Is your cat exhibiting excessive grooming, scratching, and itching? It may be time to check their fur, as this can be a sign of fleas and ticks. Both indoor and outdoor cats can suffer from fleas and ticks, especially during summer and early fall.
Fleas and ticks can compromise both your cat’s comfort and health, which is why it’s important to have the right flea and tick medicine for cats; these formulations can prevent or treat an infestation, depending on the product.
In this Sploot Vets guide, we go over a few of the most commonly used cat flea and tick medicines (topical and oral options), detailing the unique features of each.
Overview:
- Fleas and ticks can affect both indoor and outdoor cats.
- These skin parasites can cause itching and transmit a variety of diseases.
- Though there are various flea and tick medicines for cats (mostly topical ones), the best one is the product recommended by a trusted veterinarian who takes into account your cat’s individual needs.
Are Fleas & Ticks Harmful to Cats?
Here are some examples of how fleas and ticks can impact your cat’s health:
1. Allergic Reactions in Cats
One of the most common kinds of allergies in cats is flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), which is linked to intense allergic reactions from just one flea bite. In addition, cats can also be allergic to ticks, although this is far less common than FAD.
2. Secondary Skin Infections
Cats can develop secondary skin infections if they have intense itching due to heavy infestations or an allergic reaction to fleas and ticks. As they scratch their skin repeatedly, they can compromise their skin barrier, which can put them at risk of infection.
3. Anemia from Fleas & Ticks
In some cases, fleas and ticks can cause anemia in cats. Kittens, elderly cats, or those with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to this.
Fleas feed on blood, and when infestations are heavy or prolonged, they can cause significant blood loss, leading to anemia. Ticks can also contribute to anemia, either through cumulative blood loss or by transmitting parasites that destroy red blood cells.
4. Tick-Borne Diseases
Some tick-borne diseases are less common in cats than in dogs, such as ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). Though they are rare, these diseases can still manifest in cats.
In addition, there is one tick-borne disease in cats with life-threatening outcomes. Cytauxzoonosis, caused by ‘Cytauxzoon felis’ and transmitted by the Lone Star tick, results in high fever, anemia, and rapid health deterioration.
5. Flea-Borne Diseases
Fleas can also transmit diseases to cats. In fact, flea-borne diseases in cats are more common and varied than those caused by ticks. These include:
- Feline infectious anemia – Fleas can transmit ‘Mycoplasma haemofelis’, which can cause severe anemia, weakness, and even death if untreated.
- Tapeworms – Fleas serve as intermediate hosts for tapeworms in cats; these intestinal parasites cause digestive discomfort and nutrient loss.
- Cat scratch fever – This is a bacterial infection caused by ‘Bartonella henselae’. This does not always affect healthy cats, but can produce symptoms like fever, eye inflammation, and weakness in immunocompromised cats, stressed, or young cats.
Note: Cat scratch fever can also be transmitted to people and dogs, producing more severe symptoms. Learn more - Cat Scratch Fever in People | Cat Scratch Fever in Dogs
Can Humans Get Fleas & Ticks from Cats?
Yes, humans can get fleas and ticks from cats, especially if the cat has an untreated infestation and shares living spaces with their pet parent. This highlights the importance of regular flea and tick prevention for cats and prompt treatment..
Do Indoor Cats Need Flea And Tick Medicine?
Yes, both indoor cats and outdoor cats can benefit from vet-recommended flea and tick preventatives. This is because both kinds of cats are at risk in different ways:
- Outdoor cats can pick up fleas and ticks directly from shrubbery and grassy areas.
- Indoor cats can get fleas and ticks that have ‘hitch-hiked’ on shoes and clothes. They can also pick up these parasites from boarding establishments and semi-outdoor enclosures (i.e., catios).
Cat Flea & Tick Treatment vs Prevention
Some pet parents may ask, “Are the products used for treatment and prevention different?” In some cases, flea and tick products can serve as both. However, treatment often goes beyond just using flea and tick medicine for cats. Here is a quick explanation:
A. Cat Flea And Tick Treatment
If a cat already has a flea or tick infestation, products like fast-acting oral tablets or topical spot-ons can eliminate existing infestations and provide relief from symptoms such as itching and anemia. After treatment, long-term preventatives may be recommended to prevent recurrence.
Additionally, veterinarians may also recommend a general clean-up to remove any hidden larvae or eggs that may be lurking in the house. Vets may recommend:
- Washing your cat’s bedding (or yours, if your cat sleeps there)
- Cleaning your cat’s climbing towers, privacy boxes, and litterbox
- Vacuuming carpets and floors
- Clearing the yard and using yard treatments (for outdoor cats and if you have a ‘catio’ adjacent to the yard)
B. Flea And Tick Prevention For Cats
Flea and tick prevention for cats aims to stop infestations before they start. This involves using monthly or long-lasting products that repel or kill skin parasites. In most cases, prevention is recommended because it is simpler than treating repeated infestations.
