Fleas and ticks are a nuisance to both cats and pet owners. Every cat owner knows that prevention is of utmost importance to keep their cats healthy and safe, but the safety of the collar itself is the #1 concern when it comes to flea collars. That said, how safe are flea collars? Should you go with collars that use all-natural ingredients? Are they effective?
Some cats may be allergic or sensitive to collars that use insecticides for repellents rather than all-natural ingredients, such as plant oils1. However, other cats have no problem with collars that use chemicals, but certain components, such as tetrachlorvinphos, carbaryl, and propoxur, can be downright dangerous to both your cat and your family, especially if you do not wash your hands after handling the collar.
In this guide, we’ve listed our top 10 flea collars based on consumer reviews to help you make an informed decision before buying. We’ve tried to list as many all-natural collars with the exceptions of a few, and we recommend checking with your veterinarian before buying. Without further ado, let’s check out the collars!
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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
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Best Overall | Hartz Plus UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar |
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Best Value | Zodiac Flea & Tick Collar |
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Premium Choice | Seresto Flea & Tick Collar |
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SOBAKEN Flea Collar for Cats |
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Shengkou Flea and Tick Collar |
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The 10 Best Cat Flea Collars
1. Hartz Plus UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar – Best Overall
Application frequency: | 7 months |
Kills and repels: | Fleas, ticks, flea eggs |
Life stage: | 12 weeks and older |
Hartz Plus UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar offers 7 months worth of full-body protection for your feline companion. It’s designed to provide protection against fleas, ticks, and flea eggs and even stops the flea life cycle by killing flea eggs before hatching. This collar is adjustable for a perfect fit, and it’s also a breakaway collar in case your cat gets hung up on an object, which could be deadly otherwise. It also works if the collar gets wet—it will still provide the same amount of protection as before.
This collar is one-size-fits-all, so you’ll need to trim off any excess after fitting around your cat’s neck. You can purchase this collar in a one-pack or two-pack for 14 months of protection, and the price is reasonable. Your cat can also wear its regular collar with this flea collar.
Be careful after handling this collar due to the repellents used (Tetrachlorvinphos, (S) – Methoprene), and ensure you wash your hands thoroughly. This collar also cannot be used on kittens under 12 weeks old. Even though this is not a natural flea collar, the price is reasonable, and it’s long-lasting—however, it may not be strong enough to be as effective on outdoor cats. Still, this collar is our choice of the best overall cat flea collar with its reasonable price and long-lasting protection.
- Offers 7 months of protection
- Breakaway collar for safety
- Works when wet
- Can be used with your cat’s regular collar
- Reasonably priced
- May not be as effective for outdoor cats
- Not for use in kittens under 12 weeks old
- No natural ingredients
2. Zodiac Flea & Tick Collar – Best Value
Application frequency: | 7 months |
Kills and repels: | Fleas, ticks, larvae, lice, mosquitoes |
Life stage: | All life stages |
The Zodiac Flea & Tick Collar is the best cat flea collar for the money. This collar is odorless and non-greasy, making application easy without the mess of topical treatments. It provides 7 months of protection against fleas, ticks, larvae, lice, and mosquitoes, and it also features a breakaway quick release for safety. It’s inexpensive and starts working quickly.
It does contain Tetrachlorvinphos (14.55%) with other ingredients listed; however, we do not know what the other ingredients are that makeup 84.45% of the insecticides used. It’s one-size-fits-all, so again, you’ll need to trim off the excess after applying. These collars may not work on every cat, and some cats may be sensitive to the ingredients.
- Odorless and non-greasy
- Kills fleas, ticks, larvae, lice, and mosquitoes
- Breakaway release
- Inexpensive
- Starts working quickly
- Contains Tetrachlorvinphos with other unknown ingredients
- May not work for every cat
- May cause a bad reaction in some cats
3. Seresto Flea & Tick Collar – Premium Choice
Application frequency: | 8 months |
Kills and repels: | Fleas, flea larvae, ticks |
Life stage: | All life stages |
Seresto Flea & Tick Collar is a popular brand in the world of cat flea collars, and this particular one offers 8 months of protection rather than 7 months. You can also purchase a pack of two for longer protection if it fits your budget, but these collars are one of the pricier ones on the market.
