When Should You Choose a Flea and Tick Tablet for Your Cat?
Tablets are a relatively new option for flea and tick prevention in cats.
They are best suited for cats that easily take tablets, either as a treat or mixed into their food.
One advantage of flea and tick chewable tablets is that the active ingredient enters the bloodstream, meaning no chemicals remain in the cat’s skin or fur. This makes it a safe choice for households where people regularly cuddle with their cat or allow them to sleep in bed.
The downside is that fleas and ticks must bite before they die, making tablets less suitable for cats with flea allergies. Tablets should also be used with caution in cats with liver or kidney issues.
What Is the Best Flea and Tick Tablet for Cats?
Previously, only garlic tablets were available to make cats less attractive to fleas and ticks. Now, the AdTab Chewable Tablets for Cats provide a more effective solution. These tablets kill fleas within 8 hours and ticks within 18 hours, preventing fleas from laying eggs.
When Should You Choose a Flea and Tick Collar for Your Cat?
A flea and tick collar is a great option for cats that dislike spot-on treatments or tablets. Some cats run away the moment they hear the drawer open where flea treatments are stored. While putting on a collar requires some effort, once fitted, it provides months of continuous protection.
A common question is: “Is a collar safe for outdoor cats?” Yes, high-quality flea collars are designed to break away if they get caught, preventing strangulation. Many also feature an extra breakaway point for added safety.
For a collar to be effective, it must be fitted snugly, allowing only two flat fingers between the collar and the skin.
A flea collar is not recommended for cats that have frequent physical contact with people or sleep in bed with children.
What Is the Best Flea and Tick Collar for Cats?
There is only one collar that effectively protects against both fleas and ticks: the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats. It provides up to 8 months of protection and also helps reduce fleas in the cat’s immediate environment.
If you only need flea protection, the Beaphar Reflective Flea Collar is another option, providing 4 months of flea prevention.
When Should You Choose a Flea Shampoo for Your Cat?
Not all cats tolerate bathing. If your cat can be washed, a flea shampoo may be useful in cases of severe flea infestations, as it helps wash away most fleas.
What Is the Best Flea Shampoo for Cats?
The Gentle Shampoo Dimethicone for Dogs & Cats is the safest flea shampoo for cats.
If your cat cannot be bathed, but you still want an external flea treatment, the Francodex Dimethicone Dry Shampoo for Cats is a great alternative.
When Should You Choose a Flea Spray for Your Cat?
Flea sprays are most practical for young kittens and small cats, as the entire body needs to be sprayed for effective protection. However, most cats dislike being sprayed or made wet, so an alternative flea treatment may be easier.
If your cat has fleas, you also need to treat the home environment. A flea spray is ideal for this purpose.
What Is the Best Flea Spray for Cats?
For a kitten or small cat, Effipro Spray is a suitable option.
For home treatment, Beaphar DIMETHIcare Environment Spray is recommended.
There are also sprays containing permethrin, but these should be used with extreme caution in homes with cats, as permethrin is highly toxic to them.
When Should You Choose Natural Flea and Tick Protection for Your Cat?
As an alternative to chemical treatments, you can opt for natural flea and tick protection.
When choosing a natural product, check whether it only repels fleas and ticks or if it actively kills them. Dimethicone is the only natural ingredient that immobilises and kills fleas and ticks by coating them, preventing movement and causing them to die.
What Is the Best Natural Flea and Tick Protection for Cats?
There are several natural products available to protect your cat against fleas and ticks. The choice mostly depends on personal preference.