I. Topical Flea And Tick Medicine For Cats
There are more topical cat flea and tick medicines on the market than oral ones. Topical medications tend to be better tolerated by cats due to the following reasons:
- Systemic topical medications, which enter the bloodstream, will bypass the digestive system and provide a more gradual absorption than oral tablets. Another advantage is that they have a broader spectrum of effectiveness. Some systemic topical products for fleas and ticks also protect against heartworms and intestinal parasites.
- Some topical products are NOT systemic – These topicals stay on the skin’s oil layer, reducing internal exposure and risk. The only downside is that they typically lack a broad spectrum of effectiveness.
Note: To find the best flea and tick medicine for cats, we recommend consulting a trusted vet. Most of the following are available on SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME.
1. Revolution Plus
- Systemic topical
- Application: prevention, treatment
- Against: adult fleas & certain species of ticks (lone star tick, Gulf Coast ticks, black-legged or deer ticks)
- Additional: intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms), heartworm larvae, & ear mites
Revolution Plus is a systemic topical medication that protects against fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms. It’s widely known for its broad-spectrum protection, which makes it a preferred choice by many veterinarians for both indoor and outdoor cats.
As a product for flea and tick prevention for cats, Revolution Plus provides protection for 30 days. Additionally, this product is suitable for treating active infestations. Revolution Plus also targets immature heartworms, making it a commonly used heartworm preventative for cats.
2. Advantage Multi for Cats
- Systemic topical
- Application: prevention, treatment
- Against: adult fleas
- Additional: heartworm larvae & intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms)
Advantage Multi for Cats is a monthly topical formulation primarily prescribed as a heartworm preventative and treatment for intestinal parasites in cats. It is most commonly prescribed for cats in areas with a high risk of heartworm disease.
However, this broad-spectrum medication also kills adult fleas upon contact, making it effective for preventing and treating flea infestations. As a preventative anti-flea topical medication, this product provides protection for 30 days.
3. Bravecto for Cats
- Systemic topical
- Application: prevention, treatment
- Against: adult fleas and certain species of ticks (black-legged tick, Asian longhorned tick, American dog tick)
Bravecto for Cats is a topical flea and tick medicine for cats, known for its long-term protection against fleas and ticks. One dose lasts for 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the species of ticks in the area. Due to Bravecto’s long-term protection, it is a great choice for pet parents who prefer a less frequent dose.
4. Frontline Plus for Cats
- Non-systemic topical
- Application: prevention, treatment
- Against: adult fleas, larvae, and eggs; certain species of ticks (black-legged tick, brown dog tick, American dog tick, Lone star tick)
- Additional: chewing lice
Frontline Plus for Cats is a non-systemic topical treatment that kills fleas and ticks upon contact, as it spreads across the skin and coat. It is known for protecting against fleas of all life stages (including larvae and eggs). Frontline Plus for Cats is effective in treating and preventing fleas and ticks, providing protection for up to 30 days.
5. Advantage II for Cats
- Non-systemic topical
- Application: prevention, treatment
- Against: adult fleas, larvae, and eggs
Advantage II for Cats is a fast-acting, non-systemic topical formulation that kills fleas of all life stages (including larvae and eggs). This product begins to take effect within just 12 hours.
Thanks to its fast action and long-term protection (up to 30 days), this product is effective for treating and preventing fleas. It is most commonly recommended for indoor cats with frequent flea outbreaks.
II. Oral Flea And Tick Medicine For Cats
When it comes to oral flea and tick medications for cats, there are fewer options than topical products. The following are some of the most commonly used by vets in the United States:
Note: To find the best cat flea and tick treatments and preventatives, we recommend reaching out to a trusted vet. Most of the following are available on SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
1. Credelio CAT
- Application: Prevention, treatment
- Against adult fleas and black-legged ticks (aka deer ticks)
Credelio CAT is a monthly oral chewable that provides long-lasting preventative protection against adult fleas and ticks. It lasts up to 30 days. This medication kills nearly all fleas and ticks within 24 to 72 hours, making it also suitable as part of a flea and tick treatment plan.
Last but not least, this chewable is also formulated to be palatable for cats, making administration easy for cats and kittens within their prescribed age and weight range.
2. Capstar
- Application: Initial treatment only (relief)
- Against adult fleas
Formulated for quick relief, Capstar is an anti-flea medication for cats that is typically used as initial treatment for heavy flea infestations or rescue situations. This product can start killing adult fleas in cats in just 30 minutes. However, the effects of Capstar only last for 24 hours, highlighting that it is intended for initial treatment only and not for long-term prevention.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Flea and Tick Medicine for Cats
This wraps up our guide on medications used for cat flea and tick treatment and prevention. As a final reminder, before starting any flea and tick regimen, it’s important to speak with a trusted veterinarian.
Experience All-in-One, Fear Free Vet Care for Cats at Sploot!
If you have further questions about cat flea and tick medicines for prevention and treatment, we’re here for you!
Sploot Veterinary Care provides all-in-one vet care for cats. We offer primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services under one woof™. Our experienced veterinarians can recommend the best flea and tick medication for your cat, tailored to their individual needs. In addition, we offer a Fear Free vet care experience that prioritizes your cat’s well-being.
Our vet clinics in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Chicago are open 365 days a year for extended hours, offering utmost convenience.
Easily book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app! Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
