5 Best Cat Flea Treatments in Canada in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Fleas are a pet parent’s worst nightmare. Not only is it incredibly disgusting to think about sharing your home with hundreds or thousands of minuscule bugs, but fleas can torment your cat. They can cause your cat to obsessively scratch at itself, which can lead to open wounds and severe infections. Fleas can also carry tapeworm and the bacteria that causes cat scratch disease. In addition, it is hazardous for kittens to encounter these pests as kittens are prone to flea-related anemia¹.

If your cat is exhibiting symptoms of fleas, you’ll need to take control as soon as possible. Thankfully, there are several treatments you can try at home to kill the infestation before it gets worse. Keep reading to find our reviews for the best flea treatment options available for Canadian cat owners.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Advantage II Large Cat	Works on contact Waterproof formula Three pack size options	Check Price
Best Value		Hartz Groomer's Best Flea Comb	Drug-free flea treatment option Great for most coat types and length Can be used over and over	Check Price
Premium Choice		Capstar	Easy to administer oral tablet Works fast Comes with six tablets	Check Price
Best for Kittens		Advantage II Kitten	Comes with two doses Works on all flea life stages Kills on contact	Check Price
		FIFIPETS	Works against ticks and sarcoptic mange Natural ingredients Can be calming	Check Price

The 5 Best Cat Flea Treatments in Canada

Advantage II Large Cat is the best overall cat flea treatment available in Canada. This product is designed for adult cats that weigh over nine pounds. This veterinarian-recommended treatment works on contact to kill all life stages of fleas, breaking the life cycle and preventing further infestations. The formula is waterproof and will work for up to one month. It’s available in packs of two, four, or six treatments, so you can pick the option that works best for your household. Imidacloprid attacks the flea’s nervous system to paralyze and kill them, while Pyriproxyfen acts as an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) to kill the eggs and larvae. Though we reviewed their Large Cat treatment today, they also have options for cats of different weights.

While this formula is easy to apply, some consumers found that it didn’t absorb as quickly as expected.

If you’re searching for the best flea treatment in Canada for the money, you can’t go wrong with this comb from Hartz. This comb features extra-fine teeth that can brush away adult fleas and eggs. Its unique design works for cats and dogs with nearly any coat type or length. Then, when your cat is flea-free, you can use this comb again for regular grooming. You should wash it in hot soapy water first to ensure all the fleas, their larvae, and eggs are long gone. The comb is comfortable to hold and easy to control thanks to its ergonomic handle.

There are some reports of this comb not working well on cats with long fur.

For many pet owners, money is no object when it comes to combating fleas. Though Capstar’s treatment is a little pricier than others on our list, it is worth the investment. This treatment is an oral tablet that can begin killing fleas in as little as 30 minutes. The package comes with six fast-acting tablets you can administer daily until the flea problem is resolved. It’s designed for use in both cats and dogs and is meant for animals weighing under 24 pounds.

Please note that this product is designed to kill adult fleas only.

Advantage II Kitten is a vet-recommended treatment that can kill all life stages of fleas on kittens over eight weeks. This treatment is recommended for cats between two to five pounds. It goes to work within 12 hours and can kill eggs, larvae, and adult fleas on contact. Since it works on all flea life stages, it can prevent re-infestation. This formula is waterproof, so it will keep working even after you bathe your kitten. It comes with two months’ worth of topical treatments, so if, for some reason, the problem is not solved after the first treatment, you will have another chance.

Please do not allow your kitten to clean itself until after this product has had a chance to dry.

This flea collar can provide eight months of protection and prevention against fleas. It features ingredients such as linaloe oil, citronella oil, lavender oil, and lemon eucalyptus. Each ingredient serves a different purpose. For example, the lemon eucalyptus provides antibacterial and insecticidal properties, while lavender oil can treat itchy skin. Citronella oil can repel insects, while linaloe oil is a calmative. This collar is said to help protect cats and dogs from lice, sarcoptic mange, ticks, fleas, and flea larvae. It is easy to adjust to fit your cat’s neck comfortably.

The collar does smell quite strong at first, so it may need to be aired out before use.

Buyer’s Guide: What You Need to Know About Cat Flea Treatments in Canada

Fleas are not a rite of passage for every pet owner and it’s not something you should take lightly, either. The moment you suspect your cat has fleas is the moment you need to start treating them. Before treating your kitty, you should learn a little more about fleas and what you need to do to prevent them from returning.

How Do I Know If My Cat Has Fleas?

There are some telltale signs your cat will exhibit if it has fleas. The sooner you can catch the problem, the easier it’ll be to deal with. In addition, early detection can prevent the side effects that can be really tough on cats, such as tapeworms and anemia.

How to De-Flea Your Home

Did you know that a female flea can lay up to 50 eggs daily? These fleas can fall off your cat’s fur onto your bedding, furniture, and carpet. If you don’t address these fallen fleas, you could be dealing with a full-fledged infestation.

As soon as you know your pet has fleas, it’s time to clean your home thoroughly.

First, you’ll need to vacuum every nook and cranny of your space. Don’t forget to do any cushioned furniture and every crack in your flooring to ensure every egg is gone. It would help if you tossed the vacuum bag afterward or washed the canister with hot and soapy water.

Remove any bedding or sofa covers and throw them into your washing machine. You can also put any of your cat’s beds into the wash if they fit. Use hot water to make sure no fleas survive the wash cycle.

You might also consider using a chemical solution to treat your home. However, check with your veterinarian before using any chemical in your space as some can be toxic, especially if they’re not used properly.

How to Prevent Cat Fleas in the Future

Now that you have the best flea treatment for your cat, you need to do some work to prevent your cat from getting fleas in the future.

If your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, you may want to cut back on their outdoor time. If that is impossible with your adventurous kitty, you’ll need to ensure fleas no longer call your yard home. Cut your grass and reduce any areas of brush where fleas might hide. You could also treat your yard with a flea prevention product, but check to see if it’s safe for use around pets first.

Next, keep up with your housework. Do a thorough vacuum once a week for several months after your cat’s initial contact with fleas. This is because adult fleas can survive up to three months, hopping on anything they can to survive. Researchers estimate that for every adult flea you find, there could be as many as 100 immature ones ready to pounce. Larvae can lie dormant for nine months, so even if you think you’ve taken care of your flea problem, it can come back down the road. Regular vacuuming can remove any leftover eggs and larvae.

Can Fleas Kill My Cat?

Not only are fleas a total nuisance, but they can also be deadly if not addressed quickly enough. Kittens are the cat demographic most at risk of developing severe complications after contracting fleas.

When kittens get fleas, they don’t always have the classic symptoms like itchy skin. Since their bodies are small, they risk developing anemia due to the blood loss caused by fleas feeding on them.

If you believe your kitten may have fleas, you must see a vet as soon as possible. They can address the problem and provide the prompt treatment your kitten needs.

Summary

The best overall cat flea treatment available in Canada is Advantage II for its fast-acting and waterproof formula. The best value option is Hartz’s flea comb as it’s an affordable and drug-free option. For a little more money, you can try our premium pick: Capstar’s oral tablets. The tablets start killing fleas in as little as 30 minutes so you can get your home flea-free faster.

Flea treatments can be challenging to find in Canada, especially if you prefer shopping online. However, if none of the five reviews above spoke to you, we recommend reaching out to your vet for advice. They can provide recommendations and even treat your cat in the office.

Featured Image Credit: Simone Hogan, Shutterstock