Is your cat scratching a lot or over-grooming? This could mean they have fleas, and it’s normally best not to wait to be sure: don’t hold off treating them until you can easily see fleas, as they could be causing your cat serious discomfort and can lead to complications. To get rid of your cat’s fleas, it’s crucial that you use a product that’s designed for cats, as flea drops for dogs often have the active ingredient permethrin, which can be seriously toxic to cats.
We reviewed dozens of cat flea drops, which are applied topically to your cat’s skin, to identify the best of the best. We looked at how easy they were to apply, how they were designed to work, how cats reacted to them and – most importantly – how effective they were in dealing with the fleas
Our top pick, Cheristin for Cats Topical Flea Treatment, stood out for a number of reasons, but primarily because it was so effective in killing fleas quickly: it starts working within just 30 minutes. As a bonus, it can be used on kittens from 8 weeks of age, and from 1.8lbs up, so if you have several cats, it’s likely to be suitable for all of them.
The 5 Top-Rated Flea Drops for Cats
Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Overall | Cheristin for Cats Topical Flea Treatment | 4.4 |
Runner Up | Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention for Large Cats | 4.5 |
Best Budget Buy | ZoGuard Plus Flea and Tick Prevention for Cats | 4.1 |
Best Flea Drops for Kittens | Catego Fast-Acting Flea & Tick Treatment for Cats/Kittens | 4.2 |
Best Natural Flea Drops for Cats | TropiClean Natural Flea & Tick Cat Spot-On Treatment | 3.7 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Cheristin for Cats Topical Flea Treatment
Highly rated treatment Cheristin for Cats Topical Flea Treatment starts working within 30 minutes – quicker than some other leading brands – and will kill 98% or more of fleas in 12 hours. It’s suitable for all cats over 1.8lbs and 8 weeks old, so unless you have a very young or small kitten, it should work fine for your cat.
It’s simple to apply to your cat – you rub it on using the rounded-tip applicator, which should be gentle on your cat’s skin. It dries quickly and isn’t greasy or messy (though you should still apply it to the back of your cat’s neck, at the base of their head, to prevent them licking it off).
Ideally, you should repeat the dose after six weeks, in case any fleas have survived in your home or garden and made their way back onto your cat. Don’t repeat the dose within a month, though.
Although it’s suitable for tiny cats, it should also work on much larger cats – with reviewers saying that it was effective for 16lb and 30lb cats. Many cat owners said that this worked for them even when other products failed, particularly for cats who had flea allergies.
Cheristin for Cats Topical Flea Treatment Key Features:
- Starts working after just 30 minutes
- Will kill the vast majority of fleas within 12 hours – and will keep working for up to six weeks
- Smell isn’t off-putting to cats (unlike some other flea treatments)
- Fur may appear wet after applying the treatment: leave it to dry naturally
- Great option if you’ve tried other flea treatments without success
- Some reviewers believe it can be dangerous for elderly cats: best for kittens and adult cats, not seniors
Our Runner Up Pick: Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention for Large Cats
If you have a large cat (over 9lbs), Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention for Large Cats is a great option that works through contact (the fleas don’t have to bite your cat in order for them to die) – you apply it to the back of your cat’s neck, but it’s gradually absorbed into your cat’s skin so that it can affect fleas anywhere on their body.
It doesn’t just kill adult fleas, either: it will kill eggs and larvae, too, to help get rid of the infestation as quickly as possible. You should find that your cat isn’t bothered by it and won’t try to lick it off – and after 24 hours, it’s waterproof, so it doesn’t matter if your cat gets wet or needs a bath.
Although it isn’t the cheapest option out there, it could be well worth the extra money as it’s very effective – just make sure you use the correct version for the weight of your cat. You’re likely to find that it’s cheaper to get it from Amazon than from your veterinarian, too. As with most flea treatments, it’s cheaper if you buy multiple doses at once, so you may want to stock up (especially if your cat has a serious or recurrent flea problem). You can reapply it after 30 days.
Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention for Large Cats Key Features:
- This version is only suitable for large cats (though other options are available too)
- Kills fleas at all stages of the lifecycle: eggs, larvae, and adults
- Waterproof from 24 hours after application
- Can be reapplied after 30 days (and should be, for effective treatment)
- Fragrance-free, though a few reviewers said it did have an odor that they/their cat disliked
Best Budget Pick: ZoGuard Plus Flea and Tick Prevention for Cats
If you’re on a tight budget, cat flea treatments can put a serious dent in your spending money. ZoGuard Plus Flea and Tick Prevention for Cats is an effective, wallet-friendly option that’s a fantastic find for anyone on a budget. You’ll get three doses of this waterproof treatment, with each lasting 30 days. Conveniently, this option can be used by cats as well as kittens that are at least 8 weeks old and over 1.5lbs.
