Disclosure: Your support helps keep this site running. We may earn a referral fee for some of the services we recommend on this page.

Best Cat Flea Treatments for 2022

Protecting your cat from fleas is essential, especially if they are outdoor wanderers or you live in a multi-pet home.

Cats can be social creatures who love to explore every corner. If your cat is infested with these parasites, you can ensure that your home and any other pet is too. This is why flea control should be top of your list when it comes to healthcare for your cat.

Even indoor cats will benefit from flea control and prevention. But flea treatment can come in various varieties, so getting the best for your kitty could be tricky.

If you’re currently plagued by fleas, a vacuum cleaner and home flea spray will also be essential. It may also be worth buying cat wormer, to ensure the parasites have not given your cat tapeworm.

It’s also important to keep on top of flea protection. Cat fleas can actually live for up to two years, so even if you don’t think your cat currently has fleas, they can spring out of nowhere. All it takes is some blood and warmth…

We have rounded up the best flea treatments for cats out there to make your decision easier, and finally, find a solution to your problem.

Navigate this Article
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Our Top Picks

    Image Product Details
    ITCH Pet
    • Delivered to your door
    • Is personalised to suit your cat
    Check Price
    Advantage Spot-On with Dronspot Worming Treatment
    • Subscription
    • Tackles fleas, ticks and worms
    Check Price
    Johnsons 4Fleas Tablets for Cats and Kittens
    • Kills fleas within 24 hours
    • No residue on fur
    Check Price

    The Top 10 Best Cat Flea Treatment Reviewed

    1.
    ITCH Pet

    Subscriptions are great, aren’t they? No need to remember to buy that thing, no need to rush out to the shop at 9.30 pm before it closes, no need to suffer the effects of forgetting to buy that thing.

    This monthly subscription service will deliver your monthly flea treatment straight to your door, so if you are usually one to forget about reapplying medication to your cat regularly, it could be the solution for you.

    Up to 95% of the fleas in your home aren’t even on your pet, so this treatment can attack eggs and larvae too. This shortens the life cycle of the pest, getting rid of them much quicker than treatment which just kills the adult fleas.

    Each pipette contains active ingredients fipronil and methoprene, both safe for cats to use, and is personalised to your pet. This means that their age, breed, weight, whether they already have fleas and any health issues are all taken into account. You can also let them know about your cat’s lifestyle, such as if they live with young children or eat a raw diet.

    The first month is free, then the monthly price can vary but is usually no more than you would pay for another brand of cat flea treatment (starting at £7). You can also add on extras, such as wormers or treats. This all makes it one of the best flea treatments for cats, especially when it comes to flea control.

    And now, as a bonus, if you subscribe you also get access to a FREE 24/7 Video Vet, worth £90 a year.

    Features

    • Delivered to your door
    • Is personalised to suit your cat

    Specifications

    • Type: Topical
    • Duration: Monthly
    • Capacity: One

    2.
    Advantage Spot-On with Dronspot Worming Treatment

    Exclusively for any customer on the VIP programme at Pets at Home (which is well worth signing up to), this purchase gives you cat-safe flea and worm treatment delivered right to your front door.

    You can choose your cat’s weight from the three options to get the right dosage, from 2.51kg to 8kg which should cover most cats. It can be used for both treatment and prevention, and most fleas will be killed within the day which should offer immediate relief.

    It can also be used on lactating females or kittens from eight weeks of age to ensure they are protected ASAP.

    Features

    • Subscription
    • Tackles fleas, ticks and worms

    Specifications

    • Type: Topical
    • Duration: Monthly
    • Capacity: One

    3.
    Frontline Spot On Flea & Tick Treatment

    Able to kill fleas in 24 hours and ticks in 48 hours, these pipettes can get to work quickly and effectively to ensure your cat is as comfortable as possible.

    Frontline was first used by vets and is now prescription-free, so you know it is strong stuff which offers substantial cat flea control. You can use it monthly all year round, which gives full protection even in high season.

    It can be given to kittens from 8 weeks of age that weigh at least 1kg. It can also be used in pregnancy and on nursing queens, which should help to reduce the likelihood of any newborns catching it.

    You can buy the pack in three or six, the latter being much better value for money.

