7 Options for Flea and Tick Cat Treatment

If you have a cat, there is always a chance of them picking up fleas and/or ticks – even if they don’t go outside! Not only are these pests a nuisance, they can also lead to health issues for your cat, so it’s important to use a flea and tick cat treatment on a regular basis.

There are so many different options for treating and preventing fleas and ticks, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which is best. Not only are there different forms of treatments and preventatives, they also work for different things. For example, some work against both fleas and ticks, while others only work against fleas.

If you’re trying to figure out the best way to stop fleas and ticks before your cat’s got them, then keep reading! In this article, you will find information on the various types of flea and tick prevention for cats so you can make an informed decision on which is best for you.

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me to continue creating helpful content. Don’t worry – I would never recommend something I don’t like or use myself!

The Dangers of Fleas & Ticks for Cats

As mentioned, fleas and ticks can potentially cause a host of health issues for your cat. Fleas can lead to problems such as:

• flea allergy dermatitis
• anemia
• tapeworms
• Bartellonosis

If your cat gets bit by a tick, they can develop problems such as:

• Cytauxzoonosis
• Feline Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis
• Feline Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis

(Cats can also pick up Lyme disease, but this isn’t as much of a concern for cats as it is for humans or dogs since a cat’s immune system is capable of fighting it off before they typically even show any symptoms.)

Not to mention the fact that if your cat scratches excessively at either flea or tick bites, they can develop an open wound or scratch that can possibly become infected.

When to Use Flea and Tick Cat Treatment

Because fleas and ticks are usually picked up from the outdoors, many people think they don’t need to use a cat flea treatment on their indoor cat(s). While an indoor-only cat is at less of a risk for picking up fleas or ticks, there is still some risk.

Because fleas especially are so difficult (and expensive) to get rid of once your cat has them, it’s best to prevent a problem before it even begins.

You should use some sort of flea and tick control if any of the following statements are true for you:

• Your cat goes outdoors, even if it’s just for short periods of time.
• Your cat goes out on a catio or spends time in some other type of outdoor cat enclosure.
• Your cat is indoor-only, but you have a dog. (Dogs can bring fleas and ticks in on them, even if they’re on preventatives.)
• Your cat is indoor-only, but YOU go outdoors. (You can bring fleas or ticks in on you.)

So if you’re asking yourself, “Does my cat need a flea and tick preventative?” The answer is usually, “Yes!”

The Best Cat Flea and Tick Control Options

Whether your cat has fleas or ticks, or you are looking to prevent them, there are several options, both prescription and over the counter. Whichever option you choose, be sure to discuss it with your veterinarian first. They can provide some guidance on which direction to go and recommend specific products.

WARNING: No matter which type of cat flea and tick control you decide on, always read the label and directions thoroughly, research the ingredients, and talk with your veterinarian. Check the weight limits as well so you choose the right dosage for your cat’s size.

Most medications are not safe for kittens, cats under a certain weight, or pregnant cats.

Also, NEVER use a flea or trick treatment that is meant for dogs, as most dog products are toxic to cats. And never use topical preventatives, oral preventatives, and flea and tick collars at the same time.

Topical Medications (“Spot-On” Medications)

Topical medications are probably the most popular and widely available for cats. There are both prescription and over-the-counter versions that are typically administered on a monthly basis.

Topical or “spot on” medications are applied between your cat’s shoulder blades so they aren’t able to reach around and lick it off. They are a great option for those who have a hard time pilling their cat.

When choosing which topical preventative to use, be sure to research them and talk with your vet so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. There are many out there, and they each tend to work differently.

For example, some topical treatments not only kill fleas but also repel them. Some only kill adult fleas, while some will kill both adults, eggs, and larvae. Some only prevent and kill fleas, while others will work against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites as well.

One of the pros of using a topical preventative is that many of the prescription varieties also treat intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. If you’re looking for the best cat wormer AND flea treatment combo, then a topical medication is the way to go.

Though topical medications are usually effective, they do occasionally come with unwanted side effects. These side effects are rare but possible, and include skin reaction or hair loss at the site of application. Also, if you don’t apply the medication in the proper spot on your cat’s shoulder blades, they might be able to lick it off, causing stomach upset.

Most popular flea and tick topical treatments for cats:

• Revolution Plus (prescription required – also prevents heartworms and treats intestinal parasites)
• Advantage Multi (prescription required – also treats intestinal parasites)
• NexGard Combo (prescription required – also prevents heartworms and treats intestinal parasites, including tapeworms)
• Bravecto Plus (prescription required –also prevents heartworms and treats intestinal parasites)
• Advantage II (over the counter)
• Frontline Plus (over the counter)

Oral Medications

Just as with topical medications, there are both prescription and over-the-counter oral flea and tick preventatives. You can find them in either a chewable or pill form, and depending on which kind you get, they can last anywhere from just a couple days to up to a month.

If you decide to go with an oral preventative, be sure to read the label to confirm what the specific product does. Just as with topical medications, some only prevent fleas while other also protect against ticks.

As with anything, oral parasite preventatives can come with side effects as well – ranging from stomach upset to neurological issues, though the serious side effects are very rare.