Another great thing about ZoGuard Plus Flea and Tick Prevention for Cats is that it’s formulated to break the flea life cycle. It does this by not only killing adult fleas on your cat, but also flea eggs and larvae. In fact, this treatment will kill a total of four different tick species, including the particularly nasty one that can transmit Lyme disease. As if that wasn’t enough, it will help to get rid of chewing lice as well.
ZoGuard Plus Flea and Tick Prevention for Cats Key Features:
- Formulated to break the flea life cycle
- Kills 4 types of ticks
- Kills chewing lice
- Very competitively priced treatment – ideal if you’re on a tight budget
- Suitable for cats and kittens at least 8 weeks old and over 1.5lbs
- Waterproof
Best Flea Drops for Kittens: Catego Fast-Acting Flea & Tick Treatment for Cats/Kittens
The Catego Fast-Acting Flea & Tick Treatment is suitable for kittens over 1.5lbs, from eight weeks old. Not only does it kill fleas (plus their eggs and larvae), it also kills ticks and chewing lice. It works fast, too, killing fleas within six hours – whilst continuing to work for a full 30 days, at which point it can be reapplied.
Like most topical flea medications, it comes with a simple applicator that you use to apply the drops at the base of your cat’s head. The pack includes detailed instructions on how to open the applicator and how to put the flea medication onto your cat or kitten’s head. If you opt for the three pack (which, at the time of writing, was on offer and worked out much better value than the six pack), then you’ll be able to repeat the dose for three months – enough time to get rid of all the fleas in your environment too.
Many reviewers said that it worked well even on quite small kittens, though some said it seemed like too strong a dose for their kittens and caused a reaction – so do keep a close eye on your kitten if you’re applying this for the first time, and consult your veterinarian if you’re in any doubt.
Catego Fast-Acting Flea & Tick Treatment Key Features:
- Suitable for kittens over eight weeks and 1.5lbs, which is a lower weight than many competing products
- Can be used for adult cats too
- Each dose remains effective for 30 days after application
- Works on fleas but also on ticks and chewing lice, so it’s a good all-round option for infestations
- Fast-acting: kills fleas and ticks within six hours
- Can have side effects, so do watch your kitten carefully for a bad reaction
Best Natural Flea Drops for Cats: TropiClean Natural Flea & Tick Cat Spot-On Treatment
The vast majority of flea drops for cats include a number of chemicals known to effectively kill fleas. Consequently, it can be challenging to find a reliable natural option that’s completely free of pesticides and chemicals. After reviewing several natural options on the market, it became quickly clear that TropiClean Natural Flea & Tick Cat Spot-On Treatment is the best one out there.
The formula uses a combination of three essential oils—cedarwood oil, peppermint oil, and almond oil— to kill and repel fleas as well as ticks. As you can imagine, this natural flea treatment smells far more pleasant than some other options on the market! As with other flea drops, you simply apply the full dose using the applicator to your cat. It’s suitable for use on cats 4 months of age and older.
Many cat owners have reported that TropiClean Natural Flea & Tick Cat Spot-On Treatment does precisely what it promises to do. However, as is the case with any product, others found that it didn’t work at all. Needless to say, the only way to see if it works for your kitty is to try it out. Before you do, it’s worth keeping in mind that numerous customers advised that this natural treatment is best for indoor cats, so if you have an outdoor cat, it may not be the best option.
TropiClean Natural Flea & Tick Cat Spot-On Treatment Key Features:
- Free from pesticides
- Natural option for flea prevention
- Easy to apply, like synthetic flea treatments – it comes with an applicator
- Smells nice (and some cats even liked the taste, so be careful to apply it where they can’t reach!)
- Formula is water-resistant but not waterproof
- Offers up to 3 months protection
Who Should Buy Flea Drops for Cats
If your cat has fleas, then obviously, you’re going to need to treat those. As well as causing your cat to scratch – and infecting other pets, and even biting humans – fleas can cause potentially serious complications for your cat. Although flea drops can be quite expensive, they’re likely to be significantly cheaper than the vet bills that could result from an untreated flea infestation.
There are a range of different flea treatments available, including oral medications and options like flea collars, but many pet owners opt for topical treatments: flea drops. These are applied to your cat’s skin and are normally quick and effective at killing fleas.