    Features

    • Good price
    • Kills lice, ticks and fleas

    Specifications

    • Type: Topical
    • Duration: Monthly
    • Capacity: Six

    4.
    Advantage 40 Spot On Solution

    Smaller animals do not need as much flea treatment or strength as those who are larger. For any cats weighing under 4kg, this solution is ideal.

    Advantage also kills flea larvae in the home wherever your pet goes, which should tackle the issue a lot quicker. Fleas can be killed within one day, and it can be used on kittens from the age of eight weeks.

    Loads of people have commented that one application saw fleas dying the very next morning, and their fur was clear when brushed through with a comb. If you have a particularly bad flea infestation with your cat, the use of this along with other home treatments should do the trick.

    Features

    • Can also be used on small dogs and rabbits

    Specifications

    • Type: Topical
    • Duration: Monthly
    • Capacity: Four

    5.
    Advantage 80 Spot-On Solution

    Larger cats over 4kg need something a little bit stronger, but with just as little application.

    Advantage kills flea larvae, so this should shorten the lifecycle of the fleas and help with overall flea control. Even in severe cases, it can tackle the problem along with suitable measures in the home and any other suitable preventative treatment.

    Visible differences can be seen within around one day, and it only tackles fleas which is good if you want to keep the worm and tick treatments separate to ensure maximum efficiency.

    Features

    • Fleas only

    Specifications

    • Type: Topical
    • Duration: Monthly
    • Capacity: Four

    6.
    Johnsons 4Fleas Tablets for Cats and Kittens

    These tablets are brilliant if you have a current infestation and need a solution which can work quickly to get rid of fleas.

    Able to be used from the age of four weeks, it is safe to use with other flea and worming treatments if you want to fight and prevent at the same time. Fleas can be killed within 24 hours, ensuring a quick relief.

    Just give one tablet per day at the first sign of fleas. One will probably be enough, but you can carry on for a second day if the problem is particularly bad.

    A big positive of tablets is that it leaves no residue on their skin. They can be given whole in some chicken or ham, or mixed in with food.

    Features

    • Kills fleas within 24 hours
    • No residue on fur

    Specifications

    • Type: Oral Tablet
    • Duration: Daily
    • Capacity: Six

    7.
    Program Cat Suspension

    For the prevention and control of fleas on your cat and in your home, this suspension can be used at monthly intervals around the busiest six months of flea season.

    Starting two months before the height of the season should ensure your cat is protected when they need it the most. It must be given with food, and you will need to keep an eye to ensure all food has been eaten.

    It doesn’t kill adult fleas so you will still see some about, but it reduces the life cycle of the larvae so cuts short the length of the infestation.

    While some cats can easily detect an addition or change to their food, this liquid has commonly gone unnoticed. Brilliant if topical or tablet medication for fleas often results in scratches, hisses and grumpy behaviour!

    Features

    • Add to food
    • Easy to mix

    Specifications

    • Type: Liquid
    • Duration: Monthly
    • Capacity: Six

    8.
    Beaphar Fiprotec Spot-On Cat

    Able to keep fleas at bay for up to five weeks, this spot-on is veterinary authorised and good for kittens over the age of eight weeks.

    It is one of the best value options out there, with each pipette working out at around £1.50. This is over half as cheap as similar rivals.

    Some reviewers have said that it doesn’t work as quickly as other options. It only kills the adult fleas, so the cycle is still there throughout the egg to the adult stage. Therefore, it would be best as prevention as opposed to a cure.

    Features

    • Good as continuous protection

    Specifications

    • Type: Topical
    • Duration: Five Weeks
    • Capacity: Four

    9.
    Bob Martin Clear 24 Weeks

    Conveniently able to tackle both fleas and ticks, this Bob Martin spot on is a good way to break the life cycle of fleas for up to four weeks, dramatically reducing their numbers.

    You get six pipettes, which offers 24 weeks of protection overall – working out at around £1 per month. It is also available on the Subscribe and Save platform so you can always have a delivery when you need it.

    You can use it on cats from 12 weeks of age, making it great for kittens who are ready to explore the world and socialise. It is pesticide-free which may appeal to a lot of people, but bear in mind that some people have said this seems to make it a bit less effective.

    Features

    • Pesticide free
    • Great value

    Specifications

    • Type: Topical
    • Duration: Four Weeks
    • Capacity: Six

    10.
    Effipro Cat

    These pipettes are really easy to use, which is great for anyone who has previously experienced difficulties with trying to get rid of fleas.

