Have you noticed your cat scratching more than normal? There is a very good chance he has fleas, which means you need to do something quickly. You see, the thing with these tiny critters is even though they’re no bigger than a speck of dirt, they have the potential to disrupt the lives of your pets and your family.
We’re talking all things flea in this article, and of course, we review the best cat flea collars to keep your kitty and family members safe from these teeny tiny little menaces. Are you ready? Then, it’s one, two, flea, go time!
Our Top 5 Picks of the Best Cat Flea Collars
- Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Prevention Collar for Cats & Kittens
- Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar for Cats & Kittens
- Dr. Mercola Herbal Flea, Tick & Mosquito Repellent Collar for Cats & Kittens
- Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Flea, Tick & Mosquito Dog & Cat Collar Tag
- Sentry PurrScriptions Dual-Action Flea & Tick Collar for Cats
The reason the Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Prevention Collar for Cats & Kittens is so popular is that it’s one of the few products available recommended by vets. And it’s suitable for cats and kittens over the age of 10 weeks. It’s also one of the few cat flea collars that prevents and kills creepy-crawlies on contact.
This non-greasy, odor-free collar contains two active ingredients, imidacloprid, and flumethrin, that work together to repel and kill fleas, the larvae, and nymphs, as well as ticks. And best of all, the collar provides cats and kittens with protection for eight months.
What we really like about the Seresto flea and tick collar is that it’s easy to put on, is adjustable, and has a quick release feature, should your kitty get caught on anything. It also has a reflector for visibility at night, and it’s water-resistant, so it carries on working even if your cat gets wet.
The only downside to this flea and tick collar is that it’s a little more expensive than other products. Having said this, if you take the cost and divide that by eight, it works out to just over $6 a month. We think it’s worth it for your favorite feline, don’t you?
What we like:
- The slow working formula lasts for 8 months
- Quick-release safety feature
- Non-greasy and odor-free
- Recommended by vets
- Kills ticks and fleas within 24 hours
What we don't like:
- On the pricier side
- Can cause tremors in some older cats
For a fraction of the price, the Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar for Cats & Kittens offers the same safety features as the Seresto cat flea collar. However, this only lasts for 7 months and isn’t water-resistant.
The Hartz UltraGuard flea and tick collar uses S-methoprene and tetrachlorvinphos as the active ingredients, which kills fleas, eggs, and larvae, as well as ticks. But what we did notice was that the longer your cat wears the collar, it loses its efficacy, only repelling uninvited hitchhikers, rather than also killing them.
Although it is recommended that you wash your hands after handling the collar, it is safe for cats, even if they lick it while grooming. Having said that, some cats will have an allergic reaction to the active ingredients, so we suggest you keep an eye out for any symptoms.
What we like:
- Affordable solution to ticks, fleas, eggs, and larvae
- Quick-release safety feature
- Effective for up to 7 months
- Safe for cats and kittens
What we don't like:
- Some cats may have an allergic reaction to the active ingredients
- Better to remove it when bathing your cat
- After a while, the collar only repels ticks and fleas, rather than killing them
If you’re looking for a natural flea and tick collar for your cat or kitten, it’s worth considering the Dr. Mercola Herbal Flea, Tick & Mosquito Repellent Collar. Natural ingredients include geranium oil, almond oil, and wintergreen oil.
This collar is best used to repel ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes on cats and kittens, and it provides protection for up to four months. Just keep in mind that it uses essential oils, without any chemicals, it won’t get rid of flea infestations. But, it also means you’re not exposing your pet to any potentially harmful chemicals.
The collar is easy to put on and is water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it losing its efficacy should your kitty get wet. There are mixed reviews about this product, but it is very much a case of managing expectations, to be honest. Dr. Mercola’s Herbal Flea and Tick Collar isn’t suitable for getting rid of infestations, but it does an excellent job repelling ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes.
What we like:
- All-natural ingredients
- Repels ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes
- Water-resistant
- Lasts for up to 4 months
- Affordable solution
What we don't like:
- The essential oils might irritate some cats
- Some reviews mention a strong odor
Another natural but relatively expensive option is the Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Flea, Tick & Mosquito Dog & Cat Collar Tag. We’ve included this because it’s approved and recommended by vets, and it is safe for cats and kittens. Like the Dr. Mercola collar, the active ingredient is geraniol or geranium oil and includes thyme and peppermint oil.
We like that the tag attaches onto your cat’s collar and can be worn for short periods at a time to make sure your pet doesn’t have any adverse reactions. According to the manufacturer, this tag is effective for up to 12 months, but it is best to replace it for maximum protection if it gets damaged.
It’s also important to note that this product works well when it comes to repelling fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, but you’ll need to look at different products if you want to get rid of flea infestations.
