We looked at the available products, including over-the-counter and prescription options, to come up with this reviews list of the 10 best flea treatments for cats. Keep in mind that you should discuss flea treatment and prevention with your cat’s veterinarian before administering any medication.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
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Best Overall
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Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats |
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Best Value
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Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Cats |
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Premium Choice
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Revolution Plus Topical Solution for Cats |
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Capstar Flea Oral Treatment for Cats |
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Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Cats |
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The 10 Best Flea Treatments for Cats
1. Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats — Best Overall
| Form | Topical |
| Quantity | 1 dose |
| Active Ingredient | 250 mg of Fluralaner |
| Length of Efficacy | Up to 12 weeks |
Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats is a topical solution that is prescribed by a veterinarian. Bravecto cannot be used on cats younger than 6 months of age, but it can provide 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks and up to 8 weeks of protection against Lone Star ticks.
Bracevto can also kill flea eggs and larvae to prevent and treat full infestations. As with any medication, side effects are possible and should be discussed with the veterinarian. Bravecto will not prevent any other parasites outside of fleas and ticks and can be a bit on the expensive side.
Overall, due to the ability to kill the flea lifecycle and the length of efficacy, Bravecto gets our top spot as the best overall flea treatment for cats.
2. Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Cats — Best Value
| Form | Topical |
| Quantity | 6 single doses |
| Active Ingredient | Fipronil, 9.8%; (S)-methoprene, 11.8%. |
| Length of Efficacy | Up to 1 month |
If you are looking for the best flea treatment for cats for the money that still does the job, Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Cats is a great option. Frontline Plus is conveniently available without a prescription and is designed to kill fleas, eggs, and larvae. It is safe for use in kittens over 8 weeks of age and can be used on pregnant and nursing cats.
This topical solution can be a bit messy and hard to administer, so following instructions is important. Frontline Plus cannot treat any additional parasites and may not always last the full month in terms of efficacy.
A lot of over-the-counter flea medicines are becoming less effective against fleas with time, as they learn to adapt to the widely used medication. Your veterinarian will be able to give you the best advice on non-prescription options in your area.
3. Revolution Plus Topical Solution for Cats — Premium Choice
| Form | Topical |
| Quantity | 6 single doses |
| Active Ingredient | 60 mg of Selamectin and 10 mg of Sarolaner |
| Length of Efficacy | 1 month |
The premium choice for flea treatment in cats goes to Revolution Plus Topical Solution for Cats. This topical medication not only takes care of fleas but is also effective against ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms and for the prevention of heartworms.
Revolution Plus is suitable for cats and kittens 8 weeks of age or older, and there are two different options for weight ranges. This is a topical solution that is easy to apply and dries quickly, which is very convenient for everyone in the household.
This is a more expensive option that is available via prescription only. You will want to discuss possible side effects with your veterinarian, as this is not labeled safe for pregnant or nursing cats and can result in side effects like anorexia and lethargy.
Revolution Plus is a great choice for owners who wish to combat all parasites under the supervision of a veterinarian.
4. Capstar Flea Oral Treatment for Cats
| Form | Tablet |
| Quantity | 6 pills |
| Active Ingredient | Nitenpyram, 11.4mg |
| Length of Efficacy | 24 to 48 hours |
The best choice for flea treatment in kittens is the Capstar Flea Oral Treatment for Cats. This small pill can be used in kittens 4 weeks and older. Kittens any younger cannot be given flea treatment outside of bathing and flea combing.
This is a fast-acting pill that gets the job done within 30 minutes by killing adult fleas. Unfortunately, Capstar is only short-term relief and only lasts 24 to 48 hours. There are six pills in the box that can be given consecutively but will need to be followed up with a longer-term treatment option.
Capstar is available over the counter and is a bit pricey for the short-term effects. This option does not kill eggs or larvae, only adult fleas.
5. Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Cats
| Form | Collar |
| Quantity | 1 collar |
| Active Ingredient | Flumethrin, 4.5%; Imidacloprid, 10.0% |
| Length of Efficacy | Up to 8 months |
Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Cats is a veterinarian-recommended flea collar that is available for over-the-counter purchase. This collar begins repelling fleas and 24 hours of placement on your cat. This product works on contact and does not require the flea to bite.