This collar kills fleas and ticks on contact using safer chemicals, such as flumethrin and 10% imidacloprid. A flea or tick also doesn’t have to bite your cat to die, and it’s easy to apply with no prescription needed. Keep in mind that it may take up to 30 days for a flea cycle to be entirely killed, as your cat may bring in new fleas from other pets or the environment.
It has a ratchet-release mechanism for safety, and this collar comes from a trusted company within the flea and tick collar industry with decades of experience. However, some consumers state the collar does not last for 8 months, which can be disappointing given the price. Some cats may also be too sensitive to the collar and lose hair where the collar rests.
- Last for 8 months
- No biting is required for flea or tick to die
- Easy to apply
- Ratchet-release mechanism for safety
- May not last for 8 months
- May cause hair loss in some cats
- Expensive
4. SOBAKEN Flea Collar for Cats
Application frequency: | 8 months |
Kills and repels: | Fleas, ticks, lice, sarcoptic mange |
Life stage: | 3 months and older |
SOBAKEN Flea Collar for Cats is yet another collar that uses all-natural ingredients including spearmint and clove oils, which are extremely effective in killing fleas and ticks. This company offers a lifetime warranty on its collars and only uses safe and effective ingredients. Each collar is 13 inches long, allowing you to adjust and cut the excess for maximum comfort for your kitty. It repels and kills within 24 hours of applying.
It’s vet-recommended and waterproof, economical, and easy to use. However, you can only start using this collar when your cat is 3 months of age, making it not ideal for kittens. Some state the collar worked for only 2 weeks, and some say the collars never kept fleas away.
- Uses spearmint and clove oils
- Lifetime warranty
- Kills fleas within 24 hours of applying
- Vet-recommended
- Economical, waterproof, and easy to use
- Safe for cats 3 months and older
- Effectiveness may be short-lived
- May never repel fleas in some cats
5. Shengkou Flea and Tick Collar
Application frequency: | 12 months |
Kills and repels: | Fleas, ticks, larvae, and lice |
Life stage: | 10 weeks and older |
The Shengkou Flea and Tick Collar offers 12 months of protection against fleas, ticks, larvae, and lice. It comes in a pack of two and is made with all-natural, plant-active ingredients, such as citronella oil, cinnamon oil, garlic oil, lemongrass, and thyme oil. This collar was invented by veterinarians and lab tested for safety. It’s water-resistant, environmentally friendly, and comes in one-size-fits-all. Adverse reactions are very low with these collars, so you can rest easy knowing your cat is protected.
In the package, you’ll receive two collars, a flea comb, and a tick tweezer, all at a reasonable price. It also has an emergency break point for safety, and it’s suitable for cats over 10 weeks old. The collar’s scent starts out potent but diminishes over time, and the natural oils replenish the skin while your cat is wearing it.
Some cats may be sensitive to the natural ingredients, causing fur loss. Some consumers also state the collar is ineffective.
- Uses all-natural ingredients
- Created by veterinarians
- Offers 12 months of protection
- Water-resistant, environmentally friendly
- Comes with a tick tweezer and flea comb
- Some cats may be sensitive to ingredients
- May cause fur loss
- May be ineffective in some cats
6. Fipukin Natural & Safe Flea and Tick Collar
Application frequency: | 8 months |
Kills and repels: | Fleas, ticks, lice |
Life stage: | All life stages |
The Fipukin Natural & Safe Flea and Tick Collar also offers a 2 pack of collars with an added flea comb and tick removal tool. It has a light peppermint scent and is another pick for an all-natural, plant-based product that includes citronella oil, cinnamon oil, garlic oil, lemongrass, and thyme oil. It’s waterproof with an adjustable collar with a breakaway feature, and the manufacturer donates a portion of profits to the Animal Welfare Association with every purchase.
Ensure you monitor your cat while wearing the collar, as some cats have bad reactions to the natural ingredients. Some consumers also report the collars do not work.
