Fleas and ticks are painful for cats.
These parasites work by clinging to your furry friend and feeding off her blood. Fleas and ticks also bring other diseases and must be removed for your kitty to be pain-free and happy again. There are a lot of treatments available on the market.
However, not all of them are effective, and some even have scary side effects. So, it is a good idea to look into the best natural treatment options and run them by your vet before you give them to your kitty. This blog post will review the best cat flea and tick treatments and determine which option is best for your feline friend.
Let’s begin.
Types of Flea and Tick Treatments Available to Buy
One of your goals when looking for flea and tick treatment options should be the medicine’s effectiveness and ease of use. While some treatments are mess-free and highly effective, others aren’t. Flea drugs work by fatally attacking the fleas’ nervous system.
This means that all flea treatment options work similarly. However, they differ regarding effectiveness and longevity. Here are some alternatives to choose from:
1. Spot-on Treatments
This treatment comes in a small bottle containing a concentrated liquid to apply to the back of your kitty’s neck.
The medicine starts working within 24-48 hours by dissipating into the natural oils on your cat’s skin. This kills the fleas in some time and even prevents new generations from developing for the next few days.
2. Oral chews and tablets
The tablets contain insecticides that enter your cat’s bloodstream within an hour or so. When the flea or tick bites your kitty, they get exposed to the insecticide and die.
While tablets work faster than other methods, their effects don’t last as long. They generally lose their product within 24 hours and are an excellent pick to treat an ongoing infestation.
3. Collars
The collar contains the insecticide, which either absorbs into your cat’s fat layer to kill the fleas or repel the insects. The effects of a collar last from 6 weeks up to 12 weeks, and it is a mess-free solution.
4. Shampoos
This treatment option works well to kill adult fleas, but the effects last for a short time—a little over 24 hours. This treatment is good if you want to treat an ongoing infestation.
5. Sprays
Sprays linger on your cat’s skin and work as spot-on treatments do. However, they aren’t as potent, and the effects can be seen in a short period, usually a week. When looking for the best flea and tick treatments, tablets, spot-ons, and collars should be the most preferred options as they are quick, easy to use, and painless in function. Sprays and shampoos, on the other hand, are messy and time-consuming.
You should choose a treatment option that is easy to use, practical, and works for as long as you want
I am moving on.
Harmful Side Effects of Flea and Tick Medicines: What to Avoid
For a treatment to be effective, using a pesticide to kill the bugs is essential. The Environmental Protection Agency should approve the pesticides used in flea medicine. However, this doesn’t mean that the pesticides can’t cause serious harm to your cat’s health and yours if you mishandle them. So, it is a good idea to steer clear of topical treatments. Always wash your hands after applying it.
Look at some ingredients you should avoid, according to credible sources such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information and the National Pesticide Information Center.
- Tetrachlorvinphos: The Humane Society and the EPA warn that overexposure to this ingredient can have side effects for humans, such as dizziness, nausea, and confusion, and even cause paralysis and death. These symptoms most occur in children, so staying away is a good idea.
- Propoxur: According to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, exposure to propoxur can cause carbamate poisoning. The effects include nausea, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitching, and sometimes death. The EPA disallowed its use, but some brands still use it.
- Pyrethroids: The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registration warns that humans exposed to pyrethroids can get itching, numbness, stinging, burning, and tingling. On flea medicine, they are labeled as flumethrin and etofenprox.
- Pyrethrins: VCA Hospitals warn that cats are more sensitive to pyrethrins than dogs as they can’t metabolize the ingredient. Pyrethrins in cat products don’t mean that they are inherently unsafe, but they can risk overexposure.Pyrethrin poisoning causes incoordination, vomiting, shaking, seizure, tremors, trouble breathing, and hypothermia.
- Selamectin: According to research, selamectin leaves a high residue on humans when they come into contact with it, which is harmful
Tablets, spot-ons, and collars are the most preferred treatments as they are easy to use, quick, and painless. But shampoos and sprays are pretty messy, and you need to keep applying them after a certain period, which may not be feasible for some users.
Natural Remedies for Flea and Tick Treatment
Natural treatments are a good choice if you wish to stay away from chemicals and the side effects they bring with them. However, natural remedies aren’t as fast, and the results aren’t long-lasting.
I’ll share a few natural cat flea and tick treatment recipes in this blog section.
Let’s take a look.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an effective option for removing yeast and allergens, making an excellent flea treatment. Apple cider vinegar doesn’t kill the fleas but works by making them jump off your kitty. However, make sure not to use it on open wounds.
You can use a diluted mixture of two parts ACV and one part water and put it in a spray bottle.