Re-infesting fleas are typically repelled in a 2-hour window after the initial 24 hours, and ticks will be killed off within 48 hours of initial application. The collars are very easy to use and are adjustable for the perfect fit. Cats must be at least 10 weeks of age to use this collar.
While Seresto is non-greasy and odorless, children should not come in contact with it. It can be worn alongside your cat’s regular color for up to 8 months of effectiveness. It is water resistant and protects against flea larvae as well.
The downside to Seresto is that there was some controversy over the safety of this product, and there are possible side effects. Make sure you discuss this collar with your veterinarian prior to use.
6. Comfortis Chewable Tablets for Dogs and Cats
| Form | Chewable tablet |
| Quantity | 6 tablets |
| Active Ingredient | 140 mg, Spinosad |
| Length of Efficacy | 1 month |
Comfortis Chewable Tablets for Dogs and Cats are beef-flavored chewable tablets that are to be administered once per month. This tablet can be fed alongside the cat’s dinner, so it is one of the most convenient types of oral medication. Comfortis is fast acting and makes a great option for cats that are unable to tolerate topical solutions. The active ingredient, spinosad, begins working within 30 minutes of ingestion and kills 98% of adult fleas on cats within the first 4 hours.
While it is great for cats with sensitive skin, you may find that some cats will resist consuming a tablet, which could potentially make administering this medicine challenging for some. Comfortis is not safe for kittens younger than 14 weeks and is available through prescription only.
Comfortis is interchangeable for cats and dogs that fall within the age and weight range of the product. It does not kill flea eggs or larvae and will not prevent any other parasites.
7. Revolution Topical Solution for Cats
| Form | Topical |
| Quantity | 6 single doses |
| Active Ingredient | 45 mg of Selamectin, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, and Isopropyl Alcohol |
| Length of Efficacy | 30 days |
Revolution Topical Solution for Cats is a flea treatment that also treats ear mites, hookworms, and roundworms and prevents heartworms. This solution is recommended for application every 30 days and will kill adult fleas and prevent eggs from hatching for up to 1 month.
There are some severe side effects possible with Revolution, but this is prescription only, and your veterinarian will be able to discuss all the pros and cons with you before it is recommended for your cats. This is a more expensive option, and some reviewers complain of a lack of efficacy in some cats.
8. Advantage Multi Topical Solution for Cats
| Form | Topical |
| Quantity | 6 single doses |
| Active Ingredient | 80 mg of Imidacloprid (10%), 8 mg of Moxidectin (1%) |
| Length of Efficacy | 1 month |
Advantage Multi Topical Solution for Cats is a prescription topical solution that kills adult fleas, treats ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms, and can even help prevent heartworms.
Advantage Multi comes in two different weight ranges for cats, and since this is prescription only, your veterinarian will ensure you are given the proper medication for your cat’s weight. Unfortunately, this topical solution cannot kill flea eggs, larvae, or ticks.
It is recommended by the manufacturer that any pets that could lick off the solution will need to be separated from the affected cat after it’s administered, and small children should be restricted from contact with the cat for at least 30 minutes after the application.
9. Cheristin Flea Spot Treatment for Cats
| Form | Topical |
| Quantity | 6 single doses |
| Active Ingredient | Spinetoram, 11.2%; other ingredients, 88.8% |
| Length of Efficacy | 1 month |
Cheristin Flea Spot Treatment for Cats is a monthly topical solution that will begin killing fleas within 30 minutes of application and will take care of 98% to 100% of the fleas within 12 hours. The formula is non-greasy, making it easier to apply than some other topical solutions.
This option is designed for cats and kittens 8 weeks of age or older and over 1.8 pounds. Conveniently, there is no prescription required for this flea treatment. Cheristin does not kill flea eggs, larvae, or any other parasites, and the efficacy may not last the full month. There are areas in which fleas are beginning to adapt to the formula, so it may not be as effective as a prescription medication.
