We all love our furry felines, but the thought of them harboring fleas is a little uncomfortable. Those nasty critters crawling through your cat’s fur can cause itchiness, skin infections, anemia, and other disheartening conditions such as cat scratch disease and intestinal worm burdens.
The truth is that preventing fleas is much easier than treating them. The goal is to keep your cat from getting infested with fleas, as dealing with an active flea infestation can take time and money. The best way to solve this is by giving your cat regular flea treatment as recommended by your vet.
Luckily, we had a veterinary expert, Dr. Linda Simon, to help us create a practical guide to the most effective flea treatment products available. Whether you prefer a tablet-based or topical approach, you’ll find all the information you need here.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to our disclaimer for more details.
Our Community Picks
Best Overall: Advantage Spot-On Flea Treatment For Cats $16.98
Runner-Up: Capstar Flea Oral Treatment $39.99
Also Great: Advantage Flea and Tick Shampoo $14.48
Note: All prices and deals listed are accurate as of the time of publishing. Please check the provided links for the most current pricing.
Best Topical Flea Treatment Solutions
Topical flea treatment is a safe option for flea treatment and is particularly helpful for cat owners whose feline friends don’t like taking tablets.
Tip: Some cats may not enjoy the cold sensation and strong smell of the treatment. To make the process more comfortable, apply the topical flea medicine while the cat sleeps or eats.
This post may include affiliate links.
Advantage Spot-On Flea Treatment For Cats
Active Ingredient: Imidacloprid | Type: Spot-on | Active For: 4 weeks | Prescription Required: No | Cat Weight: 2-5 pounds, 5-9 pounds, 9+ pounds
In our experience, Advantage Spot-On Flea Treatment may be the best flea medicine for cats without a vet prescription. It contains two active ingredients, Imidacloprid and Pyriproxyfen, that target fleas at different life cycle stages and prevent future infestations. This medicine should be administered monthly and will start killing fleas within 12 hours.
Advantage flea treatment works by eliminating fleas via contact, which means there’s no chance for the flea to bite your cat. This is especially important for cats suffering from flea allergy dermatitis because the flea saliva triggers intense itching.
What We Like:
• One of the most effective options
• Works on contact
• Available in a range of pack sizes
• Available without a prescription
What We Don’t Like:
• Doesn’t prevent or treat ticks or other parasites
• Strong smelling liquid
• Skin irritation may occur in a small number of cats
That it doesn't prevent ticks doesn't matter on indoor cats, and they can be plagued by fleas too.
Revolution Plus Topical Solution For Cats
Active Ingredient: Selamectin and Sarolaner | Type: Spot-on
Active For: 4 weeks | Prescription Required: No | Cat Weight: 2.8-5.5 pounds, 5.6-11 pounds, 11.1-22 pounds
Revolution Plus Topical Solution is the perfect way to protect your furry friend from fleas, roundworms, hookworms, ear mites, ticks, and heartworms. Your cat will surely appreciate this added layer of protection, especially if they love spending time outside and are at a higher risk of getting plagued by these harmful parasites.
One of the great things about this product is that it’s easy to apply, even if your cat is nervous. The pipettes contain enough liquid for a quick and hassle-free application. Give your cat the gift of protection with Revolution Plus Topical Solution.
Note: The Revolution Plus requires a prescription, and weighing your cat beforehand is recommended to ensure the correct dosage.
What We Like:
• Broad acting
• Suitable for kittens from 8 weeks
• Fast drying
What We Don’t Like:
• Prescription required
• Costly
Best Oral Cat Flea Prevention
Oral medications for cats are a convenient and mess-free option, as you can be sure that the cat has taken the complete dose. Although some owners may find administering pills challenging, most cats can be easily fooled into taking a tablet by hiding it in a pill pocket or mixing it with tasty food.
Tip: Consider using oral medications for cats to avoid spreading pesticide liquid in your house, especially if children are around. Pill poppers can help you deal with a wary cat.
Capstar Flea Oral Treatment
Active Ingredient: Nitenpyram | Type: Tablet | Active For: One day | Prescription Required: No | Cat Weight: 2-25 pounds
Capstar is a quick-acting flea control medication that contains Nytenpyram as its active ingredient. It starts working within 30 minutes of intake and kills adult fleas efficiently. You can give it to your cat once daily as necessary. It comes in packets of 6 or 12 and doesn't require a prescription.
There are two ways to give this medicine to your cat- directly in the mouth or hidden in food. Although you can crush the tablet, it may taste bitter, so it works better when given whole.