2. Cedar Chips
Fleas and ticks hate certain smells—cedar being one of them. Placing cedar chips in your kitty’s bedding is an excellent way to keep the fleas away. However, cats hate the smell as well.
Another option is to place cedar chips outside your home to keep the fleas away.
3. Rosemary
Another thing that fleas hate is rosemary. Grinding rosemary leaves and sprinkling them in areas where your cat sleeps and plays will help keep the pests away.
4. Aloe Vera Juice
Another natural repellent for fleas includes aloe vera. Mixed with cayenne pepper, you can make a spray and apply it on your kitty’s coat. However, ensure you don’t get it around your cat’s eyes!
5. Lemon Spray
One of the natural flea killers includes citric acid—something lemons are full of. You can make a citric acid spray. To make it work for cats with sensitive skin, boil lemon in water and let it soak for at least 8 hours (or overnight).
These natural remedies take their sweet time to work. However, they are still effective and don’t have any harmful side effects for you and your kitty. You should consider them, for sure.
A Quick Look: The Top 5 Best Flea and Tick Treatments for Cats
Now that I’ve gone through everything you need to know before getting a flea treatment to make an informed decision, it is time to look into the best cat’s flea and tick treatments. Remember that some medicines may have adverse side effects, so to be cautious, you should always consult your vet before getting something.
All treatments work in the same way. It is up to you to decide which is best for your feline friend.
The following are some options:
| Best Flea and Tick Treatments for Cats | Key Features | Our Rating | Price |
| Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cat | ● Offers eight months of protection for cats
● The no-mess collar is non-greasy, odorless, and made from high-quality materials ● The collar kills fleas and ticks through contact—not through bites ● Comes with a release mechanism that releases the collar quickly |
5 Stars | Check now |
| Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention for Cat | ● The monthly flea treatments kill fleas and ticks within two hours
● Odorless formula that kills fleas and ticks through contact without requiring them to bite ● Easy to apply formula ● Keeps working for 30 days |
4.9 Stars | Check now |
| Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Spray | ● Kills ticks, flea eggs, and fleas by contact
● Uses certified natural essential oils and other plant-based ingredients ● Safe to use for cats over 12 weeks of age ● Smoothens the cat’s skin and has a good smell |
4.7 Stars | Check now |
| Catego Flea and Tick Control for Cat | ● Can be used with kittens above eight weeks of age
● The fast-acting formula kills the fleas within six hours and provides instant relief ● Comes with a patented applicator and is easy to apply ● Non-greasy and quick-drying formula |
4.5 Stars | Check now |
| Frontline Plus for Cats and Kittens | ● Long-lasting and fast-acting treatment for cats
● Can be used on kittens older than eight weeks ● Kills adult fleas, flea eggs, and larvae ● Stops an ongoing infestation in a matter of hours and prevents recurrence for 30 days |
4.5 Stars | Check now |
Now, let’s look at each of these treatments in detail to determine which is best suited for your kitty. Remember to consult your vet before getting a cure for your kitty. After all, they know best.
Let’s look at these treatments individually, shall we?
1. Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cat
The Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats is one of cats’ best flea and tick treatments. The collar is easy to use, odorless, and non-greasy and continues to repel and kill ticks and fleas for eight months.
The active ingredients in the collar release low concentrations throughout the day and protect your kitty from head to tail. The collar kills fleas and ticks through contact so that they don’t bite your kitty and cause any pain.
Let’s take a look at some key highlights, shall we?
- Offers eight months of continuous head-to-tail protection for cats
- The no-mess collar is non-greasy, odorless, and made from high-quality materials to ensure durability
- The collar kills fleas and ticks through contact and not through bites so that there’s no pain caused to your furry friend
- It comes with a release mechanism that releases the collar quickly and protects your cat if she gets stuck
- Convenient to use as all you have to do is put it on, and it’ll do the rest itself
Let’s look at the pros and cons of the collar, shall we?
Here’s the deal:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Easy to use and effective
● Convenient to use ● Doesn’t irritate the cat ● Non-greasy formula ● Protects the cat for over eight months |
● May cause irritated skin and bald patches in allergic cats |
Overall, the Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats is one of the best options available as it’s incredibly convenient, works well, and protects your kitty from head to tail.
2. Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention for Cat
The Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention for Cats is one of the best flea and tick treatments for your kitty. The formula works on contact and doesn’t need the parasite to bite your kitty to work, spearing her pain and irritation.
The product kills adult fleas by attacking the parasite’s nervous system and paralyzing it. The formula kills flea eggs as well as larvae as well to ensure complete protection and safety.
