Looking for a highly effective, easy-to-use and affordable flea & tick preventive for your feline companion, but confused with the multiple options available in the market? As a responsible pet parent, you always want to ensure your feline’s safety and comfort, along with keeping a check on your budget. Don’t worry, we have done errands for you and picked up some of the most popular, pocket-friendly, as well as vet-recommended parasite treatments.
In this blog, we will explore these preventives along with the factors to consider before selecting any treatment so that you can make the best choice and keep your four-legged companion in good trim.
Let’s begin!
Factors to consider before choosing an ideal flea & tick prevention for cats
Here are a few important considerations while selecting a flea & tick preventive treatment for your feline:
- Suitability: Your cat’s age and weight are important factors that help in choosing the appropriate preventive treatment, as every treatment comes with a minimum age and weight range criterion.
- Health conditions: If your pet has any existing health conditions, it may influence your choice of treatment. For instance, if your cat is prone to food sensitivities, flavored chews might not be tolerable for them. Similarly, cats with sensitive skin should avoid topical treatments as they might trigger skin problems.
- Preferences: Every cat is unique and so are their preferences. While one might prefer topical treatment, others would rub off the topical gel and might take an oral chew without fuss. Hence, keep your feline’s individual preferences in mind before selecting any treatment for the best results.
- Parasite coverage: Different treatments are designed to target different parasites. While some treatments offer protection only against fleas and ticks, broad-spectrum treatments also protect from heartworm disease and intestinal worms. Go for the one that fits your cat’s needs and choices.
- Convenience: Feline parasitic treatments are available in different forms, including oral tablets, chewables, topical gels, sprays, shampoos, powders, etc. Pick the one that suits your furball’s preferences and is administered with ease.
Effective flea & tick preventives for your cat
Mentioned below are some of the most popular and effective flea & tick preventives for your beloved companion:
# Revolution Plus – Broad-Spectrum Anti-parasiticide
- Convenient, monthly spot-on solution
- Kills adult fleas and treats and prevents flea infestations
- Prevents flea tapeworm infections
- Treats and controls tick infestations, including American dog tick, Black-legged tick, Lone star tick and Gulf coast tick
- Effectively treats and controls roundworm and hookworm infections
- Helpful in treating and controlling ear mite infestations
- Aids in preventing heartworm disease
- Suitable for cats and kittens 8 weeks and older, weighing 2.8 lbs or greater
# Bravecto Plus – Long-lasting Topical Treatment
- Highly effective, easy-to-administer spot-on treatment
- A single dose offers two months of protection
- Kills adult fleas and treats and prevents flea infestations
- Treats and controls tick infestation of Black-legged tick, American dog tick, Asian long horned tick and Gulf Coast tick
- Helpful in treating hookworm and roundworm infections
- Effectively prevents heartworm disease
- Suitable for cats and kittens 6 months of age and older, weighing 2.6 lbs or greater
# Nexgard Combo – All-in-one Monthly Solution
- Monthly, topical formula with hassle-free application
- Kills adult fleas and prevents re-infestations
- Treats and controls tick infestations, including Black-legged tick and Lone Star tick
- Helpful in treating and controlling roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms
- Effective in preventing heartworm disease
- Suitable for cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older, weighing 1.8 lbs or more
# Frontline Plus – Quick-action Spot-on Solution
- Rapid-action, waterproof topical treatment
- Kills fleas, flea eggs and flea larvae
- Eliminates all flea life stages (eggs, larvae, pupae) from developing
- Prevents existing as well as future flea infestations
- Kills fleas that may cause flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
- Kills all life stages of ticks(larva, nymph and adult)
- Covers four tick species, including American dog tick, Black-legged tick, Brown dog tick and Lone star tick
- Effectively prevents Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases
- Helpful in eliminating chewing lice infestations quickly
- Suitable for cats and kittens 8 weeks or older, weighing 1.5 lbs or greater
Bottom Line
Every flea and tick preventive treatment is formulated with different ingredients to target various parasites. Therefore, choose the appropriate treatment based on your feline’s age, weight, lifestyle and personal preferences so that you can keep your little one happy, healthy and thriving. So, equip yourself with the information shared in this blog and pick the treatment that fits seamlessly into your cat’s needs and choices.
Happy Pet Parenting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the best flea and tick prevention for cats?
Ans. There are various flea and tick preventives available in the market in different forms, including oral, topical, collar, spray and shampoo. Revolution Plus, Bravecto Plus, Revolution and Nexgard Combo are some of the effective preventive treatments that you can consider for your cat. Always consult your vet before choosing any treatment for the best results.
Q2. Are flea and tick preventive treatments safe for cats?
Ans. Yes, flea and tick preventive treatments are safe for cats and kittens when administered under vet supervision and according to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Always read the product label carefully to avoid potential side effects.
Q3. How often should flea and tick prevention be applied to cats?
Ans. Different treatments are effective for different durations and should be applied accordingly. For instance, some treatments remain effective for a month, some for three months, while others remain effective for six to eight months. Read the product label carefully before administering any treatment and consult the vet for expert recommendations.
Q4. Do flea and tick preventives also protect against worms?
Ans. Yes. Broad-spectrum treatments, such as Revolution Plus, Bravecto Plus and Nexgard Combo, also protect against intestinal worms and heartworm disease.
Q5. What happens if I miss a flea and tick prevention dose for my cat?
Ans. If you miss a dose, re-dose immediately after checking the product label. However, if you have missed multiple doses, speak to the vet and follow the prescribed course of action for better results.