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When your cat suddenly starts scratching frantically, you might find pesky fleas have invaded not only your pet but also your home. These blood-sucking parasites can be easily picked up by cats when they’re out roaming and brought back home. Not only can they cause discomfort, but they can also infect cats with nasty diseases if left untreated.
These are only a few of the reasons why it’s vital to treat ticks when they appear – or better yet, prevent them from ever appearing in the first place. For effective cat flea treatments, there are a number of options available, such as oral tablets, spot-on pipettes, collars, and sprays. This amount of choice allows cat owners to select the best option for themselves and their feline friends.
But if you need a helping hand understanding the best cat flea treatments, this article includes the highest-reviewed items that have proven to tackle fleas effectively.
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Household Pets’ Top Picks for Best Cat Flea Treatment
Ridding a cat of fleas can seem easier said than done; not all treatments will suit a cat’s lifestyle and temperament. Some cats will resist being held long enough for a spot-on treatment to be applied, while others will spit out tablets they are fed. This is why it is crucial to choose a product both you and your cat are comfortable with, and yes, this might take a bit of trial and error.
Thankfully, in this article, Household Pets has compiled a list of the 12 best cat flea treatments for you to choose from. The products have been split into four different categories in relation to the type of flea treatment it is, including tablets, spot-ons, collars, and sprays.
Best Oral Flea Tablets for Cats
Although some felines will happily consume tablets without issue, others will require oral treatments to be hidden in the cat’s food. This is easier to do with wet food as cats are clever creatures and will eat around a tablet in a bowl full of dry food.
The best oral medications for cat flea treatment are listed below.
Top Pick
Bob Martin is a well-known name for flea treatments. The Bob Martin Clear flea treatment includes three tablets, and one tablet can be given when fleas are spotted in a cat’s coat. It will begin killing fleas within 15 minutes, with 100% of fleas dead in 24 hours. This also treats ticks and worms.
This product is suitable for cats over 12 weeks of age, weighing between 1kg and 11kg.
- Fleas die quickly from one tablet
- Can be used as required
- Some cats might not like the tablet’s taste
- Effectiveness may vary
Premium Option
This flea treatment for cats includes six tablets. One tablet can be given immediately after fleas have been seen on a cat. It gets to work quickly, killing any fleas on the cat within 24 hours. The Johnsons tablets can be used with other flea treatments, like sprays, shampoos, and powders.
Johnsons flea treatment can be safely given to cats, weighing 1kg to 11kg, from four weeks old. It can also be given to pregnant and nursing cats.
- Small tablets are easily administered to cats
- Very effective flea treatment
- Tablets can be given every three to four days in most cases
- Cats might experience side effects, such as hyperactivity, lethargy, etc.
Budget Option
VetIQ Flea Guard tablets are made of natural ingredients, like garlic and brewers yeast, to help repel fleas and ticks. Although the product has no fragrance, these ingredients are absorbed into the pet’s bloodstream and create an odour that is unappealing to fleas, stopping them from landing on and biting cats.
Cats should be given half a tablet daily to keep pets free from fleas. As there are 90 tablets in the pack, this should last 180 days.
- Effective flea and tick treatment
- It can be given to other animals, like dogs
- Must be given daily for correct usage
- Tablets might be too large for some cats
Best Flea Spot-On Treatment for Cats
Topical treatments protect cats for an extended period of time, sometimes over a month. These should be applied to the pet’s skin, which can cause some issues if the cat is unwilling to sit still long enough or tends to overgroom itself. Many cat owners find applying the treatment as the cat feeds to be easiest.
Spot-on flea treatments are commonly used, but this doesn’t mean it is easy to find the best one for your pet. The three topical treatment options included in this section should work successfully on most cats.
Top Pick
Bob Martin Spot-On includes four pipettes and features the active ingredient Fipronil, which kills fleas and ticks quickly; it will kill adult fleas within 24 hours and ticks within 48 hours. The product can help to prevent reinfestation on pets and their surroundings. It will protect against fleas for up to five weeks.
This product can be used on kittens that are at least two months old and cats weighing over 1kg. One pipette should be applied against the skin at the base of the cat’s neck.
- A monthly solution to kill fleas on cats
- Easy to use
- Some cats experienced hair loss or skin irritation after use
- There have been reports that fleas can become resistant to Fipronil
Premium Option
FRONTLINE spot-on is a good quality flea treatment for cats that kills fleas within 24 hours of coming into contact. As it is also used as tick protection, FRONTLINE helps to reduce the spread of diseases, such as Lyme Disease. It was first used by veterinarians, but the product is now widely available to buy.
Cats can be given this treatment if they are at least eight weeks old, weigh 1kg or more, and have no signs of sickness. One pipette can be applied monthly at the base of the cat’s neck and spread over the fur in that area.
- Pipettes are easy to use
- The treatment works well on most cats
- Some customers had to use a flea comb as well as the treatment
- Cats might not enjoy the liquid treatment
Budget Option
The Beaphar topical treatment is an affordable option for flea control. It lasts for up to five weeks and can be applied monthly for continuous protection against adult fleas and ticks.