- Comes with flea comb and tick-removal tool
- Made from all-natural ingredients
- Light peppermint scent
- Manufacturer donates to the Animal Welfare Association
- Bad reaction may occur in some cats
- May not kill fleas and ticks on some cats
7. Adams Plus Flea & Tick Collar for Cats
Application frequency: | 7 months |
Kills and repels: | Adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larva, adult ticks, tick larva, and nymphs |
Life stage: | 12 weeks and older |
The Adams Plus Flea & Tick Collar for Cats is another adequate flea and tick collar that repels adult fleas and ticks, as well as flea and tick larva and nymphs. One collar offers 7 months of protection, but you get two collars with this product, so that’s 14 months of protection.
Like other flea collars, it has a breakaway snap in case the collar was to get caught on something while out and about exploring. It’s suitable for cats aged 12 weeks and older. The active ingredients used are tetrachlorvinphos and (S)-methoprene.
It’s a very comparable collar to our #1 choice, the Hartz collar, but a little more expensive, even considering that you get two collars. However, the chemicals used may be a little strong for sensitive cats, and it’s important to wash your hands carefully after handling the collar as well.
- Repels adults and larval fleas and ticks
- 2-pack for 14 months of protection
- Can be used on cats 12 weeks and older
- Chemicals can be strong for sensitive cats
- There are cheaper collars available
- Not as effective as other flea and tick products
8. Advanllent Pro Guard Flea Collar
Application frequency: | 8 months |
Kills and repels: | Fleas, flea eggs, ticks, larvae, lice, sarcoptic mange, mosquitoes |
Life stage: | All life stages |
Advanllent Pro Guard Flea Collar is an odorless collar designed to kill and prevent fleas, ticks, lice, larvae, and pesky mosquitoes. An all-natural lemon complex oil is the main ingredient that releases in low concentration throughout the 8-month duration of the application and replenishes continuously to the skin for maximum protection. It comes complete with an emergency breaking point and safety opening mechanism. It fits any size cat and is 15.5 inches long, meaning you’ll need to trim off excess for comfort.
Some cats may be sensitive to the lemon complex oil, and the collar may not last the 8-month duration of effectiveness.
- Uses all-natural lemon complex oil
- Replenishes continuously to the skin
- Comes with emergency breaking point and safety opening mechanism
- Some cats may be sensitive to the lemon complex oil
- May not last the 8-month duration
9. Sergeant’s Guardian Pro Cat Flea Collar
Application frequency: | 7 months |
Kills and repels: | Fleas, ticks, flea eggs, larvae |
Life stage: | 12 weeks and older |
Sergeant’s Guardian Pro Cat Flea Collar offers a fresh scent while working its magic to kill fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and larvae. It has a breakaway mechanism for safety, and it offers 7 months of protection. It’s waterproof and easy to apply. This collar is one of the least expensive on our list.
This collar does not use all-natural ingredients, though, and the ingredients may cause chemical burns on the fur in some cats or allergic reactions to the ingredients. If you’re looking for an all-natural flea collar, this collar will not be suitable for you. It’s also not suitable for cats under 12 weeks old.
- Kills fleas, eggs, ticks, and larvae
- Breakaway collar
- Waterproof
- Affordable
- No all-natural ingredients
- May cause chemical burns in some cats
- Not suitable for cats under 12 weeks old
- May cause allergic reactions in some cats
10. Craveit Flea and Tick Collar
Application frequency: | 8 months |
Kills and repels: | Fleas, ticks, lice |
Life stage: | All life stages |
Craveit Flea and Tick Collar use natural oils for protection without using harsh chemicals that may irritate your cat’s skin. It comes in a 2-pack for 16 months total of protection (8 months each). The natural oils used are cinnamon oil, lemongrass oil, thyme oil, garlic oil, and citronella oil. It’s made of rubber material for flexibility and comfort, and the natural oils release in low concentrations throughout the 8-month cycle of the collar.
It’s waterproof, adjustable, and has a smooth ring to prevent scratches to your cat’s skin while wearing. It features innovative release technology with an emergency breaking point. It also comes with a flea comb. However, the biggest complaint among consumers is that this collar may not be effective in some cats, and some cat owners claim the all-natural ingredients are ineffective in killing fleas.
