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

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Cat with fleas_shutterstock_Maja Marjanovic

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

Cat with fleas_shutterstock_Maja Marjanovic

It’s almost inevitable that a cat will pick up fleas at some point. The best way to prevent your cat and house getting infested with these irritating little critters is to keep on top of flea treatments. There are quite a few different options for treating your cat, including drops, powders, tablets, and shampoos. The easiest options are flea drops, which can quickly be applied to the back of your cat’s neck.

If you take a quick look at some of the options out there, you’ll soon see that there are hundreds of different products to choose from. So, how on earth do you decide which one is going to be best for your cat? We’re here to help!

Our reviews include a round-up of what we think are the 10 best flea drops for cats, as well as pros and cons for each one. They’ll quickly work to eliminate fleas to leave you and your cat feeling relieved!

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Bayer Advantage II Flea Treatment Bayer Advantage II Flea Treatment
  • Vet recommended
  • Waterproof formula
  • Kills all life stages of fleas
  • Best Value
    Second place
    PetArmor Flea & Tick Squeeze-On Treatment PetArmor Flea & Tick Squeeze-On Treatment
  • Fast-acting
  • Great value for money
  • Works on fleas and ticks
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Revolution Topical Solution Flea Treatment Revolution Topical Solution Flea Treatment
  • Includes six doses
  • Five-in-one formula
  • Suitable for cats 8 weeks and up
  • Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Treatment Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Treatment
  • No prescription required
  • Kills fleas, ticks, and lice
  • Safe for pregnant and nursing cats
  • Onguard Plus Flea & Tick Treatment Onguard Plus Flea & Tick Treatment
  • Waterproof
  • Made in the U.S.A.
  • Controls all stages of the flea life cycle
  • 10 Best Flea Drops for Cats

    1. Bayer Advantage II Flea Treatment — Best Overall 1Advantage II Flea Spot Treatment

    As our choice of the best overall flea drops for cats, we recommend the Bayer Advantage II Flea Treatment. This drop-on treatment kills fleas on contact and is effective against flea eggs, larvae, and adults, so with one application, you can take care of everything! The waterproof formula can be used on adult cats and kittens over the age of 8 weeks (as long as they weigh over 9 pounds).

    This product begins working within 12 hours of application, and the active ingredients of imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen do not require fleas to bite your cat so you shouldn’t see them being irritated. It’s available in packs for a 1-, 2-, 4-, or 6-month supply. If your cat has a severe infestation, you can use this product twice in one month, but it’s best to consult your vet before doing so. Thousands of cat owners swear by these flea drops, and we’re sure you’ll be just as impressed!

    All in all, we think these are the best flea drops for cats out there this year.

    Pros
    • Vet recommended
    • Kills all life stages of fleas
    • Waterproof formula
    • Works for up to 4 weeks
    • Fragrance free
    Cons
    • Not suitable for kittens under 8 weeks

    2. PetArmor Flea & Tick Squeeze-On Treatment — Best Value 2PetArmor Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Cats

    If you’re looking for the best flea drops for cats for the money, then we highly recommend the PetArmor Flea & Tick Squeeze-On Treatment. This great value pack includes 3 months’ worth of drops yet is less than half the price of 1 months’ worth of the best overall choice on this list. This drop-on topical treatment contains the active ingredient fipronil, which effectively kills adult fleas, brown ticks, American ticks, deer ticks, lone star ticks, and chewing lice.

    What this drop-on doesn’t do is kill flea eggs and larvae, so if your cat does have an infestation, you’ll have to buy additional products to deal with those or keep using this treatment until the eggs and larvae have hatched into adult fleas, which will then be targeted by this drop-on.

    Pros
    • Great value for money
    • Works on fleas and ticks
    • Fast-acting
    • Waterproof
    Cons
    • Doesn’t kill flea eggs or larvae

    3. Revolution Topical Solution Flea Treatment — Premium Choice 3Revolution Topical Solution for Cats

    The Revolution Topical Solution Flea Treatment is our premium choice, and due to its active ingredients, you will need a prescription from your cat’s veterinarian. Besides protecting your cat against fleas, this product protects your cat against new heartworm infections. It can also control ear mite infestations, roundworm, and intestinal hookworms.

    This drop-on treatment stops flea eggs from hatching and can be applied just the same as any regular drop-on treatment. It’s safe for kittens over 8 weeks old. The active ingredients are selamectin and sarolaner, as well as butylated hydroxytoluene and isopropyl alcohol. While this drop-on is effective, it can cause side effects, including digestive upsets, hair loss at the application site, and possible skin inflammation. Your cat will need a test to check they’re clear of heartworms before using this product.