10. Advantage II Flea Spot Treatment for Cats
| Form | Topical |
| Quantity | 1, 2, 4, or 6 single doses |
| Active Ingredient | Imidacloprid, 9.1%; Pyriproxyfen, 0.46% |
| Length of Efficacy | Up to 4 weeks |
Advantage II Flea Spot Treatment for Cats is a topical solution that can be effective for up to 4 weeks. This solution begins working within 12 hours of administering and can kill adult fleas, larvae, and eggs. This helps break the entire lifecycle of the flea.
Advantage II is available without a prescription, so it is much easier to obtain and can be found in the pet store and large department stores. The formula is designed to be waterproof and uses imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen to do the job. This is designed for use in cats that are 8 weeks and older and comes in two different weight range options.
The downside to Advantage II is that it does not always last the full 4 weeks, and some users reported seeing fleas return after approximately 2 weeks. As a topical solution, it is naturally messier to administer, and since it is so readily available, there have been reports that fleas have adapted and become more resistant to the formula.
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Flea Treatment for Cats
How to Check For Fleas
Cats will typically show some tell-tale signs that fleas are present and causing them irritation:
To confirm that your cat is infested with fleas, you can check them by using a flea comb, brush, or your fingers to search their skin and coat. Run the flea comb, brush, or your fingers along your cat’s back and underbelly. You may notice either the fleas themselves or small black specks, known as flea dirt.
Types of Flea Treatments and Preventions
Efficacy Issues in Products
It is important to keep in mind that efficacy issues can occur when attempting to treat a flea infestation. Killing the adult fleas is easy, but eliminating the larvae and eggs and breaking the life cycle can be challenging.
Fleas can be resistant to some more widely used products, so it is not unusual to run into a product that simply does not work for your cat. Other times, you may notice a product does not work for the length of time advertised. For example, a once-per-month medication may only keep the fleas away for 2 weeks.
It is very important to discuss flea treatment and prevention directly with your cat’s veterinarian so they can give you the best option in tackling this pesky problem.
Eliminating an Infestation
To eliminate a flea infestation, your cat needs to be treated, along with any other animals in the home that can fall victim to fleas, such as other cats and dogs. You will also need to treat your home, which can be the most difficult part of the process.
Flea eggs can hide in the carpets, furniture, and all over the house. When the adult fleas are killed off, their eggs are still able to hatch, and the issue begins all over again. You need to eliminate the entire lifecycle of this parasite for successful elimination and a flea-free home.
It can take up to 3 months to fully rid a home of an infestation, and in some cases, you may have to bring in a professional to take care of the job. More than one treatment of the home may be necessary.
Speak to your veterinarian, and they will be able to help guide you through the process and ensure that your pets are covered on the treatment end.
Possible Side Effects
Treating an animal for fleas involves chemicals and side effects are possible. While these treatments are heavily studied before being released for use in our domesticated pets, reactions can vary from individual to individual.
Ensure that other animals in the household are prevented from licking off any topical flea solution on another, as this can be dangerous. Make sure to read any labels on any treatments being done in the home to ensure that all members of the household, both human and animal will be safe during the process.
Be sure to discuss any possible side effects of the flea mediation with your veterinarian. You will need to ensure that the medication is well-tolerated and keep an eye out for any signs of toxicity.
Conclusion
Among these reviews, Bravecto Topical Solution is a great overall choice, though it does require a prescription, and it is for use in cats 6 months or older. It gets the job done well and kills fleas, eggs, larvae, and ticks with an efficacy of up to 12 weeks.
Frontline Plus for Cats is a great choice if you are looking to get good value at a low price. It’s available without a prescription and is easy to obtain. Revolution Plus is a great choice for a topical solution that is effective against fleas, ticks, heartworms, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms. It dries quickly and is easy to apply.
We hope that while working with your vet, you can find the right flea treatment for your cat!
- Related article: 10 Best Flea Collars for Cats – Reviews & Top Picks
Featured Image Credit: AlexDonin, Shutterstock
