10 Best Flea Drops for Cats – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Cats, whether they love to stay indoors or outdoors, are prone to catching fleas. When this happens, your pet is likely to itch, scratch, develop rashes, and experience significant discomfort. Additionally, if your cat happens to be allergic to flea saliva, a single flea bite can cause a lot of trouble to their skin. As well as suffering from skin problems, your cat may get sick from fleas since these can transmit diseases. Cat fleas can carry larvae of tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) that your cat will swallow when grooming. The larvae will continue their cycle and turn into adult worms inside your cat’s intestines. Fleas can also transmit some bacteria and cause infections like bartonellosis, rickettsiosis, and tularemia.

As a pet owner, you have to find the best flea product to prevent and treat any flea infestation. There are different flea treatment options, including spot on, oral tablets, flea collars, and shampoos. We recommend flea drops, as it is the most effective and safer flea control option. Usually, you apply the spot-on between your cat’s shoulder blades, so that they cannot lick it off, which is a relatively easy task.

However, if you have started researching on best flea drops for cats, you must have observed that there are dozens of products in the market. This is why we have rounded up the ten best flea drops for cats to help you decide what product is suitable for your furry pet. These flea drops work effectively at killing flea life cycles and preventing re-infestations.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 10 Best Flea Drops for Cats

1. Bayer Advantage II Large Cat Flea Treatment – Best Overall

The Bayer Advantage II Flea Treatment kills fleas upon contact, a reason we recommend it as the best overall flea drops for cats. Additionally, the treatment destroys flea eggs and larvae to break the flea life cycle.

Not only is the Bayer Advantage II effective, but it is also veterinarian recommended. You can use it on kittens and cats at eight weeks or older. It starts working within 12 hours after application.

Its active ingredients, imidacloprid, and pyriproxyfen will kill fleas within 12 hours of application. The formula kills fleas upon contact, and they do not need to bite your cat to die. This means that your cat will experience minor irritation after using this treatment.

The formula works for four weeks. Since it is waterproof, you can bathe your pet without worry. This topical application is available in 2-, 4-, and 6-treatment packs.

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2. Advecta Plus Flea Squeeze-On for Cats – Best Value

Advecta Plus uses the same active ingredients as Advantage II, imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen, to break the flea life cycle and prevent re-infestation. This squeeze-on is practical and offers you value for your money.

In just 12 hours of application, this flea treatment kills adult fleas. Besides, it is effective for up to 4 weeks. The waterproof formula remains active and provides protection should your pet get wet.

The squeeze-on is convenient and easy to apply. For this, we recommend the Advecta Plus Squeeze-On as the best flea drops for cats for the money.

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3. Revolution Topical Solution for Cats – Premium Choice

Revolution Topical Solution controls flea infestation and kills adult fleas. When applied, this topical solution works effectively for 30 days. Like regular flea drops, use this medication on your kitty’s skin to stop flea eggs from hatching and kill the existing ones.

Apart from flea prevention, Revolution Topical Solution also prevents and treats ear mites, hookworms, roundworms, and heartworm disease. It includes the active ingredient selamectin, which is why you may need a vet’s prescription before administering.

Its use has, on rare occasions, been associated with a mild, transient hair loss at the application site with or without inflammation.

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4. Virbac Effipro Plus Cat Topical Solution – Best for Kittens

The Virbac Effipro Plus Topical Solution is the best flea drop for kittens above eight weeks. It is convenient, effective, fast-acting, and long-lasting. The two main active ingredients are Fipronil and pyriproxyfen.

The solution starts working upon contact to control chewing lice, mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. It destroys flea eggs, larvae, and pupae to prevent re-infestation for up to 3 months. This topical solution is easy to apply and waterproof.

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5. Advantage II Flea Spot Treatment for Small Cats

If your flea-infested cat weighs 5 to 9 pounds, use Advantage II Flea Spot Treatment for Small Cats. It combines two active ingredients: imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen. Imidacloprid paralyzes and kills adult fleas, while pyriproxyfen kills flea eggs and larvae.

The formula kills fleas upon contact, and they do not need to bite your cat to die. A single dose of this treatment lasts for a month. However, if your pet has a severe infestation, you could repeat it within a month but no more frequently than once weekly and always under your vet’s supervision.

This topical solution is waterproof, so it is okay to bathe your cat 24 hours after application.

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6. Vectra Green Flea Control for Cats

Fleas transmit diseases and can cause various degrees of skin problems, which often result in pain and discomfort for your cat. It is a relief that Vectra Green for Cats solution controls fleas from all life stages, including kittens, over eight weeks. It prevents re-infestation and transmission of diseases.

This flea drop is effective and long-lasting. It kills fleas upon contact and within 6 hours after use. This means your cat will not experience irritation and discomfort since fleas do not need to bite to die.

One application protects for 30 days. Vectra Green’s active ingredients include dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen.

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7. Cheristin Flea Spot Treatment

The Cheristin Flea Spot Treatment is a safe and effective formula. It starts killing fleas in 30 minutes and the manufacturer claims it killed 98-100% of fleas within 12 hours in a controlled study. For this, expect your kitty to feel much relieved a few hours after application.

Cheristin Flea treatment is easy to apply. It comes in a non-greasy applicator that gets into the skin. One dose remains effective for 4 to 6 weeks.

The included active ingredient is Spinetoram. It effectively kills adult fleas but is not effective on destroying flea eggs, pupae, and larvae. The product will kill adult fleas before they can lay eggs. You may have to reapply the solution once these eggs develop or use other flea treatment solutions like oral tablets.

