The Ultimate Guide to Treating and Preventing Fleas in Cats

By | August 29, 2024
Treating and Preventing Fleas in Cats

Fleas are blood-sucking parasites that can infest your beloved feline friend at any time of the year. They feed on your cat’s blood and cause constant itching, skin infections, and other health issues. If left untreated, they can be fatal for them, making it crucial for cat parents to be attentive and know what to do in case of a flea infestation.

This informative guide will cover the common symptoms, treatments, and preventive measures for flea infestations in cats. With this information, you can take prompt action and protect your feline friend better.

Symptoms of Flea Infestation in Cats

The following are the signs that indicate flea infestation in cats:

  • Visible fleas
  • Flea dirt
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Fur loss or bald spots
  • Excessive licking, chewing, or scratching
  • Skin infections
  • Red bite marks or scabs

Popular Treatments for Fleas in Cats

In this segment, we will discuss some of the most popular treatments for treating and preventing flea infestations in cats.

Revolution Plus

Revolution Plus for Cats is a highly effective topical treatment for flea and tick infestations in cats. This broad-spectrum treatment effectively treats and prevents flea infestations. It also treats and controls lone star ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, American dog ticks, and Black-legged ticks. Furthermore, Revolution Plus covers mites, Roundworms, and Hookworms, plus it prevents Heartworm disease.

  • Mode of administration: Topical
  • Active ingredients: Selamectin and Sarolaner
  • Dosage: Monthly
  • Recommended for: Cats and kittens from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 2.8 lbs.

Bravecto Plus

Bravecto Plus is a potent flea and tick treatment formulated for cats. This easy-to-administer topical solution treats and prevents flea infestations and treats infections with Roundworms and Hookworms. Bravecto Plus for Cats is also indicated for the prevention of Heartworm disease and the treatment and control of various tick species, like black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, and Asian long-horned ticks.

  • Mode of administration: Topical
  • Active ingredients: Fluralaner and Moxidectin
  • Dosage: Every 2 months
  • Recommended for: Cats and kittens 6 months of age and older and weighing 2.6 lbs or greater

Advantage Multi (Advocate)

Advantage Multi is a highly recommended flea and worm treatment for cats. This topical solution kills adult fleas and is indicated for treating flea infestations, as it kills fleas on contact. It is effective in the treatment and control of Hookworms and Roundworms. Advantage Multi (Advocate) for Cats covers ear mites and ensures Heartworm prevention in cats.

  • Mode of administration: Topical
  • Active ingredients: Imidacloprid and Moxidectin
  • Dosage: Monthly
  • Recommended for: Cats and kittens from 9 weeks of age, weighing at least 2 lbs

Bravecto Spot-on

Bravecto Spot-on for Cats is a widely popular and vet-recommended topical treatment for fleas and tick. It is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations in cats. This easy-to-administer solution effectively treats and controls tick infections caused by black-legged ticks, Asian long-horned ticks, and American dog ticks.

  • Mode of administration: Topical
  • Active ingredient: Fluralaner
  • Dosage: Every 12 weeks
  • Recommended for: Cats and kittens 6 months of age and older, weighing 2.6 lbs or more.

Seresto Collar

Seresto Collar is one of the most convenient and effective treatments to protect cats from flea and tick infestations. This odorless and non-greasy collar kills fleas and flea larvae, prevents re-infestations, and, with a low-dose formula, continues to protect for 8 months. Furthermore, Seresto Flea Collar for Cats, kills deer ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone star ticks.

  • Mode of administration: Wearable
  • Active ingredients: Imidacloprid and Flumethrin
  • Usage: 8 months
  • Recommended for: Cats over 10 weeks of age

Preventive measures

Preventing fleas in cats requires a holistic approach, which includes a host of things such as:

  • Maintain regular visits to the vet
  • Regularly groom and brush the hair to maintain airflow
  • Clean the surrounding environment and regularly mow your lawn
  • Sweep or vacuum your sofas, mats, chairs, etc.
  • Monitor your cats both indoors and outdoors
  • When going out for walks, avoid heavily wooded areas

Parting Words

Now that you know about the common symptoms, popular treatments, and preventive measures, you can be better prepared to protect your feline friend from fleas. All the products covered above are effective in their respective ways; however, it is recommended to select one only after consulting your vet. They will suggest the right treatment based on the condition and medical history of your cat.