Many flea drops can also be used in a preventative manner, before you spot any signs of fleas on your cat. If you’ve had issues with fleas in the past, or if you know your cat has a flea allergy, you may want to give them a regular (normally monthly) dose of flea drops. Of course, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian too and get their advice.
Important Features to Consider
Flea drops for cats should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting which type of flea drops you’ll use for your cat:
- The weight of your cat. Some flea drops are designed for cats over or under a certain weight, so it’s important to select the right ones. Almost all drops will have a minimum weight, too – so if you have a very small kitten, make sure you’re selecting drops that will be suitable for them. Using drops designed for a large cat on a small cat can risk making them ill; using drops for a small cat on a large cat means they’re likely to be less effective than they should be (due to the effects of the medication being spread over the larger surface area of your cat’s skin).
- Whether the flea drops are likely to be effective. Some very popular brands of flea drops, like Frontline, are starting to seem ineffective in certain areas as it’s believed that fleas are becoming resistant to the ingredients. They might well still work fine for you and your pets, but if you’ve tried a particular brand and it hasn’t worked well, you may want to switch to a competing product. It’s worth looking at reviews, too, to see what other people think about the effectiveness of different options.
- Whether your cat is sensitive to any of the ingredients. Almost all flea drops contain chemicals that target (and kill) fleas. It’s possible for cats to have a reaction to these, so if your cat has proved sensitive to a particular flea medication in the past, you may want to look for one that uses quite a different formula.
- How many doses you’ll need. Most flea medications come in a range of different sized packets: you can sometimes buy a single dose, and you’ll normally have the option for three and for six doses. Generally, the more doses you buy at once, the cheaper it’ll be per dose (though keep in mind that special offers can alter this, so do make sure you do the math). It’s worth thinking through how many doses you’ll need before buying … though you may also decide it makes sense to go for a single dose initially, so you can see how effective – or not – it is for your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are flea drops for cats and how do they work?
Flea drops are a topical treatment, which means that you apply them to your cat’s skin. They work by killing fleas, usually on contact – it will normally take up to 12 hours for the vast majority of fleas to die. Different flea drops do this in slightly different ways, but essentially, they all contain chemicals that are fatal to fleas whilst leaving your cat unaffected. Some kill adult fleas while others prevent new fleas from being born; many target adults, eggs, and larvae.
Flea drops are different from flea medication that’s added to your cat’s food. It’s very important to realize that they’re not designed to be ingested by your cat. Normally, they’re applied to the base of your cat’s head (the top of the back of their neck).
How long does it take flea drops to work on cats?
This depends on the brand of flea drops. Some work almost instantly, and you’ll see the effects within a few hours; others take a bit longer. Ideally, you’ll want to opt for a brand of flea drops that works quickly – within 12 hours. Flea drops that kill on contact with fleas will work more effectively than those that only take effect once the fleas bite.
How often do you apply flea drops for cats?
Different brands of flea drops will need applying to your cat at different intervals. Every 30 days is common – but you should always check the packaging for guidance on how frequently to apply the medication. Don’t simply apply a single dose and leave it at that: you’ll need at least one follow-up dose to ensure that you’ve got rid of all the fleas.
Ideally, you should keep applying flea drops on a regular basis, even after you’re confident that all the fleas are dead: it’s easy for more fleas to get on your cat from your environment. The Blue Cross recommends that you treat your cat regularly for fleas, regardless of whether you think your cat actually has fleas.
Can I reapply flea treatment early?
It’s best not to. While you might be very tempted to apply more of the flea treatment if your cat is still scratching (or if you can see fleas on them), this could potentially make your cat unwell.
Instead, if the dosage instructed by the manufacturer don’t seem to be solving the problem, you should:
- Treat your home itself for fleas, and your yard. This includes measures such as carefully vacuuming carpets and spraying furniture with a flea spray. Simply treating your cat won’t help if they’re instantly covered in fleas again from their environment.
- Treat other pets for fleas. Even if other pets, such as a dog or a rabbit, aren’t showing symptoms, they might still have fleas.
If you do think that you need to reapply your cat’s flea treatment early, always contact your veterinarian for advice.
Other Flea Drops For Cats We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other flea drops for cats. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best flea drops for cats list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your cat. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Flea Drops for Large Cats
Adventure Plus for Cats 4pk 9lb+
These flea drops kill adult fleas on contact, eliminate eggs to prevent re-infestation, and kill larvae to break the flea life cycle.