To use this product, place the pipette on the cat’s skin between its shoulder blades and squeeze the liquid out gently. It should only be used on kittens and cats from eight weeks old and weighing over 1kg; do not use this Beaphar spot-on treatment on pregnant or lactating females.
- Provides cats with immediate relief
- Cost-effective treatment
- Not completely effective on all cats
Best Flea Collar for Cats
One of the most effective flea treatments for cats is the flea collar. Flea collars are often the easiest method to apply to a cat; it only requires putting the collar around the cat’s neck and letting it get to work. However, if your cat has never worn a collar before, this can prove challenging.
If you think a collar is a suitable choice for your cat, then one of the products shown below will soon get rid of any fleas.
Top Pick
This cat flea collar provides up to 12 months of protection from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. It gets to work within 24 hours of being placed on a cat’s neck and will continue to release the scent of its natural ingredients, like lemongrass and citronella oils, to repel fleas over time.
To fit the collar on your cat, simply place the collar on its neck, leaving two or three inches to allow adjustments, and cut to size.
- Kills fleas and ticks fast
- A good preventative measure
- Collar comes off easily
- Some pets experience allergic reactions from the collars
Premium Option
Toldi flea collars are one-size-fits-all at 13 inches long, which is plenty of room for larger cats, and provide cats with up to eight months of protection from fleas. The collar stores the active ingredients within, which are released in low concentrations onto the cat’s fur and skin to deter fleas. It is available in purple and grey.
Again, this flea collar should be placed around the pet’s neck, leaving a few inches of space, and trimmed to fit.
- Smells better than other flea collars on the market
- Uses natural ingredients
- Some customers said the collar only lasted three months
- It might be chunky on small cats
Budget Option
This Beaphar soft flea collar contains an insecticide to kill fleas on the cat and prevent any from returning for up to four months. Due to the ingredients in the collar, it should not be used with any other flea treatments. It is available in black, blue, or red and has a bell attached.
Fitting the collar follows the same guidance as the others in this list; it should be fastened around the cat’s neck with ample room to fit two fingers under the collar, and any excess material should be cut off.
- Effective flea treatment and prevention
- Relatively cheap
- The collar’s clasp isn’t durable
- No control over which colour your receive
Best Flea Spray for Cats
Using pet and household flea spray helps cat owners to rid their homes and animals of irritating fleas and other pests. This is great if you require an extensive flea control product; however, you should follow the product’s instructions to see where it can be used safely. Some items cannot be used on pets, for example.
The spray flea treatments selected by Household Pets will help if you have been unfortunate enough to find fleas on your cat and/or in your home.
Top Pick
Petsly’s pet flea spray can be used around the house as a long-term prevention and treatment for flea infestations. It can also be used to repel dust mites and bed bugs. This product contains geranium oil, lemongrass oil, and vanilla oil to create a natural formula that smells pleasant to people.
It should be sprayed on home furnishings and pet products, such as cat and dog beds and the surrounding areas.
- Begins killing fleas within minutes
- Smells nice in comparison to other sprays
- Not to be used on pet’s fur
- Effectiveness varies
Premium Option
Made in the UK, Pets Purest’s spray for fleas, ticks, mites, and lice has a natural formula to ensure it is suitable for all pets over eight weeks old. When it is applied regularly, the Flea Pro spray eliminates parasites on cats so they will stop scratching and become stress and flea-free. The product has been fully BRC and GMP certified.
It contains ingredients that fleas dislike, such as cider vinegar and essential oils – geranium, lavender, lemongrass, and citronella.
- No harsh chemicals
- Will help combat a flea infestation
- Cats might hate the smell
Budget Option
The last Bob Martin product on the list is the Clear flea spray. This works by producing a “sticky trap” effect, stopping fleas at all stages of the life cycle – flea eggs, flea larvae, and adult fleas. It will be effective for up to four weeks, but the spray can be used all year round to ensure all pets and the house are pest-free.
To use on a pet cat, comb its fur against the lay to expose its skin and spray two pumps per kilo of the animal’s body weight from roughly 10cm away, then allow the pet’s coat to dry overnight. It can also be used liberally on carpets and soft home furnishings from around 30cm away.
- Great value for money
- Repels cat fleas within hours of being sprayed
- The smell might be too strong for some people and animals
- Must be used regularly to eradicate infestations
Types of Flea Treatment
Although flea prevention is the best method to keep your cat flea-free,
Oral Flea Tablets
Cat flea tablets can begin to kill fleas within half an hour of being administered; this will continue to work for roughly 24 hours. Many oral flea treatments advertise killing 100% of all adult fleas within 24 hours. The tablets work by killing fleas that feed off of the treated animal. As the ingredients enter the bloodstream, the fleas ingest the ingredients when they feed off of the animal, often causing the fleas to experience paralysis and then death.