    Pros
    • Five-in-one formula
    • Non-greasy
    • Suitable for cats 8 weeks and up
    • Includes six doses
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Requires a prescription

    4. Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Treatment 4Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Cats

    Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Treatment not only works at killing adult fleas, but it’s also effective against flea eggs and larvae, as well as ticks and chewing lice. It has two active ingredients, fipronil and (S)-methoprene. Once applied, this is waterproof and lasts for 1 month. It’s safe to use on cats older than 8 weeks, as long as they weigh more than 1.5 pounds. It’s also suitable for pregnant and nursing cats.

    Some users do note that this product can take a while to work, but bear in mind that it can take a long time in general to completely break the flea life cycle and get your cat and your home completely free from any fleas. The best way to do this is to choose a drop-on product that affects and kills all life stages of the flea, from eggs to larvae, pupae, and adults. This is what Frontline Plus is designed to do.

    Pros
    • No prescription required
    • Safe for pregnant and nursing cats
    • Kills fleas, ticks, and lice
    • Easy to use
    Cons
    • Not suitable for kittens under 8 weeks
    • Can take a long time to work

    5. Onguard Plus Flea & Tick Treatment 5Onguard Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Cats

    The Onguard Plus Flea & Tick Treatment is suitable for cats weighing more than 1.5 pounds. It not only kills all stages of the flea life cycle, but it’s also effective against American ticks, Lone Star ticks, deer ticks, brown dog ticks, and chewing lice. The active ingredients are fipronil and (S)-methoprene, which stay active for 30 days.

    The redesigned applicator makes this long-lasting spot-on easier than ever before to apply, and even if your cat needs a bath, this will remain effective. This is safe to use in breeding, pregnant, and lactating cats. Reviewers love how truly non-greasy this treatment is, and it won’t leave any residue on even long-haired cats, as long as you part the hair and apply it directly to the skin.

    Pros
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    • Waterproof
    • Controls all stages of the flea life cycle
    Cons
    • Some customers found that the product did not work for their cat
    • Age and weight limits

    6. Cheristin Flea Spot Treatment for Cats 6Cheristin Flea Spot Treatment for Cats

    The Cheristin Flea Spot Treatment for Cats kills 98-100% of fleas within 12 hours and continues to work for an entire month after application. A single dose can potentially remain effective for up to 6 weeks, making this a cost-effective option. After application, you should see effects after just 30 minutes.

    The active ingredient is spinetoram, which isn’t found in other flea drop-on treatments. While this seems effective against adult fleas, it doesn’t kill flea eggs, pupae, or larvae. That means you’ll need to keep re-applying this product until all these have become adult fleas. This also has a strong smell, so while it’s quick-drying and non-greasy, that can be off-putting for some cat owners.

    Pros
    • Quick-drying
    • Non-greasy
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    Cons
    • Does not kill flea eggs or larvae
    • Strong smelling

    7. PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Squeeze-On Treatment 7PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Cats

    The PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Squeeze-On Treatment kills all life stages of the flea and is effective against both ticks and chewing lice. It uses a combination of two active ingredients: fipronil and (S)-methoprene. The waterproof formula is easy to apply and will remain effective against adult fleas for 30 days. Against flea eggs and larvae, it can remain effective for up to 12 weeks.

    The active ingredients used are the number-one choices of many veterinarians, so you can be confident that this will do a great job helping you and your cat say goodbye to those pesky fleas. This drop-on is available in two pack sizes, containing treatments for 3 or 6 months. Reviewers do note that this product can be a little difficult to apply, as the tip of the dropper traps some of the liquid, which may spill when opening.

    Pros
    • Kills all flea life stages
    • Kills ticks and lice
    • Waterproof
    Cons
    • Difficult to apply
    • Strong smelling

    8. Catego Flea & Tick Spot Treatment 8Catego Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Cats

    The Catego Flea & Tick Spot Treatment contains six doses, each of which lasts for 1 month. The active ingredients used are dinotefuran, fipronil, and pyriproxyfen. These work together to kill all life stages of the flea, as well as chewing lice and ticks. This dropper has a patented applicator tip, which makes it easy to apply this to your cat.

    While most reviewers are happy with this product, it’s worth noting that some say that it didn’t work at all for their cats. Bear in mind that it can take up to 30 days for the effect of flea treatments to become apparent, and there may be other sources of fleas, including carpets and pet bedding.

    Pros
    • Works within 6 hours
    • Easy to apply
    • Non-greasy
    Cons
    • Not suitable for kittens under 8 weeks
    • Doesn’t seem to work for all cats

    9. Sentry FiproGuard Flea & Tick Squeeze-On 9Sentry FiproGuard Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Cats

    The Sentry FiproGuard Flea & Tick Squeeze-On contains the same active ingredient, fipronil, as some of the most effective drop-on treatments, including Frontline Top Spot. The advantage is that this is a much cheaper option! Besides killing adult fleas and flea eggs, it is effective against chewing lice and ticks.

    Some reviewers say that they noticed little effect when applying this product, but that could be down to regional variations. The price of this flea treatment is so competitive, though, it’s worth trying to see if it seems to be an effective option for your cat.

