Famously clean and self-grooming, cats aren’t commonly associated with fleas and ticks. After all, unlike their canine counterparts, our feline friends are more likely to spend their afternoons napping on sunny windowsills, not romping through leaf piles at the park. However, cats—even those who never venture outdoors—aren’t immune to contracting these pesky pests, and they should be on a cat flea and tick treatment.
"It’s a common misconception that indoor cats do not require flea and tick prevention," says Dr. Bethany Hsia, DVM, a California-based veterinarian and co-founder of CodaPet. "Indoor cats can still be at risk for fleas and ticks, as they can be brought into the home on clothing, shoes or other animals. It is still important to protect your cat from these parasites."
Tiny as they may be, fleas and ticks can cause significant health issues, from inflamed skin and hair loss to more serious conditions, including anemia and Lyme disease—so prevention is key. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality cat flea and tick treatments on the market, and effective options for every cat (yes, even that cat).
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Best Overall Flea Treatment for CatsRevolution Plus Topical Solution for Cats, 6 Doses (6-mos. supply) $145 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$145 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
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Best Cat Flea CollarSeresto Flea & Tick Collar for Cats, 1 Collar (8-mos. supply) $60 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$60 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
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Best Topical Flea Treatment for CatsAdvantage XD Large Cat Treatment, 2 count $56 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$56 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
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Best Cat Flea ChewComfortis™ Chewable Tablet for Cats, 6.1-12 lbs (6-mos. supply) $113 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$113 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
Types of Cat Flea and Tick Treatments
Each type of cat flea and tick treatment has pros and cons. Consider this your handy cheat sheet.
Topical Treatments
Applied directly to the skin, topical products—also known as “spot-on treatments”—are applied directly on the cat’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades to prevent licking or scratching. Available over-the-counter and by prescription, topicals are absorbed into the cat’s skin. They typically kill adult fleas, flea eggs and flea larvae as well as ticks. Some also protect against mites, hookworms and roundworms. “Topical treatments are convenient and easy to apply, making them a popular choice among pet owners,” says Dr. Hsia. “They provide about a month of protection against fleas and ticks.”
Best for: Cats who don’t like taking medications orally; multi-pest protection; and killing fleas, flea eggs and larvae
Oral Flea Treatments
If your pet isn’t picky about pills, oral cat flea treatments can be a great alternative to topicals. “Oral treatments come in the form of chews or tablets, and are ideal for cats who dislike topical treatments or have skin sensitivities,” says Dr. Hsia. Oral treatments are absorbed into the bloodstream, killing fleas and ticks after they bite your pet. Some oral medications, such as Capstar, begin working within 30 minutes, making them ideal for cats who already have fleas.
Best for: Cats with skin allergies; cats with active flea infestations; and cats who easily take oral medication
Flea Collars
Although not typically used as a first-line of defense against parasites, flea collars can be effective for cats who need added protection, such as cats with outdoor access. “Flea collars are most effective when used in combination with other prevention methods, such as topical treatments or oral medications,” says Dr. Hsia. Collars typically offer longer-term protection (up to eight months) and kill fleas and ticks on contact, as well as repel them.
When choosing a flea collar, look for one that is specifically designed for cats and provides protection against both fleas and ticks, Dr. Hsia says. “Additionally, ensure that the collar fits properly and is not too tight or loose around your cat’s neck,” she adds. (The general rule is you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your pet’s neck.)
Best for: Cats who need extra parasite prevention; cats with outdoor access; and pet parents who want longer-term coverage
Flea Shampoo for Cats
Bathing a cat probably wasn’t on your pet-parent Bingo card, but flea shampoos can be effective pest problem-solvers. These formulas typically kill fleas on contact, making them ideal for pets with active fleas; many also contain skin-soothing ingredients. “Rinse your cat thoroughly to ensure all shampoo residue is removed from their fur, and monitor your cat for any signs of irritation or adverse reactions,” Dr. Hsia says.
Best for: Cats who actively have fleas; cats who tolerate baths
Flea Spray for Cats
Flea sprays are applied to a cat’s coat, killing adult fleas and ticks on contact. Sprays can be great fast-acting solutions for cats who won’t happily bathe or accept an oral medication, and can be effective for up to 30 days (although some formulas need to be applied more often). However, they aren’t ideal for cats with skin allergies, and some pets might not tolerate being sprayed.
Best for: Cats with flea infestations; cats who don’t tolerate baths or oral medications
Best Overall Flea Treatment for Cats
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Works 100%
Fast delivery considering you had to wait for USPS to deliver the prescription. I've used this for years. It's 100% effective for my cat. I was 2 days late one time and had flea bites.
Best Flea Pills for Cats
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Incredible, Fast-Acting Flea Relief
This is an incredible product because it kills adult fleas with ease. The mess-free tablets are a dream to work with. The fast-acting relief is simply unmatched, and it quickly treats infestations which is a lifesaver. What's more, it's suitable for both cats and kittens. Works the way it should and the price is kept fair. Overall, extremely satisfied with this product.