- Uses all-natural ingredients
- Comes in a pack of two
- Comes with flea comb
- Rubber material for comfort
- Innovative release technology
- May not be effective in killing fleas
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Flea Collar
Fleas and ticks can cause health problems for your cat if not addressed, and you’ll need to provide some form of protection. Without protection, these pesky parasites can cause irritation that prompts your cat to scratch constantly, which can open your cat up to infections and may even lead to anemia if not stopped and treated. Now that we’ve listed our top 10 picks for the best cat flea collars, let’s dive deeper into what to look for in a flea collar, as well as issues to be on the lookout for before buying.
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Natural Repellents vs. Chemicals
The most important decision you’ll make is whether to buy a collar that uses insecticides for repellents or uses all-natural plant oils. Flumethrin and imidacloprid are licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are considered safer chemicals rather than tetrachlorvinphos, carbaryl, and propoxur. However, much debate is involved on the safety of flumethrin and imidacloprid, which are primarily used by Seresto, which is number three on our list.
While these chemicals are effective in killing fleas, flea eggs, ticks, lice, and larvae, they could potentially harm your cat’s skin with chemical burns and fur loss.
We recommend trying an all-natural flea collar first to see how your cat does. Keep in mind that some consumers complain that all-natural oils are not effective, such as lemongrass, thyme, cinnamon, garlic, and citronella oils. However, the only negative issue will more than likely be that the collar simply does not work, as these oils should not irritate your cat’s skin unless your cat is allergic to one of the oils. If you purchase an all-natural flea collar that is ineffective, we suggest consulting your vet before buying a collar that uses insecticides.
Consider Your Cat’s Lifestyle
Cats that are primarily outdoor cats are more susceptible to being exposed to fleas and ticks. If you have more than one cat in the home, and one cat is more outdoors than the other, the outdoor cat can easily bring these parasites in, which will attack your indoor kitty too. So, even though you have an indoor kitty and an outdoor kitty, you’ll need to provide protection for both cats.
Even if you have an indoor-only cat, and that’s your only cat, you still need to provide year-round protection. Fleas and ticks can come inside your home in various ways, and just because your cat doesn’t go outdoors does not mean it won’t get fleas or ticks.
Life Stage
When selecting a flea collar, it’s crucial to choose one that is correct for your cat’s life stage. For example, most collars are not safe for kittens under 12 weeks old unless specified otherwise, so it’s vital you read the package label to ensure it’s safe for your cat, depending on its age. If you have a kitten under 12 weeks old, ensure you search for a collar that uses all-natural ingredients targeted for kittens rather than potentially harmful chemicals, and ensure the collar is age-appropriate. You can always consult your veterinarian regarding the safest collar to buy for your kitten.
Breakaway Collars
All of the collars mentioned in this guide are breakaway, meaning they will break free from your cat’s neck in case your cat gets caught up on an object that could cause a potential choking hazard. Ensure you look for a safety release mechanism on the collar before buying and test it out before you let your cat roam with the collar on to ensure there are no malfunctions with this all-important feature.
Our Flea Collars for Cats Selection Process
Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best flea collars for cats. These parameters include customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, and in some cases, hands-on testing. Of course, our cats have a say in the process, too! We strive to select and review the highest-quality products available, to help you choose the best possible product and make the most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
Catster has been a trusted online brand since 2001, so we know a thing or two about cat flea collars. We’re a team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision for your feline. We deeply believe in providing the best information for cat owners to help their cats live their best life possible. We look at reviews from the most trusted sources available, and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options on the market. Our team is invested in the welfare and health of cats around the world, and believe that expert knowledge is one of the best ways to achieve this.
Conclusion
We hope our reviews of the best flea collars for cats help you in making a safe and informed decision for your feline pal.
For our best overall choice, the Hartz Plus UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar provides full-body protection, stops the flea life cycle, has a breakaway feature, and is reasonably priced. For the best value, Zodiac Flea & Tick Collar kills lice and mosquitoes in addition to fleas, flea eggs, and ticks, has a breakaway feature, and is inexpensive.
Featured Image Credit: Anna Krivitskaya, Shutterstock