Got fleas? Chances are, your cat does too. Those tiny pests can make life miserable for everyone. Especially if your cat loves to explore outside. They can pick up fleas from other animals, bringing these unwelcome guests right into your home.
Fleas aren’t just an annoyance. They bite, causing real irritation for both you and your cat. Many cats even get bad allergic reactions. This can lead to hair loss and other serious skin issues. So, keeping flea treatment on hand is a good idea for any cat owner. But with so many options, how do you pick the best one? We looked at several popular treatments to help you choose. And always, always talk to your vet for advice.
7 Best Cat Flea Treatments Available
1. Frontline Spot On Flea and Tick Treatment
Frontline Spot On products are still very popular for treating cat fleas. Some vets say the formula might not be as strong as before. Fleas may have adapted to it. But, this product still sells a lot, and many users report it works well for them.
You get 6 pipettes in a pack. Just snip the end and squeeze the liquid onto your cat’s fur. It claims to kill fleas in 24 hours. They suggest you use it once a month. This pack should last you six months. It costs a little under £20.
This treatment works for cats 8 weeks old or more, weighing 1kg or over. Some customers give it good reviews. Others say it does not work for them. You can try it, but always talk to your vet first. They might suggest a better treatment for your pet.
Pros:
- Well-known product
- Six months of use per pack
- Acts within 24 hours
- Simple to use
Cons:
- Has chemicals
- Many buyers report it doesn’t work
- More costly than some alternatives
2. Johnson’s 4Fleas Treatment
Johnson’s is another name you know in pet care. Their 4Fleas treatment works for both cats and kittens. It’s a very popular product. You get a 6-pack at a really good price. This treatment claims to start killing fleas within 15 minutes. It also says it will kill all of them within 24 hours, a common claim for these products.
This one comes as a tablet. Giving a pill to a cat can be tough. Some people hide the pill in a treat. But cats are smart, they often eat around it. Does it work. Over 1,400 people have reviewed it. About 70% gave it 5 stars for getting rid of fleas. But, at least 10% said it didn’t work. Some reported their cats had bad reactions, needing vet visits. There’s likely an ingredient some cats react to. Always get advice from your vet before using this one.
Pros:
- Works quickly
- Six-pack means several months supply
- Affordable price
- Many good results reported
Cons:
- Some reports of bad reactions
- Pill form can be hard to give
3. Beaphar Fiprotec Spot-On
This is a liquid flea treatment, like many others. Most people find these spot-on types simple to put on. It uses the chemical “Fipronil,” just like some other products mentioned. You’ll learn more about fipronil soon. This pack has six pipettes. You cut the tip and squeeze the liquid onto your cat’s neck. Good luck keeping your cat still for that part.
This product says it kills fleas for up to five weeks. So, if you have one cat, you get about six months of supply. It’s for cats 8 weeks old or older and weighing over 1kg. It claims to be potent. Like the others, we found many good reviews, but also some saying it didn’t work. The price is fair. A vet might suggest it, or they might not.
Pros:
- Comes in a 6-pack
- Six months worth of supply
- Quick acting
- Applied with a pipette
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Many complaints it’s not working
- Some adverse reactions reported
4. Beaphar Cat Spot On
This product is also from Beaphar. It seems much like the previous one, just with a different name and packaging. You get six pipettes, enough for six months of treatment. It makes similar claims about killing fleas. It’s very cheap, sometimes less than five pounds. This makes you wonder if it’s a weaker version.
Some reviews say it worked well and got rid of fleas. But, there are many negative reviews too. Some people say it just didn’t work. Others reported their cats got sick after using it. Some even needed to see a vet. We would avoid recommending this one.
Pros:
- Low cost
- Six-month supply
- Easy to use pipettes
Cons:
- The low price is a concern
- Many reports of it being ineffective
- Many reports of cats getting ill
5. Bob Martin Clear Flea
Bob Martin makes many cat and dog products. This flea product for cats comes in pill form. Again, getting your cat to take a pill can be a challenge. It claims to start killing fleas in 15 minutes. It also says it clears all fleas within 24 hours. You only get 3 tablets here. We think each one lasts a month. The price is fair, about £5 for the pack.
Customers say this product works for 7 out of 10 cases. But, 30% of those who left comments say it doesn’t work. Bob Martin products have had some bad press. Yet, 70% of over 250 customers found it effective. They also said it usually had no side effects. As always, ask your vet. They might point you in another direction.
Pros:
- Well-known company
- Starts killing quickly
- All fleas gone in 24 hours
- Inexpensive
- Three-month supply
Cons:
- Only three tablets
- Comes as a tablet
- Some negative customer results
6. Bingpet Flea and Tick Cat Collar
We’ve seen liquid and pill flea treatments so far. This product is a third option: a flea collar. Your cat wears it like a regular collar. It has chemicals that kill fleas. This brings up a concern. Regular contact with these chemicals is not suggested for humans. You should wash your hands well every time you touch a cat wearing this collar.
Does it work. It claims to protect for 8 months. That would be very good value for the price. It’s supposed to work all the time. It is waterproof. You can cut it to fit any cat. It suits cats 8 weeks old and up. But, collars are not a very popular way to fight fleas, mainly for the reason mentioned. Some users say it works. Others say it doesn’t. Your vet probably won’t recommend this type.
Pros:
- Simple to use, just fit as a collar
- Provides 8 months of defense
- Low cost
- Fits any cat from 8 weeks old
Cons:
- Contains chemicals
- Not the ideal method for flea control
Important Facts About These Treatments
These flea treatments often rely on chemicals. The spot-on liquids you put on your cat’s skin often use Fipronil. The oral pills usually contain Nitenpyram. Neither of these is a gentle substance. While they are cleared as safe for pets, they can have side effects. Fipronil might cause itching and skin irritation. There are concerns about cats having strong reactions to the oral pills.
Both chemicals work by blocking signals in insect brains. This stops the fleas from working, and they die and fall off the cat. They have shown success. However, some recent reports suggest fleas might be becoming resistant to these chemicals. This has been especially noted with fipronil. This could explain why some cat owners find their old trusted brand no longer works. This is why we always tell you to talk to your vet.
Also, fipronil and nitenpyram can be risky for people. In the small amounts used here, they usually just cause irritation. But, you must wash your hands thoroughly after touching these chemicals. Avoid getting them in your eyes or mouth in any way.
Our Conclusion
Your cat is a true part of the family. You love them, and they bring so much happiness. Keeping them healthy is important, and that means fighting fleas.
All the products we listed have some good points. They all have ingredients that kill fleas. Many people give them high marks. But, just as many customer reviews are negative. These include stories of cats getting sick, irritated, or the product just not working. The lack of effectiveness is interesting. Many in the pet industry think the chemicals used are not as strong as they used to be. Fleas might have grown immune over time.
For these reasons, and because of some worries, we won’t tell you not to use these products. But we do advise you again: always talk to your vet about flea and tick treatments. Vets often know about newer products or ones that are proven to work. They can help you pick the best way to keep your cat flea-free. We hope this gives you an idea how to best manage fleas. So, call your vet today. You’ll be helping your cat stay happy and healthy.