The Best Flea and Tick Preventions For Cats
Ticks and fleas are common infestations that can affect any cat. These small bugs do not only pose as an annoyance, but they can even be a threat to both your cat and even your own wellbeing. There are some fleas that can transmit tapeworms to cats. In fact, there is evidence that these fleas may also transmit the tapeworm to humans, so this is not a topic to take lightly. Additionally, ticks can also spread other diseases, including Lyme disease, which can lead to serious consequences. For these reasons, you should prioritize flea and tick prevention for your cats. There are many different products on the market today, but not all equally effective. In this article, we'll look at a few of the best options, all of which effectively prevent fleas and ticks on a cat.
Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats
Ticks be gone
If you’ve ever used a traditional tick or flea treatment, you probably know how inconvenient they can be to deal with. Liquid or spray formulas require that they be applied regularly, including weekly and monthly, and also can easily make a mess if you’re not careful. For this reason, tick and flea collars have become a popular alternative to conventional treatment options. As this offering from Seresto demonstrates, these collars contain active ingredients, such as Imidacloprid, that are designed to repel invasive organisms. Those ingredients are also released over time, enabling a longer protection period than topical ointments — in this case up to eight months. This makes guarding your feline against pesky bugs as easy as strapping on a collar, which can also be worn alongside their usual neck attire.
Pros:
- Long-lasting, effective defense against ticks and fleas
- Adjustable design fits cats of all sizes
- Begins acting within 24 hours of application
Cons:
- Fairly expensive compared with traditional treatments
- Some may disagree with artificial ingredients
Seresto 2-Pack Flea and Tick Collar for Cats
On the front lines
Whether you have two frisky felines roaming your home, or just want double the protection for one, this two-pack of Seresto collars will save you time and energy. Both collars contain Imidaclopridhe and Flumethrin, two insecticides that are scientifically proven to kill off fleas and ticks, respectively. They begin working within 24 hours of initial application, and on top of that, both collars are adjustable, so they’ll fit felines of all ages and breeds.
Pros:
- Veterenarian-approved formula
- EPA-registered company
- Does not expire
Cons:
- Discount for buying two could be better
- Does not treat for lice
ShengKou Flea and Tick Collar for Cats
Nature's defense
While the artificial insecticides used in leading tick and flea collars are vetted for safety and effectiveness, you may still want to avoid exposing your pet to harsh chemicals. If that’s the case, try this collar from ShengKou, which represents an all-natural alternative to chemical insecticide treatments. The adjustable model contains only plant-based essential oils, including those derived from citronella, cinnamon, garlic, lemongrass, and thyme, so you don’t have to worry about skin or fur irritations. What’s more, this collar comes in a kit that includes a brush that can be used to help distribute the oils across your cat’s fur, plus small tweezers for removing any ticks that may have snuck their way behind its defenses.
Pros:
- Offers 12 months of protection
- Water-resistant design
- Emergency breaking point adds safety
Cons:
- Not quite as effective as artificial insecticides
- Not ideal for kittens or smaller cats
Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar for Cats and Kittens
Affordable and effective
Most tick and flea collars on the market far exceed traditional topical treatments in terms of price, but this adjustable model from Hartz manages to remain supremely affordable while still incorporating features that you’re unlikely to find in its competitors. Uniquely, the material is water-resistant, so it keeps working even if it gets wet. And it also incorporates a reflective strip that keeps your feline visible from up to 300 feet away. Fitting the collar to their neck is a cinch, too: just strap it on, keeping it loose enough to fit two fingers underneath, and cut off the excess material.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable compared to other collars on the market
- Breakaway snap release enhances safety
- Fresh scent
Cons:
- Seven-month protection is shorter than similar offerings
- Not for cats under 12 weeks
Sobaken Flea and Tick Prevention for Cats
For felines of any age
If you’re worried about finding a flea and tick collar that fits your particular breed of cat, let this offering from Sobaken put you at ease. The ergonomic model boasts an adjustable design that accommodates felines of all sizes and ages, or at least from three months onward. That makes it suitable for small cats and even kittens, so you don’t have to worry about your fur baby wandering off into the bushes at a young age. The model can even be worn simultaneously with your cat’s actual collar, so they never get lost.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Also repels lice
- Price includes charity donation
Cons:
- No breakaway point
FAQs
What is the best flea and tick treatment for cats?
There are quite a variety of tick and flea treatments for cats on the market today. This can make it somewhat difficult to choose one that is the best or right for your cat. The two major categories include spot-on treatments and collars. Both of these offer effective results, though the collar generally offers a longer duration of effective treatment.
Consider your personal preferences when trying to consider what treatment would be best for your cat. If you prefer a spot-on treatment, then you must be sure to reapply it every few weeks. At the same time, note that not all collars provide effective protection. Collars tend to be preventative tools, which means that many of the collars available will not actually kill existing ticks and fleas.
Where do you put flea medicine on a cat?
Spot-on treatments are generally easy to use. There is no need for additional tools with these treatments – all you need is your cat and the treatment. The medicine will usually be placed at the back of the cat’s neck; separate your cat’s fur and expose their skin. The medicine should be dropped directly on their skin.
Note that this is how the majority of spot-on treatments work and doesn’t account for every treatment on the market. Always be sure to thoroughly read the instructions that come with the product before trying to apply it.
Is it bad if my cat licks the flea medicine?
The safety of tick and flea medicine for cats really depends on the specific ingredients that are included in its formula. When you opt for a natural repellent, they will usually be safe and not cause your cat harm, even if they lick it. On the other hand, some of the more traditional treatments for ticks and fleas on cats can cause harm to your cat if they ingest it.
The container or label of the treatment will usually contain warnings. If you are concerned about your cat’s health, be sure to take a closer look at those warning labels. This will give you a better idea of what to expect.
Can cat fleas live in human hair?
Generally, fleas that infiltrate a cat’s fur will not cause an infestation in human hair. These fleas will usually only be found on the cat, but they can jump off, which can cause your bed, carpets, and other furniture to become flea-infested. They will not call your own hair home but take note that the fleas found on cats can bite you.
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