Most popular oral flea treatments for cats:

• Comfortis (prescription required – does not work against ticks)
• Credelio (prescription required – also prevents ticks)
• Capstar (over the counter – kills fleas within 30 minutes, but only works for 24-48 hours. Does not work against ticks.)

Flea and Tick Collars

Cat flea collars are worn around your cat’s neck and work by releasing the active ingredient over their fur and body. They will continue working until they “dry out,” which can be as long as 7-8 months depending on the product. Some flea collars will also work against ticks.

While they can be long-lasting and effective, flea and tick collars come with their own set of potential issues. They contain strong chemicals, so you want to avoid touching them as much as possible. This can be difficult for children, who may be tempted to play with their cat’s collar.

There is also the potential for adverse reactions, such as hair loss and/or rashes around their neck at the site of the collar. Though rare, neurological side effects are also a possibility.

If your cat is prone to chewing on their collar, you definitely want to avoid using a flea and tick collar, as the chemicals are toxic if ingested.

Another consideration is the fact that not all flea and tick collars have a quick-release or breakaway feature. So, if your cat’s collar gets caught on something, the collar won’t unlatch. If that were to happen, your cat would be at risk of injury or even strangulation. In fact, in a study done on cat collar safety, flea collars without a breakaway feature were the #1 cause of collar-related injuries.

Most popular cat flea collars:

• Seresto (over the counter – also prevents ticks)
• Wondercide Flea & Tick Collar (over the counter – also prevents ticks)
• Only Natural Pet Flea & Tick Collar (over the counter – also prevents ticks)

Ultrasonic Repellents

An ultrasonic flea and tick repellent is a chemical-free and long-lasting preventative option for cats. The device is attached to your cat’s regular collar and works by emitting a series of ultrasonic pulses that are imperceptible to humans and pets but disturb the fleas and ticks, preventing them from attaching to your cat.

They come with rechargeable or replaceable batteries, which means they will last until the battery dies or won’t hold a charge anymore.

There are also versions of these devices that will protect humans from fleas and ticks as well!

Most popular ultrasonic repellent:

• Tickless Mini Cat

Powders & Sprays

Powder and spray treatments can be effective at both preventing and killing fleas. There are some powder products that can be sprinkled or sprayed directly into your cat’s fur, while others should only be used on furniture and carpets. Some will also work against ticks and other insects as well.

A possible downside to these preventatives is that they can sometimes cause respiratory issues if inhaled and can be unsafe if ingested. Be sure to read the label and directions on these products so you don’t accidentally use a product directly on your cat that might make them sick.

Most popular flea and tick powder or spray treatments:

• Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (powder – safe to ingest, available from many brands)
• Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray (spray – protects against mosquitos too)
• Only Natural Pet Flea & Tick Spray (spray)

Chemical-Free Options

If you want to avoid the harsh chemicals that are found in most traditional flea and tick preventatives, there are several “natural” options out on the market. Several that have previously been mentioned in this article (the Tickless Mini Cat, Wondercide Flea & Tick Collar, Only Natural Pet Flea & Tick Collar, Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray, Only Natural Pet Flea & Tick Spray, and Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth) are all considered natural flea and tick preventatives.

Rather than using chemicals, these natural preventatives usually contain a combination of essential oils. With cats though, you have to be cautious when using products that contain essential oils, as they can be toxic if not properly diluted or used as directed by the product manufacturer.

If you opt for a natural preventative, do your research on the product first so you don’t unintentionally harm your cat by using a “natural” product that is toxic to them.

Preventing Fleas & Ticks in Your Yard

Enjoying a nice, leashed adventure in your yard is one of the best ways to provide your cat with exercise and enrichment. However, your yard can also be a source of fleas, ticks, and other parasites.

In addition to any sort of flea and tick preventative you use, you should also go straight to the source and treat your yard to further prevent any possible issues or infestations. Keep your grass mowed, shrubs trimmed back, and don’t leave any food bowls outside that might attract flea/tick infested wildlife.

If you opt for spraying or treating your yard with an insecticide, I highly recommend finding one that is cat-safe. If your cat will be walking through the grass or exploring the yard, they will inevitably pick up whatever treatment you use on their paws and fur. It can then be absorbed through their paw pads or ingested when they clean themselves, which can make them sick if the product isn’t cat-safe.

Cat-safe yard treatments:

• Flea Destroyer
• Wondercide Flea & Tick Yard Spray
• Only Natural Pet Flea & Tick Yard Spray

As you can see, there are so many options and considerations when it comes to choosing a flea and tick cat treatment. As long as you do your research and talk with your vet though, you can be sure to make the best choice for both you and your kitty.

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About the Author

Emily Hall, ABCCT is a certified cat trainer and cat adventure enthusiast. As a “mom” to five cats and one dog, she has been writing in the pet industry for 10 years, with a focus on traveling and adventuring with cats. Emily has a passion for getting out there and doing more with her cats – for pushing the bounds of cat expectations! She and her husband enjoy hiking, road-tripping, camping, and canoeing with their three cat adventurers. Read more about Emily here.