What we like:
- All-natural ingredients that repel fleas and ticks as well as mosquitoes
- Offers up to 12 months of protection
- Easy to use and fits cats and kittens of all sizes
What we don't like:
- Pricey for some
- Not effective in killing fleas, eggs, and larvae
Another product that uses the active ingredient geraniol is the Sentry PurrScriptions Dual-Action Flea & Tick Collar for Cats. It’s suitable for cats and kittens over 6 months, and kills adult fleas and ticks, while also repelling mosquitoes. It also provides up to six months of protection.
Other ingredients include clove oil, lemongrass oil, and cinnamon oil, and is, as far as we could tell, a fast-working formula. We like that the collar is adjustable and starts working as soon as you put it on, and it gives advice on what you should do if your cat has an allergic reaction to the product. The powdery residue may cause eye irritation, so be sure to wash your hands after handling the collar.
What we like:
- All-natural ingredients that repel fleas and ticks as well as mosquitoes
- Offers up to 12 months of protection
- Easy to use and fits cats and kittens of all sizes
What we don't like:
- Pricey for some
- Not effective in killing fleas, eggs, and larvae
Choosing the Best Flea and Tick Collar for Cats
What works for one cat might not necessarily work for another. So, how do you go about deciding what is the best flea collar for your cat? Cat owners should keep the following things in mind when choosing a product for their pets.
Your Cat’s Age
To keep your cat safe from harmful chemicals, it’s always best to choose an appropriate collar for your cat’s age. Using a collar on a kitten meant for older cats can expose them to toxins while using a kitten flea collar on an older cat could reduce its efficacy. Make sure you buy a collar suited to your cat’s age.
Your Cat’s Size
Always check that the collar will fit your cat correctly. A lot of collars are adjustable, or the brand offers different sizes. It is also worth noting that some flea collars may have a higher or lower concentration of chemicals, which can affect your cat’s health.
Allergies
No-one knows your cat as well as you do. If yours is particularly sensitive to chemicals, it’s best to get a collar that uses natural ingredients. Always keep an eye on your kitty and look for any adverse reactions, including hair loss, vomiting, discomfort, and even bleeding.
Safety Features
The best flea collars for cats have safety features, including reflectors and a breakaway mechanism. A reflector will increase your cat’s visibility at night, while a quick release or breakaway mechanism will stop your cat from getting caught on a tree, fence, or furniture.
Ease of Use
We like collars that are as easy to put on as they are to take off. It’s also a good idea to look for collars that last longer and don’t need to be replaced as regularly as others.
Water-resistance
Something else to consider when buying a flea collar for cats is how water-resistant or waterproof the product is. This is especially important if you have an outdoor cat that might get wet in the rain or walk through puddles. Remember to remove water-resistant collars when you’re bathing your cat as these will lose efficacy when exposed to long periods in water.
Budget
Let’s face it, some cat owners have more money to spend than others, which is why we’ve included budget-friendly cat flea collars as well as more expensive options. Just keep in mind, the pricier choices usually last longer, which means you can save money in the long run.
How To Tell If Your Cat Has Fleas?
Not sure if your cat has fleas? We’ve listed some of the common signs to look out for.
Flea poop
While incessant scratching or biting at the skin is a common sign of fleas, there are also other tell-tale signs. Flea poop, which is made of your cat’s blood, often looks like clumps of dirt and is found on your kitty’s coat or skin.
Flea Eggs
Another way of telling that your cat has a flea infestation is by spotting eggs. These look like tiny grains of salt and can be found all over your cat. Usually, they take up to eight weeks to hatch, and you’ll notice them moving around.
Sores or scabs
While some cats only react to flea bites, others are allergic to the spit. Red sores and scabs on your cat’s skin, along with bald patches, are common signs of a flea infestation. If left untreated, this can lead to a secondary bacterial infection known as pyoderma.
Anemia
Although it’s not always easy to diagnose anemia in cats, you should be able to identify common signs. If you notice your cat is listless or more lethargic than usual, you might want to check for fleas. Also, pale gums and a loss of appetite could mean ticks and fleas are to blame.
Agitation
Let’s face it, any cat worth its weight can be moody, but a cat with fleas is next level grumpy. If your cat is restless, irritable, or more agitated than normal, it’s worth visiting the vet.
Poor condition
If your cat is losing weight, and his coat looks lackluster, it could very well be because of fleas. It’s worth talking to your vet about the best flea treatment for cats.
Are Fleas Dangerous?
Fleas are not only annoying, but they’re also downright dangerous, and it is best to deal with them as quickly as possible. These pesky pests are ectoparasites, which means they live off their host, and as a result, pose several health risks to cats, dogs, and even humans. We’ve included the most common health risks fleas may expose your pets and family too.
- Parasites – Fleas aren’t only blood-sucking baddies; they also pass parasites such as tapeworm and haemobartonella, or Feline Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis as it’s now known as. Mosquitoes, ticks, and lice can also transmit this parasite onto your pets.
