8 Best Flea and Tick Medications for Cats in 2026, Recommended by Vets
chendongshan/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
All products in this article have been reviewed by our trusted vets and experts. PetMD is owned by Chewy.
Fleas and ticks are problematic parasites for cats, carrying illnesses such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, flea allergy dermatitis, and others. Even indoor-only cats can be exposed to these bloodsuckers, as fleas and ticks can infiltrate your home by catching a ride on your clothes, shoes, or other items that have been outside. Because of the risks these parasites pose to our felines as well as humans and other pets in the household, prevention is a must.
The best flea and tick treatments for cats are considered safe and effective, easy to administer reliably, and come from a reputable brand vets trust.
To help you choose, our panel of veterinarians recommended their top flea and tick treatments for cats based on their own clinical observations, effectiveness and safety of the product on cats, and other contributing factors.
What To Consider When Choosing a Flea and Tick Treatment for Cats
When choosing the best flea and tick treatment for your individual cat, look for one that is easy to administer, provides the necessary type of protection, is safe for your pet’s age, weight, and health, and fits your budget. Be sure to consider the following:
Your Veterinarian’s Input
Always consult your veterinarian when selecting a new flea and tick treatment for cats. They can recommend products specific to your individual pet’s age, weight, medical and behavioral history, and their exposure risk.
Coverage Needs
What parasites are concerning you and your veterinarian? Some flea medicines for cats protect against only fleas, while others cover fleas, ticks, and other parasites, such as heartworms and some intestinal worms. Your veterinarian will go through the individual risk factors that could affect you and your cat to help select the medication with the right coverage for you.
Type of Administration
Consider your pet’s preferences when it comes to taking a flea medication for cats. Some cats do better with topical medications, while others easily take pills or eat chewable tablets. Our veterinarian experts say consistency matters: The best product is one you can administer reliably and on schedule to maintain protection.
Also consider household factors: Do you have a multi-pet household or young children in the home? Topical solutions may rub off onto other pets and kids until it is fully dry.
Length of Coverage
How often are you comfortable giving medications? Most flea and tick medicine for cats must be administered monthly, but some last several months.
Product’s Safety Profile
Flea treatments must be labeled as safe and suitable for a cat. Never use a flea treatment meant for a dog or other species.
The product must also be safe for your pet’s age, weight, and health status. For example, certain medications may not be recommended for cats with a history of seizures.
Most vets recommend a prescription flea medication rather than an over-the-counter option, because prescription medications typically undergo more stringent safety and efficacy testing.
Your Budget
This will be a recurring purchase, so choose a cat flea treatment that fits within your budget. You don’t want your pet’s coverage to lapse as all cats should be on year-round prevention.
How We Selected the Best Flea and Tick Treatments for Cats
This list of the best flea and tick medications for cats was meticulously curated by a panel of veterinarians who are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD.
They were asked to choose the best flea and tick treatments for cats in their honest opinion, across multiple categories, based on the following:
- Safety
- Efficacy
- Ease of administration
- Brand reputation
Opinions and product recommendations in this article belong solely to the review panel of animal health experts. Manufacturers and vendors cannot buy placement in Vet Verified content or exert influence on our panelists as they evaluate products.
Our sole goal with this program is to provide pet parents with the information they need to make the best decisions for their pets.
Flea and Tick Treatments for Cats FAQs
What is the most effective cat flea treatment?
The most effective flea treatment for cats depends on the individual pet. Some pets do better with topical medications like NexGard COMBO and Revolution Plus for cats, while oral medications, such as Credelio Cat chewable tablets, are preferable for others. Your veterinarian can help you pick the most effective cat flea treatment for your individual cat’s needs.
How do I apply flea and tick treatment to my cat?
How to apply the cat flea and tick treatment will depend on the treatment itself. Many topical flea and tick treatments should be applied at the base of your cat’s head, between the shoulders. Part the fur and apply the full dose of medication directly on the skin, without rubbing it in. Be sure to read the instructions that came with your specific treatment to ensure you are using it properly.
Flea collars simply need to be attached around the cat’s neck, allowing for two fingers’ width between the collar and the neck. Pills and chewables are given orally.
Do indoor cats need flea medicine?
Yes, indoor cats need flea medicine. Even if your cat does not go outside, they can be exposed to fleas brought into the house on other pets or clothing. Additionally, they could be exposed to fleas at the veterinarian or groomer.