Some cat owners struggle to administer the medication, however, as cats are unwilling to swallow the tablets. This can sometimes be avoided by hiding the tablet in wet cat food.
Flea Spot-On Treatments
Using spot-on treatments is very common. It is an easy method to stop a flea infestation as it just needs to be put onto the cat. Once the treatment solution has been applied to the cat’s skin, it quickly spreads across the body and kills fleas. These treatments can last up to one month, so regular applications are essential.
Although most are generally safe nowadays, spot-on treatments should be placed at the base of the cat’s neck where it cannot lick to avoid being ingested. But, if the cat has sensitive skin, it might be best to find another flea treatment.
Flea Collars
Similar to spot-on treatments, flea collars work by releasing chemicals that quickly spread across the cat’s body through skin and fur oils. As most flea collars can protect cats for up to six months, the chemicals will continue to kill fleas that land on the cat’s body during this time.
Some collars only target adult fleas, although there are others that will also kill flea eggs and larvae.
However, collars should be relatively easy to remove if cats get caught on tree branches outside. Breakaway collars are often the safest, but frequent buying can cause the costs to build up.
Flea Sprays
A spray flea treatment can work in a variety of ways. There are some types that repel fleas, while other sprays will work to kill fleas. Also, there are flea sprays that can be used on pets and others that cannot, only on their belongings and environment.
Best Cat Flea Treatment UK: FAQs
Now that you know the types of flea treatments that are available, and you might have an idea of what the best flea treatment for your cat is, there is additional information that could be of use.
Why treat cats for fleas?
Treating cats for fleas, even in preventative measures, is an essential part of being a pet owner. These pests can cause irritation and stress to cats in varying degrees, depending on the extent of the infestation. However, not only can it be a nuisance, there are health risks if a cat has fleas. Some of the health issues are outlined below:
- Anemia – Due to the blood-sucking nature of fleas, this can affect a cat’s blood count. Signs of anemia in cats are lethargy, lessened appetite, and pale gums.
- Flea allergy dermatitis – Some cats are allergic to flea saliva, which can result in itching. This can progress into hair loss, scabbing, and skin irritation.
- Tapeworms – Fleas can carry tapeworms. If a cat ingests fleas when grooming itself, and the fleas are infected with tapeworms, it can also become infected with tapeworms. These parasites can then cause the cat to suffer from diarrhoea, lack of energy, perianal itching, and weight loss.
- Bartonella – Although cats can become infected with Bartonella through contact with infected blood, like in cat fights, it can also be transmitted via flea bite. Symptoms are rare, but more severe cases can show decreased appetite, fever, red eyes, and swollen lymph nodes. There is a risk of this bacteria passing on to humans through scratches, too.
How can I tell if my cat has fleas?
There are signs you can look out for that can show your cat has fleas, such as:
- Black specks in the fur (flea dirt, flea eggs, and fleas)
- Hair loss
- Scabbing
- Scratching ears and neck
- Skin redness
Can indoor cats get fleas?
Yes, indoor cats can get fleas. Even if they do not go outside, fleas can jump onto a person’s trousers or shoes and be brought indoors. Similarly, if you have other pets with outdoor access, fleas can hitch a ride on their fur and transfer to the indoor cat’s coat.
What if I have used flea treatment, but I am still finding fleas?
If you have treated your cat and home for fleas, there is a chance that fleas will still appear. This is because flea eggs and larvae can be dormant in a home for months, which is why it is encouraged to continue regular treatment. They will re-infect your home and pet otherwise.
However, there are other reasons fleas might continue appearing after treatment. It could be that your cat has picked up a “hitchhiker” flea from outside. Or, if you are noticing an increase in fleas straight after treatment, this could be the fleas showing a type of hyperactivity before they die, which causes them to become more visible.
Can I use a dog spot-on on my cat?
No, it is not recommended to use a dog flea treatment on a cat. This can cause serious health problems, like sickness or even seizures, as the sensitivity dogs have to certain chemicals differs from a cat’s sensitivity.
What other cat grooming products should I buy?
One of the most important cat grooming products to buy is a fine-toothed flea comb. This is often a more effective method of ridding a cat of fleas, as long as the cat can stay around long enough for a thorough comb-through.
A flea comb works by trapping fleas, flea eggs, and flea dirt between the teeth of the comb. The fleas can then be drowned in soapy water when cleaning the comb. It is also vital to disinfect the area you groomed the cat in to prevent any fallen fleas from continuing the life cycle.
To Sum Up
Fleas can be annoying for cats and their owners. They can cause itching and scratching as well as a number of health issues, so prevention is always the best way to avoid a flea infestation. However, some cats will bring home fleas no matter what the owner does to stop that from happening; this is why it’s crucial to find a suitable treatment.
Yet, finding the best flea treatments for your cat isn’t easy, especially as there are so many different types of flea treatments available. All of the treatments come with their own pros and cons; for example, cat flea collars must be worn consistently to be effective, but not all cats are used to wearing collars. With this article as a reference point, you can make an informed decision when buying the best cat flea treatment UK.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.