The Best Flea And Tick Prevention For Cats

  • Tana Baer

Chances are, if you've got a four-legged fur ball as part of your family, you know: along with the sweet cuddles, mischievous play, and adorable little faces comes a darker side. Flea and tick prevention is essential to a happy, healthy cat and home. It's why we're bringing you the top 5 of the best flea and tick prevention for cats that are all tried, tested, and truly excellent for keeping everyone safe and protected.

What to Look For

Our research found that the best flea and tick prevention for cats is user-friendly, safe, and effective at stopping infestations at any stage. For example, our top pick was FRONTLINE Plus because it protects your cat (and kitten) from fleas and ticks, even at the egg and larvae stage. If you need a less intrusive solution, consider Seresto’s flea and tick collar. Plus, the collar remains a potent line of defense for 30 days. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks. We’re sure you’ll find the right flea and tick prevention for your furry feline.

FRONTLINE Plus for Cats and Kittens

Tried and true

Are you looking for a full formula for protecting against fleas, ticks, and lice? For twenty years, this has been the trusted source.
Top Pick

Find on Amazon

With FRONTLINE Plus, your cat will be fully protected from ticks, fleas, flea eggs, larvae, and lice preventing everything from minor skin annoyances to skin infections to more serious illnesses such as Lyme disease. Essentially, your cat will be fully protected, meaning you’ll be as well. This specialized formula is stored in your feline’s oil glands. After application, you’ll have a fully protected cat for 30 days. Each dose lasts for the full 30 days, so a three month supply lasts for three months (and a six dose supply for six months, and an eight dose for eight months).

Pros:

  • We love that it’s safe enough to be used on cats and kittens from 8 weeks and up.
  • It’s a fully waterproof formula.
  • This breaks the entire flea life cycle, fully destroying the next generation of fleas by going after and killing the flea eggs and larvae. This helps prevent a full infestation in your home and your kitty.

Cons:

  • Pesticide use comes with a handful of risks. Speak with your veterinarian before using this product.

Advantage II Flea Prevention and Treatment for Large Cats

Big cat, strong formula

For larger felines, you're going to need a specific formula. This solution is excellent for cats over 9 pounds.
Runner Up

Find on Amazon

This six-month supply for larger cats is super easy to apply, offers complete flea and tick prevention, and will kill fleas on contact. In fact, within the first 12 hours, you’ll have complete protection for 30 days. Fleas can be a real nuisance to get rid of, whether on your pet or with an infestation in your home. With proper usage, this formula kills the eggs, larvae, and adults to wholly and thoroughly break down the flea life cycle.

Pros:

  • Pesticides and chemicals come with a nasty smell, but this is a fragrance-free formula, making application easy for everyone.
  • It’s veterinarian recommended but always speak with them before application.
  • The package contains six monthly doses, so it’s a good value.

Cons:

  • You’ll need a separate medication to protect against ticks.

Advantage II Flea Prevention and Treatment for Small Cats

Small but mighty

While the solution above is best for large cats, this one works specifically for cats 5 to 9 pounds.
Best For Small Cats

Find on Amazon

This small cat formula works precisely the same as the one above, but just for kitties 5-9 pounds. Why does this matter? Can you use the larger formula, just less? In a word, no. When it comes to heavy pesticide use (such as the case with virtually any formula for flea and tick prevention for cats or other animals), you’ll want to use a very specific dosage amount. Each dosage lasts for 30 days, so it’s important to apply the correct amount for the correct weight. This particular formula is specially made with a smaller feline in mind.

Pros:

  • With a 1-dose option, you can see if this formula will work for your cat.
  • This stuff works fast. In fact, if you’re concerned about the dosage, you could use this treatment on larger cats.

Cons:

  • Some cats may have an adverse reaction, so please keep an eye on them.

Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats

Not just a collar

If you're looking for a handy wearable flea and tick solution, this is a great option.
Best Flea And Tick Collar

Find on Amazon

Do you hate the idea of a topical solution to fleas or ticks? Seresto has created a flea and tick collar that works similarly to a topical solution. It kills fleas and ticks upon contact while also protecting from further infestation. The collar is an easy solution — just fit it snugly around your cat’s neck and let it be for eight months. The collar itself is odorless, non-greasy, and will begin to repel and kill fleas within the first 24 hours of fitting the collar.

Pros:

  • It offers full protection against the flea and flea life cycle, as well as full protection against ticks.
  • Because it works on contact, your pet will not bring any unwanted fleas and ticks into the house.

Cons:

  • We don’t love that the collar is on 100% of the time. Plus, if you have kids, they aren’t allowed to touch the collar, which can be hard to monitor.

SENTRY Fiproguard Flea and Tick Topical for Cats

An affordable solution to fleas and ticks

Flea and tick prevention for cats shouldn't break the bank. This solution works just as well as the more expensive, pricey brands for a fraction of the cost.
Best On A Budget

Find on Amazon

Do you hate dishing out expensive monthly animal care bills? Hey, we get it. But we also love our pets, and protecting them just comes along with the territory of having an animal as part of your family. And when it comes to a budget-friendly solution for flea and tick prevention, SENTRY Pet Care’s Fiproguard is the ideal formula. This topical solution protects your sweet feline against fleas, ticks, and chewing lice for up to a full 30 days and at a fraction of the cost.

Pros:

  • It includes a 6-month supply, so it should last you a while.
  • We love that it’s an easy-t0-apply topical solution.
  • Some cat owners have found that this solution works when other solutions cause allergic reactions.

Cons:

  • As with all of these formulas, you’ll want to discuss with your trusted veterinarian which is the right formula for your cat. This potent formula should only be used as recommended by your vet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to treat my cat if they’re an indoor cat?

Flea and tick prevention for cats is important regardless of where your cat spends its time. Yes, this means even an indoor cat. Other pets and animals, as well as yourself, can bring in fleas and ticks from the outdoors. Talk to your veterinarian about which flea and tick prevention is best for your cat and your lifestyle.

Why is flea and tick prevention important?

Fleas and ticks can carry all sorts of diseases and infections. By managing flea and tick infestations, you’re keeping your pet (and yourself) safe from various illnesses that can be dangerous and costly.

About the Author

Tana is a writer and yoga teacher who has found zen from her feline friends. Her two childhood cats, Moses and Max, were the light of her life for over a decade. She has since then rescued numerous cats and has made it her mission to see that all animals are treated with care and affection. Tana’s goal is to equip cat owners with the tools they need to provide a healthy, safe environment.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.