Note: Capstar kills adult fleas quickly, but it needs to be used for several days as the larvae hatch.
What We Like:
• Fleas start falling off within an hour
• Available over the counter
What We Don’t Like:
• Only effective on adult fleas
• Requires repeated administration
Comfortis Chewable Tablets
Active ingredient: Spinosad | Type: Tablet | Active For: 4 weeks | Prescription Required: Yes | Cat Weight: 4.1-6 pounds, 6.1-12 pounds, 12.1-24 pounds
When multiple pets are in the house, you have to make sure that all of them are up-to-date with their parasite prevention regimen. Fleas can quickly spread from one pet to another, with dogs usually catching them from cats. If left untreated, fleas can wreak havoc in your home.
Comfortis Chewable Tablets are suitable for dogs and cats aged 14 weeks or older. They work quickly and can eliminate fleas less than an hour after consumption. Administer the tablets once a month alongside food for optimal effectiveness.
What We Like:
• An excellent option for multiple pet households
• Small tablet size
What We Don’t Like:
• Only effective against fleas
• Not suitable for smaller kittens (under 14 weeks)
• Strong chemical odor
Best Flea and Tick Prevention
Flea and tick medications are usually used together, as a cat at risk for fleas is very likely at risk for ticks. Ticks are particularly dangerous as they can attach themselves to humans and spread diseases. While they are larger and easier to spot, they often hide under the cat’s fur, making it difficult to detect them early on before they become engorged with blood.
Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats
Active ingredient: Fluralaner | Type: Spot-on | Active For: 12 weeks | Prescription Required: Yes | Cat Weight: 2.6-6.2 pounds, 6.2-13.8 pounds, 13.8+ pounds
Bravecto is a widely recognized and trusted product that kills and prevents fleas and effectively combats ticks. It is proven to eliminate all fleas on the cat within eight hours of application and all ticks within twelve hours.
The “twist and use” design eliminates the need to fumble with removing the cap, making it one of the simplest spot-on treatments to administer, particularly for cats who aren't fond of them.
What makes Bravecto so attractive is that it provides an astonishing three months of flea prevention. This is perfect for pet parents who struggle to keep up with monthly applications. It is available in a variety of sizes and can be purchased as either a one or two-pack.
What We Like:
• 12-week protection against fleas
• Two months of protection against ticks
What We Don’t Like:
• Not suitable for cats less than six months old
Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Spot Treatment For Cats
Active ingredient: Fipronil and (S)methoprene | Type: Spot-on | Active For: 4 weeks | Prescription Required: No | Cat Weight: One size
Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Spot Treatment is a preventive measure against fleas and a killer of ticks and chewing lice. It is effective against both adult fleas and flea eggs, which helps to prevent re-infestation. This spot-on treatment is suitable for kittens as young as 8 weeks old and weighing at least 1.5 pounds. Even indoor cats can get fleas and ticks, so it is wise to keep their prevention up to date.
The active ingredients in this spot-on treatment disrupt the flea life cycle, preventing new infestations from developing. A single application protects cats against fleas and ticks for a whole month.
What We Like:
• Easy application
• Dual protection against both ticks and fleas
• Safe for those kittens who are at least eight weeks old
• Available in 3, 6, 8 and 12 pack
What We Don’t Like:
• No worm prevention
• Skin irritation is a possible side effect
Best Flea Treatment for Kittens Under 12 Weeks
If you find fleas on a very young kitten, it’s best to treat their mother and siblings simultaneously to avoid any chances of re-infestation. Additionally, kittens with fleas usually have a worm burden, so giving them a dewormer is recommended.
To minimize the likelihood of side effects, space out the flea preventive and dewormer by 1-2 days. This approach also aids in identifying which product may be causing a reaction if the kitten experiences any adverse effects.
Advantage Flea and Tick Shampoo
Active ingredient: Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide | Type: Shampoo | Active For: 1 week | Prescription Required: No | Cat Weight: 1.5+ pounds
Advantage Flea and Tick Shampoo unscented formula produces a good lather and can be used on kittens that are twelve weeks or older. If you have a sensitive kitty who doesn't respond well to tablets or spot-on treatments, this shampoo may be the perfect solution.
Bear in mind that using this shampoo alone won't completely eradicate fleas and ticks from your environment. You must treat your home and yard to eliminate these parasites effectively.
Note: When bathing a younger kitten, remember they have low body fat levels and can get cold quickly. So, keep the bath brief and dry them thoroughly with a towel.