    The Drop Lock pipette gives precise control, so there are no drips in between squeezes which make it harder for you to get it all on your cat.

    Reviewers have said that it works well in most cases, but for severe flea infestations, you may need to also use a tablet cure.

    It can’t be used on kittens under two months, on pregnant or lactating queens or on cats under 1kg but is good for any other eventuality. We would say it is best for minor outbreaks of fleas.

    Features

    • Easy squeeze pipettes
    • No leaks or mistakes in the application

    Specifications

    • Type: Topical
    • Duration: Monthly
    • Capacity: Four

    Buying Guide

    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

    • Spot-On 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

    • Tablets

    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

    • Liquid

    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

    • Flea Spray/Powder

    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

    • Cat Flea Collar

    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.

    • Shampoos

    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

    • Vet Injections

    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.

    Other Buyers Ask...

    How do I know if my cat has fleas?

    They will likely itch regularly, but there are a few other signs too:

    • Flea bites – these will be present on both humans and your pet
    • Use a flea comb regularly – even if you don’t suspect fleas, using a comb can detect them ASAP
    • Visibility – if your cat sleeps on a bed you may spot flea dirt or eggs. You may also see fleas on your cat if they have lighter fur

    Can I use a dog spot-on with my cat?

    No. Many dog spot-ons contain permethrin, which is actually far too strong for cats and will likely poison them. It is toxic for anything other than dogs.

    Always check that your chosen flea treatment is suitable for cats, and never cross-use any items for dogs on your cat, and vice versa.

    If you have a dog and a cat in your home, it could be worth buying a flea treatment which is suitable for both to use at the same time, although getting separate products is best.

    Are natural products fine to use?

    You may see many natural flea control products available on the market for both cats and dogs. While these are great in theory as they avoid chemicals, they are nowhere near as effective as a tried and tested medical form of flea treatment or prevention.

    Some may also contain ingredients known to be harmful to cats, such as permethrin, tea tree oil, peppermint, cedar oil, and lavender.

    You also need to use the right amount for your cat’s weight, which can be hard with natural products or if you are trying to make a homemade treatment. Cat flea treatments available to buy through dedicated stores and vets will have been thoroughly tested for safety

    How often do I give my cat flea treatment?

    This can depend on what you buy. The majority of flea treatments for cats (especially spot-ons) are monthly options, and some tablets or suspensions are quarterly if they are a bit stronger.

    Cats can’t have flea treatment which is as strong as dogs, so you can struggle to find one which will last for three months.

    Will my cat be lethargic after their flea control treatment?

    It can happen as a side effect, yes. The cat flea treatment is absorbed through the skin and is chemical, so just as with human medication, they can react. But this is thought to be very rare in cats.

    What is common is side effects if your cat happens to consume topical treatments, or any form is administered incorrectly/too much is given. This is why it is vital to follow instructions and maintain a proper schedule – anything wrong could prove fatal to cats.

    Can cat flea treatments give my cat skin problems?

    It is rare but can happen. As with strong topical human creams and gels, flea control can make cat skin dry and flaky. Your cat may itch where it was placed. This should fade within a few days.

    Once safe, you may want to wipe your cat’s fur with a cleaning mitt to get rid of any dry skin. If your cat suffers from allergies or previous skin irritation, or hair loss when irritated, it may be worth opting for oral flea treatment.

    What is flea allergy dermatitis?

    Flea allergy dermatitis is when your pet is actually allergic to the pests, which goes beyond them just being irritating. Also referred to as fleabite hypersensitivity, everyday itching isn’t the same as this, as itching lasts longer and is more severe, often breaking the skin.

    Nobody knows whether this will happen with their pets, so it is always best to prevent using a flea control rather than have to treat. It can be common with cats.

    If you think there is an issue with an allergy, speak to your veterinarian.

    What other cat grooming products should I buy?

    You should also have some form of grooming mitt or brush for cats to hand which can help with excess unnecessary itching, such as that from loose hairs. Some breeds of cat can suffer from shedding frequently.

    A flea comb is also good – run it through the cat fur regularly, and the flea comb will find and remove fleas it comes into contact with. Perfect for ensuring the cat flea treatment is doing the job, and double-checking you’ve not missed any signs of fleas.

    To get rid of fleas in the home, you’ll also need a good flea spray for the home as well as a strong vacuum cleaner.