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Excellent- especially for feral cats
I feed a lot of feral cats that have all been fixed of course. They get fleas just like everybody else but it’s impossible to treat them. Once a week during the hot summer months, I put a little pill in their food and it keeps them comfortable.
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They seem to work Quickly
My cats don't like the other type liquid stuff this works best for them. When I have tired the other it irritates the ski n
Best Cat Flea Collar
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Stayed on my cat for months!
Bad flea and tick problems in the spring, so purchased the collar. My cat goes outside, so didn’t know how well it would work. It has worked very well for my indoor/outdoor cat. I thought he would lose it, but he kept it for 8 months.
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Fleas gone
This collar by far is the best on the market. As much money I spent on cheap collars, I could have bought this one. One and done!
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Only thing that seems to work for us
I’ve used frontline topical for years and then had a flea problem so bad i threw the kitchen sink at it and still couldn’t get anything to work. Bought these for all my cats and finally the fleas all died.
Best Topical Flea Treatment for Cats
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I noticed a few fleas on our indoor cats after our dogs had a few fleas and decided to try this. I've used the normal advantage before but tried this one. It's more volume of liquid so they definitely have a bigger greasy spot on the back of their necks. Being more liquid, one of my cats had it run down the side of his neck so just be mindful and careful when placing it. Otherwise, they don't seem to be scratching as much initially so I believe it's working well. We will see how well it works long term but overall I'm happy with it.
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It worked
My 3 cats finally stopped scratching. If you do exactly what the directions tell you, your cat should get relief too.
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Effective and long lasting
Easy to apply although it does leave my cat’s hair a bit oily for a few days. Treatment is effective and lasts as long as stated. My cat had bad flea infestation and was constantly scratching and biting at himself earlier this spring. Since the medication, the flea are gone and he doesn’t scratch himself. This product is much more effective than “regular “ Advantage med. My cat is a large (15 lb) long hair indoor/outdoor cat.
Best Cat Flea Chew
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They work
I don’t like giving my dog pharmaceuticals and it isn’t easy either, but the bottom line is that they work and he’s not getting fleas any more, so I’m happy
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Fast delivery
Nothing amazing about getting flee meds. But I did enjoy receiving fast service. Mia enjoys not getting eat up with flee
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It works! Fleas start falling off in about 30 min
Awesome product. I recently used it on a flea infestation on all dogs and cats 2 weeks ago. I have used it in the past as well.
Best Flea Spray for Cats
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My Favorite
This kills ectoparasites as noted very quickly. It also repels mosquitoes. For those who don't want something in their dogs' bodies all the time, this could be the product for them. This might be what is needed by people with dogs who get seizures from those edible products - check with your veterinarian.
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Adams Flea and Tick Spray doesn't smell
Unlike the more "natural" sprays that smell and that the dogs did not like, this one doesn't smell the dogs would tolerate it.
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Used this for years, very effective
I've used this for years and prefer it to some of the newer options that have bad side effect profiles. To me this is one of the safer options to get rid of fleas and ticks immediately and prevent them from laying eggs.
Best Flea Shampoo for Cats
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first bath
Googled best cat shampoo for fleas I purchased pet armor flea and tick shampoo Coconut berry. I discovered that the frontline plus that put on my cats has expired. Google says don’t use after 2yrs Doesn’t say that on the box. So I bought the shampoo. Today mommy had her first bath. it’s a nice scent with a light lather. She seems happy, which makes me happy. Thank you Chewy
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works great!
Killed fleas almost instantly, my cat has a thick coat so it makes it hard to wash him but this stuff works, whatever fleas that miraculously lived ran up off his skin after a couple minutes and made it easier to comb them out
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Worked great, non-irritating, smelled nice
We randomly got a bout of fleas and went whole hog on the defensive. We used capstar, immediately got them on a monthly topical, treated the house and the yard, and bathed them. This was our shampoo of choice. Both cats tolerated it very well and had a nice smell. Rinsed clean and helped us get rid of the fleas. We haven’t had a single flea since but this was just part of our approach.
Best Flea Medicine for Kittens
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The fast service that Chewy provides.
The products we purchase are products we need, we all know how well they work. The question you should be asking in your survey is, "How good was our service?" Your service is tremendous!
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Reliable product
I've used this for several years. Seems to be effective for at least three weeks, usually four, depends on the time of year. All of my cats have tolerated the ingredients well, although a few have scratched at it a little during the first few hours. Be sure to put on the neck, not between shoulder blades; cats can easily lick between shoulder blades!
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A blessing!
I am so thankful for this product! Within a short time of application, fleas started coming off our little old cat. No side effects at all that I could tell. I don’t know what we would have done without it!
Best Cat Flea Comb
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Inexpensive comb
This is a great little inexpensive flea comb. Works especially well when you are bathing kittens and can comb there damp fur. Also works well on dry fur.
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Life saver
We combed both cats with this every day until there were no more fleas. I’m sure this is what got rid of them.
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Best of the BEST
I didn’t know what to expect from this comb based on the inexpensive cost. I was greatly surprised how well it works.