Following are a few highlights:
- The monthly flea treatment kills fleas and ticks within two hours of application
- The odorless formula kills fleas and ticks through contact without requiring them to bite, saving her from the misery of enduring flea bites
- Easy to apply the formula and can be used on cats over eight weeks of age
- Kills flea eggs and larvae for complete protection
- It keeps working for 30 days
Following are the pros and cons of this flea and tick treatment:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Works non-stop for 30 days
● Kills fleas and ticks through contact ● Easy to apply and use ● Odorless and safe formula |
● May cause shedding in some cats
● May cause an allergic reaction |
The Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention for cats is one of the best available. It works fast and has long-lasting effects. It even kills larvae, eggs, ticks, and fleas, guaranteeing complete protection.
3. Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Spray
The Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Spray is one of the best choices when buying an all-natural flea and tick treatment for your kitty. The spray contains certified natural essential oils and plant-based ingredients like peppermint and clove.
The formula protects your cat from fleas, larvae, flea eggs, and ticks and repels mosquitoes. It is safe for kittens over 12 weeks and can be applied indoors and outdoors.
The following are some key features of this treatment:
- The spray kills ticks, flea eggs, and fleas by contact and spares your cat the pain of flea bites
- It uses certified natural essential oils and other plant-based ingredients to ensure your kitty has no allergic reactions.
- It has minimal side effects and is safe to use
- It can be used safely for cats over 12 weeks of age
- It helps in smoothing your cat’s skin and has a pleasant smell
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Made from all-natural ingredients
● Minimal side effects ● Can be used for cats over 12 weeks ● Has a pleasant smell that cats like ● Kills parasites on contact |
● Causes swelling around the mouth in some cats
● Works slowly |
Overall, the Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Spray is one of the best flea and tick treatments for cats available on the market. The plant-based formula is safe and does not have any significant side effects.
4. Catego Flea and Tick Control for Cat
The Catego Flea and Tick Control for Cats is one of the best options. The product is specifically designed for cats, and the fast-acting formula kills the parasites within six hours of administration.
The long-lasting medicine kills flea eggs, larvae, fleas, ticks, and chewing lice and protects your cat for 30 days. The treatment comes with an applicator, making applying easy and convenient.
The following are the key features:
- It can be used with kittens above eight weeks of age
- The fast-acting formula kills the fleas within six hours and provides instant relief from the pain
- It comes with a patented applicator and is very easy to apply and use
- The non-greasy and quick-drying formula ensures that the medicine isn’t wasted
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Fast-acting formula designed for cats
● Kills all the fleas within six hours ● Applicator is convenient to use and minimizes the risk of skin abrasion ● Works for 30 days |
● May cause allergic reactions
● Can cause skin irritation |
The Catego Flea and Tick Control is one of the best options available. This fast-acting treatment option kills all the ticks and fleas within six hours of application.
5. Frontline Plus for Cats and Kittens
Frontline Plus for Cats and Kittens is one of the best treatment options. The fast-acting treatment provides long-lasting results and kills fleas within hours of application.
The treatment is safe for cats and kittens over eight weeks, prevents new infestations from occurring for the next 30 days, and provides you with peace of mind.
Following are the key points you should keep in mind:
- This is a long-lasting and fast-acting treatment for cats which kills pests within hours of use
- The treatment can be used on kittens that are older than eight weeks of age
- It effectively kills all adult fleas, flea eggs, and larvae
- Stops an ongoing infestation in a matter of hours and prevents recurrence for the next 30 days
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Safe and effective treatment
● The effects last for 30 days ● Stops an ongoing infestation within hours ● Safe to use for kittens over eight weeks of age |
● May cause allergic reactions in some cats |
The Frontline Plus for Cats and Kittens is one of the best cat treatments. The long-lasting treatment works efficiently and kills all parasites within hours of use.
Summing Up: The Best Flea and Tick Treatments for Cats
Fleas bring a lot of diseases with them and feed on your cat’s blood supply. Cats like to stay in dark, small spaces, usually infested with fleas and ticks. So, it is essential to keep your kitty protected at all times. Fleas and ticks can be painful and irritating. They can cause Lyme disease and tapeworm!
There are a lot of treatment and prevention options available to choose from on the market. However, consult your vet before getting anything, as some products may not agree with your cat and cause allergic reactions. Another thing you should look into is side effects. Make sure that the treatment option of your choice doesn’t have any aversive side effects that may hurt your kitty.
Did you find the right tick and flea treatment for your cat? Let us know in the comments.
Do you have any questions that you would like to have answered? If so, leave them in the comments, and I’ll reply as soon as possible.