- Disease – Fleas also carry several diseases, which they can pass onto your cat. These include, believe it or not, the plague, typhus, and ‘cat scratch disease.’ And if that’s not frightening enough, these diseases can be transmitted from cats to humans.
- Anemia: The problem with fleas is that what you see is only a small percentage of what is actually in and around your house. And they are prolific reproducers. This means your cat can lose a large amount of blood, resulting in anemia, and even death for kittens, elderly cats, or cats with health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flea Collars
We are often asked about flea collars, so we thought it a good idea to include some of the more frequently asked questions. Carry on reading to find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the best flea collars for cats.
1. Do flea collars for cats really work?
In the past, other treatments such as powders drops, and sprays were considered a safer and more effective solution than flea collars. However, new formulas and natural repellents have made cat flea collars a popular choice once again, effectively killing fleas, ticks, larvae, and mosquitoes.
And if your cat battles with skin sensitivity or allergic reactions, then you can choose a product that uses all-natural active ingredients, rather than a chemical-based one.
2. How does a flea collar work?
There are two kinds of flea collars; those that kill pests and those that repel them. And the best flea collars for cats do both. They all use active ingredients that either prevent an infestation or kill fleas on contact.
Obviously, if ticks and fleas aren’t a problem, a natural repellent will be enough to keep these little critters at bay. However, if you are dealing with a full-on infestation, you will need a collar that kills fleas, their eggs, and the hatched larvae.
3. How long does it take for a flea collar to work?
Depending on the infestation’s severity, you can choose a collar that gets to work within 24 hours. Others take a little bit longer, and you might only see results after 72 hours. Keep in mind that some of the collars that use natural ingredients might take even longer.
4. How long does a flea collar last?
As you can see from our reviews, a flea collar can last between 7 months to a year, while others are only effective for 3 or 4 months. However, keep in mind that water can reduce the effectiveness of the collar, so be sure to remove it when you’re giving your kitty a bath.
5. Are there any side effects when using a flea collar for cats?
Although our boys didn’t react to their flea collars, we know some cats are more sensitive to the different collars’ active ingredients. Typical signs of an allergic reaction include vomiting, hair loss, agitation, and diarrhea.
If you notice your cat showing any of these symptoms, you should remove the collar immediately and gently wipe the affected area. Should the symptoms persist, we suggest getting your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
6. How much do flea collars cost?
There is, quite literally, a flea collar for every kind of budget. But keep in mind that the more expensive options often last longer than the cheaper collars, which may work out to be more cost-effective in the long run.
7. When is it safe to put a tick and flea collar on my kitten?
Generally, it is safe to use a tick and flea collar on kittens older than 7 weeks. But it’s always a good idea to read the instructions on the packaging to make sure. For your kitten’s safety and your peace of mind, it is best to use age-appropriate collars.
Young cats could have severe allergic reactions to the chemicals used, which is why manufacturers clearly mention this on their packaging.
8. Can I use a dog flea collar on my cat?
The simple answer to this is no unless it clearly states that the collar is suitable for dogs and cats. You see, the chemicals used in dog collars are different from those used in cat collars, and can be incredibly toxic for your kitty. Unless a product is recommended for both, we suggest that you never use a dog tick and flea collar on your kitty, as the results could be disastrous.
9. What is the best flea collar for cats?
Although this is a pretty straight-forward question, the answer isn’t as straight-forward. The Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Prevention Collar for Cats & Kittens is one of the best flea collars for cats currently available, but it does come with a hefty price tag.
On the other hand, however, the Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar for Cats & Kittens is an excellent choice for people on a budget. And suppose you prefer going ‘meow-natural.’ In that case, it’s definitely worth considering Dr. Mercola’s Herbal Flea, Tick & Mosquito Repellent Collar for Cats & Kittens, Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Flea, Tick & Mosquito Dog & Cat Collar, or Sentry PurrScriptions Dual-Action Flea & Tick Collar for Cats.
To Finish Off
We want to finish off by saying that flea collars for cats can help prevent infestations and protect your kitty from savage onslaughts, but it’s best to look at each case individually. Flea collars for cats will work really well when you’re trying to prevent an infestation, while a two-or three-pronged approach will work best when for widespread infestations. In these situations, it is best to use a collar with a spray or powder to get rid of fleas once and for all.
Hopefully, you have found our reviews and buying guide helpful and feel more empowered when shopping for your cat’s flea collar. The bottom line is, there are loads of great products to choose from to suit every budget and flea infestation.
Have you tried any of the products mentioned here? Or perhaps you have found a tick and flea collar that’s an absolute game-changer, and think it deserves mention. Let us know in the comments below. Oh, and if you haven’t yet, hop on over to our Facebook page and give us a ‘like.’