How to Find the Best Cat Flea and Tick Treatment
Overwhelmed by the amount of cat flea and tick treatments? It’s understandable! There’s no shortage of flea and tick control products on the market, and not every product is right for every pet.
So, where to start? Before beginning any treatment, have a conversation with your veterinarian, who can help you select a medication that suits your concerns and your cat’s needs. Together, you’ll consider the following:
- Your cat’s age: If your cat is very young or very old, conventional treatments may not be appropriate. Most flea and tick medications are unsafe for kittens under 8 weeks, and senior animals with certain health conditions may need special consideration.
- Your cat’s health: Some health conditions will influence which type of prevention you choose for your cat. Some cats with food allergies cannot tolerate the flavoring in chewable tablets, while cats with sensitive skin may need to avoid topical treatments.
- Your cat’s weight: Flea and tick medications are dosed by weight, so be sure to select the appropriate dosage for your pet. (Important: Never use your dog’s medication for your cat. Even if your pets are similar weights, some dog medications contain ingredients that could be toxic to cats.)
- The target pest: While most dog treatments target fleas and ticks, some cat treatments only address fleas. Read the label carefully to ensure it kills the correct parasites.
- Your cat’s personality: Consider which flea products your cat will best tolerate. Are they likely to eat a chewable? Can they tolerate wearing a flea collar? Will they rub the topical gel right off? Does the phrase “flea bath” seem reasonable, or ridiculous?
- Your lifestyle: You’ll also want to take your household into consideration. For example, if you have young children, topical gels or collars might be too tempting for curious little hands.
How to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks on Your Cat
Is your feline friend hosting some unwelcome guests? If so, you’ll want to get rid of the current flea infestation as well as prevent another one from recurring. This requires a multistep approach:
- Comb your cat with a flea comb, starting at the head and working your way to the tail. Place the removed fleas in a bowl of isopropyl alcohol to kill them.
- Bathe your cat with a flea shampoo after using the flea comb. If you’ve never bathed a cat, consult our expert guide. (Still not confident? Leave it to the professionals, and book an appointment with your groomer or veterinarian; don’t risk injuring your cat or yourself.)
- Use a year-round flea and tick preventive treatment and stick to the schedule. If you’ve lapsed on regular treatments, now is your time to get back on board!
Flea-free is the way to be! For more tips and tricks, check out this step-by-step guide.
How to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks From Your Yard and Home
Now for the bad news: If your cat has fleas, it’s likely that your home and yard has fleas as well. To get rid of them for good and prevent a reinfestation, consider the following:
- Washing all bedding in hot, soapy water
- Vacuuming rugs, carpets and upholstery frequently, using a flea spray as necessary
- Vacuuming hard surfaces frequently, concentrating on areas near food bowls, litter boxes and pet beds
- Treating your yard with flea spray or hiring a pest management company
For more tips on flea prevention in the home, consult our down-and-dirty cleaning guide.
How We Chose These Products
Fleas and ticks prevent cats (and cat owners!) from living their happiest, healthiest lives. That’s why we rounded up these best-of-the-best products, as chosen by satisfied Chewy customers. Backed by thousands of ratings and reviews, these bestellers have proven themselves to be effective, trusted tools in keeping kitties comfortable.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Every cat is an individual, so every cat responds to fleas, ticks and treatments differently. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, medications or side effects, work with your veterinarian to devise a personalized plan for your one-of-a-kind feline.
Cat Flea and Tick Treatment FAQs
Q: What are the symptoms of fleas and ticks on cats?
A: Signs of fleas include intense itching, scratching and biting; changes in behavior; hair loss; excessive grooming; and, in severe cases, pale gums. Signs of ticks include licking, chewing and biting at the area; inflamed skin and/or scabs; hair loss; and, in the case of tick-borne illnesses, lethargy and lack of appetite.
Q: What instantly kills fleas and ticks on cats?
A: Flea shampoos and flea sprays kill fleas and ticks on contact. You can also use a flea comb to find and kill fleas instantly. Some chewable treatments, such as Capstar, kick in quickly, killing fleas in as little as 30 minutes.
Q: How does flea and tick medicine work?
A: Topical treatments are absorbed through the cat’s skin, killing fleas and ticks on contact. Oral preventives are swallowed and absorbed into the cat’s bloodstream; adult fleas and ticks die after biting the cat and ingesting the pesticide.
Q: Are there home remedies to treat and prevent fleas and ticks?
A: There are some home remedies—including Dawn dish soap, lemon, apple cider vinegar and baking soda—that may help to kill or temporarily repel fleas and ticks. However, even natural flea treatments can irritate the skin or cause serious health problems if used incorrectly. Consult your veterinarian before trying any home remedies.
Flea and Tick Control: Next Steps
There’s no denying it: Fleas and ticks are major buggers. Fortunately, with a little know-how and the right products, you can keep the bugs at bay and ensure your cat is happy, healthy and comfy. Have an itchy cat and aren’t sure whether pests are to blame? Learn more about what signs to look for that would indicate a flea infestation.
Expert input provided by Dr. Bethany Hsia, DVM, a California-based veterinarian and co-founder of CodaPet.
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