flea problem or are concerned about how your cat will react to products, always speak to a veterinarian first.
Types Of Cat Flea Treatment
This is by far the most popular option when it comes to the best flea treatments for cats. It can be tricky to give a cat a tablet or put something in their food that they won’t be able to detect, so spot-on is generally the best way forward.
The majority are weather-proof and can last for up to three months before they need to be reapplied (although commonly it is one month). This means your cat can still go outdoors after a few hours. They also tackle adult fleas which are already living on your cat
An oral flea tablet is the best flea treatment for anyone who has already mastered the art of giving their cat tablet medication. They are often the best to kill fleas fast (in as little as 15 minutes) and can provide the longest results too.
Many can’t kill flea eggs, so they’re best as flea treatments which kill adult fleas rather than prevention, and you will need to follow up by giving your cat regular preventative flea treatments
This is often added to food for any cats who need something which doesn’t disrupt their lifestyle or behaviour too much. There is also a chance that your cat has sensitive skin so can’t have topical treatment.
Most are undetectable but if you have a fussy cat, they could detect it and it could also be hard for you to make sure they eat everything
These are sprays, foams or powders applied to the skin of your cat, which kills fleas on contact. Often not recommended as they are quite potent with chemicals and you need to make sure they are applied correctly to your cat, which can be tricky.
Some may last for a few weeks, but only for days is more common. Cats may not like getting wet or the application process so it could be tricky for fussy moggies
A flea collar is generally not recommended as a form of flea treatment, especially for a cat. Many flea collars can be too strong for long-term wear against the fur and skin, causing irritation.
A collar can’t deal with many fleas (most just keep fleas away from the head of your cat, like a ring barrier) and are usually used as a preventative measure, but are not as effective as other types of protection.
Your cat can also lose their collar when out and about, and needs a safety clasp for if their collar becomes attached to branches or similar and they need to free themselves. However, not every flea collar has one, especially if you opt for the cheaper models.
Not every flea collar is bad though. In response, vet-approved flea collars have emerged. The best cat flea collar is something vet-approved such as Seresto, on our best cat collars page.
Great for removing adult fleas currently on your cat and relieving skin issues. Most fleas will be killed on contact, especially when water is involved.
The only downside is that fleas can hide in hard-to-reach places on a cat so there is no guarantee every single one will be removed. It could also be tricky to get your cat in a bath. Wipes are available too, but again, fleas can slip from the trap
The long-term flea treatment option, for cats and owners who have usually tried everything else. You can take your cat to the veterinarian for an injection which offers around 3 months of protection, but this can be pricey. There is also the small matter of getting your cat to go to the vets which could be impossible or uncomfortable
Price
Preventative flea control can actually be quite cheap for cats, which is great as seeing they are a regular necessity. Even though pet owners should be willing to buy all the extras needed, it is good for a customer to know one part of their healthcare doesn’t have to add up.
They can start at around £5 for one treatment/pipette, whether this is as a monthly subscription or a pack of four retailing at £20. This could go up to around £20 per application for something which lasts longer than one month.
Cat flea treatment such as tablets which tackles existing ablets can be more costly but these are a short-term cure as opposed to long-term prevention.
If you do want a flea collar, a vet-approved one will set you back around £20. This may seem pricey, but remember that most of the time, a flea collar isn’t recommended so you need to get one which is safe to use both in terms of your cat’s skin and reactions, and their safety when outside.