What We Like:
• Effective alternative to the traditional tablets or spot-on treatment
What We Don’t Like:
• Contains Pyrethrin, which is highly toxic to cats if ingested
• Must be used no more than once every 7 days
• Most cats dislike taking baths
Revolt Topical Solution for Cats
Active ingredient: Selamectin | Type: Spot-on | Active For: 1 month | Prescription Required: No | Cat Weight: 5.1-15 pounds, 15.1-22 pounds
Revolt Topical Solution for Cats is a highly effective flea treatment that contains Selamectin. This solution not only treats fleas but also prevents heartworms and treats ear mites, hookworms, and roundworms.
Like other spot-on treatments, you must apply Revolt to the skin without rubbing. To ensure its effectiveness, avoid bathing your pet for at least 24 hours after using the product. This treatment not only kills fleas but also prevents the hatching of eggs, providing more comprehensive control.
What We Like:
• Broad spectrum
• Available in several sizes
What We Don’t Like:
• Prescription required
• Costly
Top Flea Treatment Recommended by Vets
Many flea treatments available in the market, such as flea bombs and natural flea control products sold without a prescription, are often ineffective. We know how frustrating it can be to spend all that money on flea products only to find out they don't work. The best way to avoid this is never to use a treatment your vet hasn’t approved.
Seresto Flea and Tick Collar
Active ingredient: Imidacloprid and Flumethrin | Type: Collar | Active For: 8 months | Prescription Required: Yes | Cat Weight: One size
Seresto Flea and Tick Collar is one of the most effective treatments available. Unlike tablets or spot-on treatments, flea collars are generally well-tolerated by felines. The collar starts working within 24 hours, providing continuous protection for up to eight months.
Some cats may start losing their fur under the collar; consult your vet for guidance
What We Like:
• Eight months of flea and tick prevention
• Great solution if your cat suffers from flea allergy
What We Don’t Like:
• Not effective on parasites other than fleas and ticks
Bravecto Plus Topical Solution for Cats
Active Ingredient: Fluralaner, Moxidectin | Type: Spot-on | Active For: 2 months | Prescription Required: Yes | Cat Weight: 2.6-6.2 pounds, 6.2-13.8 pounds, 13.9-27.5 pounds
Bravecto Plus Topical Solution treats fleas and is an excellent option for coping with parasites like intestinal worms and heartworms. However, it’s not an over-the-counter medication, so you’ll need to get a prescription from your veterinarian.
The medication comes in three sizes, and you can easily apply it using a pipette on the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades. Most cats don't mind it, but if your kitty has difficulties, you can always ask your vet for help.
Note: Suitable for cats older than six months
What We Like:
• Broad spectrum
• Vet-approved
• Two months of flea and tick prevention
What We Don’t Like:
• Not suitable for cats younger than six months
• Prescription required
How To Determine if Your Cat Has Fleas
Identifying fleas on cats can be quite tricky, as cats tend to groom themselves and ingest any fleas they come across. However, the most common indication that a cat has fleas is increased itchiness, particularly around the rump and flanks.
You may notice your cat scratching, chewing, and licking themselves more frequently. You may also see some bald patches, sparse fur, and scabs on their skin.
To verify the presence of fleas, it’s a good idea to use a flea comb to look for flea eggs, adult fleas, or flea dirt. Remember: Even if you don't notice any signs of fleas, you should never rule them out. If unsure, consult with your vet.
FAQ
What is the fastest way to get rid of fleas on a cat?
One effective way to eliminate fleas is to use a product a veterinarian recommends, apply it to all dogs and cats in your home, and use a flea spray specifically designed for household use. Some oral flea treatments start working in as little as 30 minutes.
Which is the better flea treatment, Frontline or Advantage, for fleas on cats?
These products contain different active ingredients, though both work similarly and should have comparable efficacy. In our experience, fleas are less likely to resist the Imidacloprid in Advantage.
How will a vet treat a cat with fleas?
Your veterinarian will provide a flea treatment for your cat, which may come as a spot-on medicine, collar, or tablet. They will also advise you on how to treat your home and any other pets. Since fleas can carry tapeworms, your vet will ensure that your cat’s wormer is up to date.
Can I give my kitten a flea treatment for cats?
Flea burdens in kittens can lead to anemia from blood loss, skin infections, and a failure to gain weight—it is never something we would want to ignore. However, you must ensure your kitten is old and heavy enough for the product used.
Do I need a prescription to get the best flea treatment for cats?
The more broad-acting products will require Prescription, yes. However, there are many non-prescription options for treating fleas alone, some of which are listed above.
