If you let your cats out the house, then you know a flea infestation is a huge problem. Cats love to roam around and are notorious for getting fleas. Even if you let them out for a little while in your backyard, they will somehow find the only corner of the garden where fleas live and come inside scratching themselves.
Additionally, fleas can cause anemia in kittens and are harmful for cats with compromised immune systems. Fleas are a huge problem not just for your cats but for you as well. They don’t just infect cats but can also transfer onto people.
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Different Types of Flea Treatments
So, if you can’t keep your cat indoors, it is clear that you will have to invest in a flea and worm treatment. The good news is that you can find flea treatment options in various types. The following are the common types that are found:
· Shampoo
These are specially designed medicated shampoos that you can use to give your cat a bath. They are very effective and fast acting and in many cases, one bath is enough to kill the fleas. If you know your cat is bath-averse, these may not be the best option but they’re still good to have on hand.
· Collar
Flea collars are medicated and can last for quite some time. Many can last for 8 to 12 months without requiring any replacements. All you have to do is snap on the collar and it will effectively keep all fleas away from your cat. They’re effective for adult fleas and larvae.
· Oral Medication
Oral medication is the best flea and worm treatment for cats. These are fast acting and you can expect to see results within a day or two. Cats can also have difficulty with oral medication so make sure to give it with a treat or use a different method for it.
· Topical Applications
These are specially designed to apply to the cat’s fur and skin and are safe for them to lick. They are effective but might require repeat applications. Topical applications are usually needed in small amounts and a little goes a long way.
· Spray Applications
Spray applications can be used on the cat as well as the cat bed and other areas that they frequent in order to kill the fleas, flea eggs and larvae completely. Using them can be a challenge at times but they are effective.
It’s a good idea to avoid cat sprays because many cats are scared of the spray bottle design. Additionally if you relied on the spray bottle method to train your cat, they won’t associate the spray bottle with positive encounters. Due to this, it will be difficult to apply the flea and worm treatment on to them.
The above mentioned ones are some of the different types of flea treatments that you can find in the market and can use for your cat.
The Best Choice for You – Our Top Recommendations
Since it is not possible to take your cat to the vet for each infestation, it is a good idea to invest in flea treatment options that you can keep at home. Additionally, flea treatments can be expensive so many cat owners have a criteria for flea treatments that are affordable yet effective.
Keeping this factor in mind, the following are our top recommendations for the best affordable flea treatments for cats that you should opt for:
Best Flea Collar – Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats
One of the main reasons why it is a favorite is because it is non-greasy and odorless. It also does not irritate the skin of the cat. It is effective for up to 8 months and helps to eliminate fleas, larvae and even flea eggs. It starts working within 24 hours and is a vet-recommended treatment option.
Best Flea Shampoo – Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath
This is the best shampoo for cats because it acts like a dry shampoo. It is perfect for bath averse cats and can just be sprayed on to them. Apart from killing fleas, it also moisturizes dry skin and does not clump on the fur at all. It’s safe for use on adult cats and kittens that are 12 weeks or older. It also works well with other topical products.
Best Oral Treatment – Capstar Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment
The Capstar Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment is perfect for use on cats and dogs. One tablet is enough for your cat and it will start working within 30 minutes of administering it. You can expect fleas to start falling off within 6 hours. Each pack has to up 6 doses and you can re-administer as needed to keep fleas away from your cat.
Best Topical Solution – Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention for Small Cats
Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention is the best topical solution because it is the most effective flea killer. A little goes a long way with this solution and it starts working within 12 hours of proper application. It stays effective for nearly 30 days. It can also be used on kittens as small as 4 weeks without causing any harm to them.
Best Flea Spray – Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray
If you’re looking to remove fleas from your backyard and want to keep the cat bed and other areas free from fleas, it is a good idea to get the Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray. It is extremely effective at killing existing fleas, flea eggs, larvae and even gets rid of ticks. The best part is that it doesn’t have any harsh chemicals that could harm other things like plants or your pet.
With the help of these, you can easily keep flea infestation under control. However, if the situation is getting out of hand or your cat is suffering from health complications, take it to the vet. Your vet will be able to guide you better about the best flea and worm treatment to use keeping your cat’s health in mind.