Key Features:
- Cheaper than many competing products
- Contains the same active ingredients as similar, more expensive, products
- Is waterproof and effective even after shampooing
- Suitable for cats of 9lbs+
- Manufactured and packaged in the USA
- Each pack contains four doses
Cost: $28
Combiva II for Cats Over 9 lbs
Like Adventure Plus, Combiva II kills adult fleas, larvae, and eggs. It works on contact and can kill re-infesting fleas within two hours.
Key Features:
- Pack contains three monthly doses and is better value than some competing brands
- Will only kill fleas – not ticks or other insects
- Waterproof after application
- May cause a bald spot where the drops are applied
- Made in the USA
Cost: $15 (plus shipping)
CrossBlock II Flea Preventative for Cats Over 9Lb
CrossBlock is a generic version of Advantage II, containing the same active ingredients. As with other products, it’s designed to break the flea life cycle by killing eggs and larvae as well as fleas.
Key Features:
- Effective in killing fleas quickly
- Doesn’t have an unpleasant smell, so cats may prefer it over other options
- Much cheaper than some competing brands
- Isn’t designed or intended to treat mites or ticks
- Pack contains three monthly doses
Cost: $16
Provecta Advanced for Cats Over 9 Lbs
As well as killing and deterring fleas, Provecta is also effective against mosquitoes – so it could be a great solution if you’re trying to rid your cat of both.
Key Features:
- Cost effective product that does a good job of getting rid of fleas
- Waterproof and long-lasting
- Good option if big brand products are no longer effective in your area
- Designed to kill fleas at all life stages (eggs, larvae, adults)
- Fragrance-free – and no bad smell to upset your cats
Cost: $23
TevraPet Actispot II Flea Prevention & Treatment for Cats
This treatment kills fleas on contact, with the same ingredients as Advantage II. The pack includes a six-month supply (six doses).
Key Features:
- Kills adult fleas, and prevents eggs, larvae, and pupae from becoming adults
- Waterproof so won’t wash off easily
- Fragrance-free – you may find your cats don’t mind having it applied as much as other products
- Reviewers said it worked quickly and well
Flea Drops for Small Cats
Adventure Plus Triple Flea Protection for Cats, 5-9 lbs
This version of Adventure Plus works in the same way as the version for larger cats, killing fleas, eggs, and larvae to disrupt the flea life cycle.
Key Features:
- Cheaper than many competing products
- Contains the same active ingredients as similar, more expensive, products
- Is waterproof and effective even after shampooing
- Suitable for cats between 5lbs and 9lbs
- Manufactured and packaged in the USA
- Each pack contains four doses
Cost: $28
Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention for Small Cats, 5-9 lbs
The same as our runner up pick, only for smaller cats, this version of Bayer Advantage II was just slightly less popular with reviewers.
Key Features:
- Works through contact and kills fleas at all life stages
- Starts working within 12 hours
- Four dose pack (though other sizes are available)
- Doesn’t have any particular odor
- Normally effective after a couple of treatments
- Pricier than some alternative options, but highly regarded
Cost: $44
Bio Spot Active Care Flea and Tick Spot-On for Cat (under 5lbs)
Suitable for cats between 2lbs and 5lb, and over 12 weeks old, these flea drops are very competitively priced.
Key Features:
- Three month supply at a very budget-friendly price
- Targets fleas at all stages of the lifecycle (eggs, larvae, adults)
- Kills deer ticks and mosquitoes as well
- Some reviewers said this didn’t work so well as other brands
- Disposable tubes need loading into the applicator – so it’s slightly trickier to use than other options
Cost: $14
Frontline Gold for Cats (6 Month)
This well-known brand is often recommended by veterinarians. It’s not cheap, but most pet owners find it effective.
Key Features:
- Has an easy-to-use applicator
- Kills ticks and chewing lice as well as fleas
- Starts killing fleas in just 30 minutes
- Six month supply (six doses)
- Suitable for cats over 3lbs (and over eight weeks old)
Cost: $78
Provecta Advanced for Cats 5-9 lbs
This version of Provecta contains the same ingredients as the “large cats” version, but in a dose suited to smaller cats.
Key Features:
- Cost effective product that does a good job of getting rid of fleas
- Waterproof and long-lasting, but not greasy
- Good option if big brand products are no longer effective in your area
- Designed to kill fleas at all life stages (eggs, larvae, adults)
- Fragrance-free – and no bad smell to upset your cats
- Pack contains four (monthly) doses
Cost: $25
Sentry Natural Defense for Cats and Kittens, Flea and Tick Prevention for Cats of All Weights
If you’re looking for a natural option, these drops use essential oils rather than pesticides to treat your cat for fleas.