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8. Catego Flea & Tick Spot Treatment

If you are looking for a fast relief flea drop, consider Catego Flea & Tick Spot Treatment. It kills fleas within 6 hours of application. It also destroys flea eggs, flea larvae, chewing lice, and ticks.

The treatment includes a dropper with a patented applicator tip, which makes the application effortless. The solution is non-greasy and quick-drying to reduce messes.

You can use this spot treatment on cats over eight weeks and weighing 1.5 pounds and above.

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9. Frontline Plus for Cats

Protect your cat from fleas and ticks with the Frontline Plus for Cats. It breaks the flea life cycle by preventing flea eggs from hatching, destroying flea larvae, flea pupae, and adult fleas. The treatment also kills chewing lice and ticks.

Frontline Plus contains Fipronil and (S)-methoprene as its two main ingredients. They are effective in controlling flea infestations. The solution is waterproof, fast-acting, and works for 30 days.

It is suitable for cats over 1.5 lbs. The chances are that your kitty may experience irritation at the application site, but it should ease with time. However, consult your vet if the irritation lasts for days and becomes severe.

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10. TevraPet FirstAct Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment

TevraPet FirstAct Plus is vet-formulated to kill flea eggs and larvae, chewing lice, ticks, and adult fleas. The topical liquid treatment combines Fipronil and (S)-methoprene to kill emerging and existing fleas.

The formula is fast-acting and offers relief within 12 hours of application. It is waterproof too and effective for a month. This treatment is suitable for cats weighing more than 1.5 pounds.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Flea Drops for Cats

Before you pick the first flea drop you find, here are three factors to keep in mind.

Usage

Flea drops come in various forms. Some are intended to kill adult fleas, while others destroy flea eggs, larvae, and pupae, thus breaking the pest’s life cycle. So, when choosing a flea drop, read the label carefully to go for one that kills the four life stages of a flea. This will save you money and ease your pet’s discomfort.

Multi-Purpose Products

Some flea drops are designed to kill adult fleas but not flea eggs effectively. On the other hand, some are labeled broad-spectrum, and they will kill other parasites such as ticks, ear mites, and chewing lice.

Therefore, take time to consider what sort of anti-parasite coverage you need for your cat. It can be very convenient if you choose a broad-spectrum flea drop that kills other bugs such as ticks, roundworms, or hookworms, too.

Dogs Vs. Cat’s Flea Drops

You may have had incidences where your vet recommended the same medication for your cat and dog. However, that principle does not apply to flea drops. Do not choose a flea intended for dogs as it may contain certain harmful, even deadly ingredients on your cat. Stick to flea drops specifically made for cats.

Other Types of Flea Control Treatments

Flea drops are effective flea control treatments since they are absorbed in your cat’s system and transported more thoroughly throughout the body. But there are other flea control treatments out there. Here are other options to consider.

Flea Collars

Flea collars are impregnated with insecticide and this is released over time while the cat wears the collar.

Flea collars usually begin to work within 24 – 48 hours, and some can last for up to 8 months. They contain active ingredients such as pyrethroids, organophosphates, permethrin, and methoprene.

Flea collars should be avoided in cats in contact with children. Collars can cause local skin irritation in cats wearing them, if that is the case the collar should be removed. Collars should always be fitted wearing gloves and hands should be washed afterwards.

Flea collars should always incorporate a safety snap-open device to avoid injuries. Always speak to your vet if you prefer to use a flea collar and follow their advice for the best one for your cat.

Oral Medication

These flea control products are pills administered by mouth. These pills are the safest option for pet owners worried about exposing flea medication to other pets and children. Some oral tablets work for a month, while some need frequent administering. Always speak to your vet who can advise on the most suitable oral flea medication for your cat.

Flea Shampoos

Flea shampoos can be used for bathing your cat during flea infestations. The best shampoos are non-toxic and mild.

Their efficacy is very limited and most cats won’t tolerate being bathed, therefore flea shampoos are not a great option for your kitty since there are other options that are much more effective and easier to administer

Flea Sprays

Flea sprays may not be well tolerated by some cats since they are noisy and need to be applied over their whole body. They can be a good option for flea infestations in newborn kittens since some are suitable from 2 days of age.

Massage the spray into the skin without touching the cat’s eyes, nose, and mouth. Always speak to your vet who can advise on the most suitable spray flea medication for your cat.

Why You Should Get Rid of Fleas

Flea bites can cause irritation, discomfort, and stress for your kitty. Some cats are allergic to proteins found in flea saliva and may itch and scratch once a flea bites them.

Flea bites can lead to lesions and infections when left untreated, making your pet’s life miserable.

Additionally, fleas can transmit tapeworm and some bacteria to your cat and cause anemia in very young kittens that suffer from severe infestations. Fleas can also transmit ‘cat scratch disease (CSD) between you and your cat. CSD is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae.

Final Thoughts

Only the best flea drops work effectively to kill the four life stages of fleas; eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. This is why we recommend the Bayer Advantage II Flea Treatment. This vet-recommended treatment is engineered to protect your cat from flea eggs, flea larvae, pupae, and adults.

If you are looking for the best value flea drop, try the Advecta Plus Squeeze-On. Its active ingredients effectively kill all life stages of fleas and works within 12 hours of application.

Virbac Effipro Plus Topical Solution is your best bet if your kitten above 8 weeks has fleas. It is convenient, long-lasting, quick-acting, and effective at killing fleas, ticks, and chewing lice.

Now you have the ten best flea drops for cats. We hope that this review helps you find the best solution for your flea-infested pet.

• See also: 10 Best Flea Combs for Cats

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Featured Image Credit: Maja Marjanovic, Shutterstock