Ultimate Cat Care: Discover Some of the Most Popular Flea and Tick Treatments For Cats
Ticks and fleas pose a great health risk to cats, and even their owners. These tiny pests are not only super annoying and stubborn, but they can also transmit serious diseases that lead to various health complications. Besides deworming your cat from internal parasites, it’s extremely important to protect it from external parasites as well. Plus, fleas are also known carriers of tapeworms which can cause a painful skin condition called flea allergy dermatitis.
There are numerous treatments used for tick and flea prevention, and some are more effective than others. Bravecto, NexGard, Advocate, and Frontline, just to name a few, are some of the most popular brands in the market. Find effective flea and tick treatment for cats and shop from some of the most renowned brands.
7 Most Popular Tick and Flea Treatments for Cats: Topical Solutions
Before you choose a flea and tick treatment for cats, you should consider your cat’s lifestyle, any existing health conditions, and the ease of administration of the treatment. This is the first step to help you with choosing the right treatment for your cat. Here are seven of the most popular and effective topical treatments available, each with its unique benefits.
Bravecto
Bravecto is undoubtedly one of the most popular and commonly used treatments for tick and flea prevention in cats, and is also one of the common used vet meds for dogs. It is also one of the strongest treatments available and has a high rate of success. Bravecto comes in the form of pills for oral administration and as a topical solution. The topical treatment is applied directly onto the cat’s skin, in the back of the neck area. Once applied, bravecto starts killing fleas within 12 hours after the administration, and ticks within 24 hours.
The protection typically lasts about 12 weeks and it should be repeated after the 12-week mark. You should know that bravecto is available in two options: Bravecto and Bravecto Plus. Bravecto Plus provides a larger coverage against parasites, including heartworms that can be transmitted through mosquito bites. So, if you’re looking for a comprehensive tick and flea cat treatment, Brevcto Plus is an ideal choice.
NexGard
NexGard for cats is a topical solution that is applied monthly and has the ability to kill fleas within 24 hours after the application, and kill ticks within 48 hours. NexGard is typically available in two forms: NexGard Combo and NexGard Spectra. Spectra provides extended prevention including paralysis ticks, ear mites, stomach worms, and heartworms, and controls flea allergy dermatitis. Its broad coverage makes Spectra an excellent choice for overall parasite prevention.
Advocate
Advocate is another highly effective cat flea treatment that also protects against ticks, ear mites, heartworms, roundworms and hookworms. It’s a broad-spectrum topical solution that provides monthly prevention and it kills fleas through contact, preventing them from biting the cat’s skin. Plus, the protection from internal parasites also eliminates the need for nasty tablets that cats are not very fond of. Advocate’s extensive protection and easy application on the base of the skull, make it a highly effective option.
Frontline Plus
Frontline Plus is a widely used over-the-counter topical flea and tick cat treatment. It offers monthly protection against fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae and ticks. It’s applied directly to the skin between the cat’s shoulder blades. However, you should know that Frontline does not treat paralysis ticks. If you want to protect your cat from these parasites, you should treat it with the Frontline spray every three weeks. Frontline works by spreading through the oils on the cat’s skin and hair, killing the parasites on contact.
Advantage
Advantage is a topical treatment also available over the counter, used to target adult fleas, flea larvae and flea eggs. It’s safe to use even on pregnant and lactating cats and this solution also kills larvae eggs in the sourings of the treated cat. So, if your cat has a litter, it’s not necessary to treat the kittens. They will be protected as long as the mother is treated with Advantage.
Once applied, Advantage starts to kill fleas within 12 hours. Is a waterproof solution that provides monthly protection. However, Advantage is used only for treating fleas and does not provide protection against ticks and other types of parasites.
Revolution
Revolution is a topical solution that protects your cat for four weeks and is highly effective in treating flea infestations, flea allergy dermatitis, and prevention from heartworms, intestinal hookworms, roundworms and ear mites. It’s safe to use on pregnant and lactating cats. It’s applied at the base of the cat’s neck directly onto the skin. It starts to work just within a few hours after the topical administration.
Seresto Flea Collar
Seresto is a flea collar that provides up to eight months of protection against fleas and ticks. It’s a waterproof and odourless colour that works by releasing small amounts of active ingredients over time. It kills adult fleas and flea larvae in the surrounding area where you’re cat is mostly active.
What is the Best Treatment for Ticks on Cats?
Which tick cat treatment is the best depends on what specifically you want to protect your cat from. If you want broader coverage, choose Bravecto, Advocate or NexGard as they can also treat heartworms and other internal parasites. If your cat is lactating or pregnant, opt for Advantage or Frontline as these flea and tick treatments are safe to use during pregnancy and lactating.