Key Features:
- No pesticides – unlike the majority of other brands
- Shouldn’t be used on kittens under 12 weeks old
- Suitable for cats of any weight
- Should be reapplied monthly – but can be applied as often as every two weeks
- Pack contains a four-month supply
- Includes peppermint oil, so check with your vet that this is suitable for your cat
Cost: $9
Vectra for Cats & Kittens Under 9 Lbs
This single dose of Vectra is suitable for cats (and kittens) from 2lbs up and from eight weeks of age, so it’s a great option if you have a very small cat.
Key Features:
- Kills fleas at all life stages (adult, larvae, and egg) and prevents re-infestation
- Kills fleas within six hours
- Quick drying, non-greasy formula
- Works quickly and effectively
- Easy to order a single dose to try it out
Cost: $16
Zodiac Flea & Tick Spot On for Cats & Kittens
This flea medication will kill both fleas and ticks, and is suitable for kittens over 12 weeks old and over 2.5lbs in weight.
Key Features:
- Kills flea eggs rather than adult fleas, so best used as a preventative measure
- Long-tipped applicator makes it easy to apply (even if your cat has long hair)
- Very budget-friendly price for four (monthly) doses
- Quite a few customers said it didn’t work effectively – though others were happy with it
Flea Drops for Kittens
Advantage Once-A-Month Topical Flea Treatment for Cats
Containing four doses, these flea drops are designed for kittens and cats under 9lbs (with no minimum size given, though there’s a minimum age of eight weeks).
Key Features:
- Big-name brand that gets lots of positive reviews
- Pack includes four doses, so you can use it for four months
- Many cat owners found this more effective than other products
- Often recommended by vets
- Has a strong smell initially after application (reminiscent of moth balls)
Cost: $52
Bayer Advantage II Kitten Flea Treatment for Kittens, 2 – 5 lb
This flea treatment from Bayer is designed for kittens aged eight weeks or older, weighing between 2 and 5lbs.
Key Features:
- Odorless, so there’s no off-putting smell for your cat (or you)
- Works through contact and kills fleas at all life stages
- Starts working within 12 hours
- Four dose pack (though other sizes are available)
- Normally effective after a couple of treatments
- Pricier than some alternative options, but often recommended by vets
Cost: $54
This version of Frontline is designed for cats and kittens that weigh over 1.5lbs (and that are at least eight weeks old).
Key Features:
- Well-known and well-regarded brand
- Provides long-lasting protection against both fleas and ticks
- Suitable for breeding, pregnant, and lactating cats (many flea medications aren’t)
- Effective against fleas for up to six weeks, though can be reapplied after 30 days
Cost: $64
PETARMOR Plus for Cats, Flea & Tick Prevention for Cats
These flee drops are, like Frontline’s, suitable for cats and kittens over eight weeks old and over 1.5lbs in weight. They’ll kill fleas, ticks, and chewing lice.
Key Features:
- Contains the same active ingredients as Frontline Plus
- Pack includes six separate applications (a six month supply)
- Doesn’t have an odor – so less likely to bother your cat than some strong-smelling treatments
- May also work against ear mites, though this is an off-label use
Cost: $40
Sentry Fiproguard Flea and Tick Topical for Cats
Safe for kittens over eight weeks old and 1.5lbs in weight, this is a low-priced treatment that many customers said they found very effective.
Key Features:
- Same active ingredients as Frontline (at a much lower price)
- More concentrated than some other brands, meaning there’s less liquid to put on your cat
- Also suitable for large cats
- Available in either a three-month or six-month supply
- Very budget-friendly price
Cost: $11
Sentry Fiproguard Plus for Cats, Squeeze-On
This pricier version of Sentry has the same active ingredients as Frontline Plus (again, at a lower price). It kills ticks and chewing lice, as well as fleas, and is suitable for cats over 1.5lbs and over eight weeks old.
Key Features:
- Kills fleas at all stages of the life cycle (fleas, eggs, and larvae)
- Available in either a three-month or six-month supply
- Can be used on breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats
- Easy to apply to your cat’s skin using the applicator
Cost: $26
TevraPet FirstAct Plus Flea and Tick Topical for Cats over 1.5lbs
As well as killing fleas (plus their eggs and larvae), TevraPet kills ticks and lice – so it’s a great option if your cat picks these up too.
Key Features:
- Contains the same active ingredients as Frontline Plus
- Starts working immediately and will spread fully across your cat’s body within 24 hours
- Protects your cat for 30 days
- Kills both fleas and ticks at all stages of their lifecycle
- Pack contains a three month supply
Cost: $20