    Pros
    • Good value for money
    • Works for 30 days
    Cons
    • Doesn’t seem to work in all areas
    • Strong smelling
    • Not suitable for kittens under 8 weeks

    10. Activyl Flea Treatment 10Activyl Flea Spot Treatment for Cats

    The Activyl Flea Treatment contains the active ingredient Indoxacarb, which is effective against all life stages of the flea, from eggs to larvae and adult fleas. It starts working within 8 hours of application and should have eliminated all adult fleas within the first 24 hours.

    Unlike the other flea drop-on treatments, this is only suitable for cats over 9 pounds. If you have a kitten under 9 pounds or small breed cat, then this should not be used. The formula is water-resistant and designed to be non-greasy. As with some other products, the effectiveness seems to depend on your region, so if you have a heavier cat, try it and see if it works!

    Pros
    • Kills all life stages of fleas
    • Waterproof
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Only suitable for cats over 9 pounds
    • Can cause skin discomfort

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

    Before you buy any flea control treatment for your cat, it makes sense to spend time determining what features are most important to you. We focused on drop-on treatments, but flea control products tend to be available in the following formats:

    • Drop-on treatments. These are sometimes also called spot-on or topical products. These are liquid and are applied to your cat’s skin in an area where they can’t lick it off (usually between the shoulder blades or the back of the neck). They contain active ingredients that spread over your cat’s skin and are absorbed by the fleas. Some kill all life stages of the flea, while others only affect adult fleas. They’re cost-effective and easy to apply.
    • Oral tablets. These are small pills that you’ll have to give to your cat orally. Some products work for up to a month, and others need to be given more often. They can be effective but are difficult to use if your cat doesn’t tolerate oral medication well.
    • Flea shampoo. You’ll have to bathe your cat for these to work, and they’re not as effective as drop-on treatments or tablets. Flea shampoos usually only work on adult fleas, and even then, you may find that your cat still has fleas after bathing. Shampoos are the least effective flea control product.
    • Flea collars. Rather than being applied directly to the skin, these are worn around your cat’s neck and release active ingredients slowly over the course of around 30 days. They are quite effective and are great if your cat has sensitive skin and can react to drop-on treatments. They’re also easy to put on your cat if they don’t like sitting still!

    Why should I get rid of fleas?

    Besides causing irritation from flea bites for your cat and your family, fleas can transmit diseases that can be unpleasant for all of you!

    Fleas can cause painful skin reactions, including flea allergy dermatitis, as well as transfer parasites like tapeworms to your cat. A heavy flea infestation can even lead to your cat developing anemia. Fleas can also carry bacteria that cause cat scratch fever. The cause of the Bubonic Plague, a bacterium known as Yersinia pestis, was carried by fleas!

    To avoid all these nasties, using a regular and reliable form of flea control is a great idea. Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there for you to choose from.

    The life cycle of fleas

    Fleas have a four-stage life cycle: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult. The only way to control fleas within your home is to break this cycle. Some flea treatments only kill adult fleas, and while these cat flea drops are effective, they can take longer to work. In order to break the life cycle, you’ll need to wait until all eggs, pupae, and larvae have matured into adult fleas before the treatment will kill them. Repeated applications will be needed until all fleas have been killed.

    Other treatments affect and kill all life stages of the flea. These can get to work much quicker, so you should see a reduction in fleas sooner.

    Don’t forget to treat your house

    Besides treating your cat, it’s important to treat your house as well. Flea eggs can survive for up to 10 days, and one single female flea can lay between 20-50 eggs per day. There may be flea eggs in places like your cat’s bed and in the carpets. As the fleas hatch and mature into adult fleas, they will hop onto any passing animals, and before you know it, your cat will have fleas again. Vacuuming your house can remove any flea eggs, but remember to empty the vacuum immediately or the eggs can hatch inside. You’ll also want to wash any fabrics that your cat sits on, like bedding or cushions.

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    Conclusion

    As the best overall flea drops for cats, we selected the Bayer Advantage II Flea Treatment. This easy-to-apply treatment is vet recommended and quickly gets to work killing all life stages of the flea.

    In terms of the best value, you can’t beat the PetArmor Flea & Tick Squeeze-On Treatment. Besides killing adult fleas, this treatment also targets ticks and lice.

    If you’re looking for a premium choice, we recommend the Revolution Topical Solution Flea Treatment. This prescription product has a five-in-one formula to kill fleas and prevent heartworms, ear mite infestations, roundworms, and intestinal hookworms.

    As with many things when it comes to our cats, sometimes it feels like there are too many options to choose from! If you don’t know where to start when it comes to selecting the best flea drops, our reviews are designed to cut right to the heart of the matter and help you make the best decision for your cat.


    Featured Image Credit: Maja Marjanovic, Shutterstock

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