Best Flea & Tick Treatment for Cats 2024
This article is written by Pet Circle's qualified veterinarian, and
Every year, more and more parasite preventative products for cats are released onto the Australian market. With this increasing number of products, it can be incredibly confusing.
Which products treat which parasites? What flea treatment is actually the most effective? How often does each product need to be given?
The truth is, the best flea and tick treatment for cats depends on a number of important factors, and what works for one cat might not be best for another. However, there are certainly some top contenders when it comes to effectiveness, ease of administration, and safety. We've broken these factors down for you and listed our Vets' top picks, so you can make the right decision for your cat!
Results:
Just Flea Vs Flea and Tick Combination For Cats
The first thing to consider is what parasites actually pose a risk to your cat. This depends on whether your cat goes outdoors, and also on your geographical location.
Different parts of Australia are affected by different parasites. While fleas are generally considered to be present Australia-wide, ticks tend to have geographical hot spots.
There are three main tick species that affect pets in Australia: The Brown Tick, Bush Tick and Paralysis Tick.
Bush Ticks are usually not life threatening but may irritate your cat where they latch on to feed. Dogs are the preferred host of the Brown Dog Tick, but occasionally they may be found on cats. While not harmful itself, the Brown Dog Tick can transmit tick-borne diseases such as Ehrlichiosis, a bacterial disease that has recently been found in Australia. Paralysis Ticks however, are the major concern in Australia as they can be deadly.
Paralysis ticks are commonly found along the east coast of Australia, from north Queensland to east Victoria. Paralysis ticks are of concern year-round but are more prevalent in the warmer months of spring and summer.
Infographic of tick distribution in Australia. Note: this is a guide only, and can change year on year. Always check with a vet in your local area to clarify your current tick risk.
Cats who venture outside are at greater risk of exposure to parasites including ticks, so should receive year-round tick and flea prevention.
Cats who are indoors only may not need tick prevention, but it's still recommended to treat for fleas as they can find their way indoors on you or other animals in the house. For more information on this, see Can Indoor Cats Get Fleas?
If your indoor cat is allowed outdoors even for brief periods of time, or if you have other pets coming in and out of the house, consider covering your cat for ticks. Ticks are becoming more common in our suburban areas and inner city environments, as they often hitchhike with other pets/people travelling to the region, as well as exist naturally on our wildlife. If in doubt and you live in a tick area, it's always best to be cautious and provide regular tick prevention.
Please note that tick prevention should be used in conjunction with daily searching and removal of ticks. Tick prevention alone will not entirely remove the risk of tick paralysis.
If you're unsure whether your cat needs to be protected against ticks, we recommend checking with your local vet clinic. As the first responders during tick season, they will know whether ticks are a problem in your area.
Should I Use Topical or Oral Cat Flea And Tick Treatments?
Definitions:
⢠"Topical" refers to 'spot on' treatments - or anything that is applied externally on your cat.
⢠"Oral" refers to chewables or tablets, which are given internally via your cat's mouth.
External flea treatments are very popular and there are many options to choose from. External options may come in the form of a collar (such as Seresto), or a pipetted topical liquid (such as Bravecto).
How do topical liquids work? When applied to the skin on the back of the neck, liquid treatments either form crystal matrixes along the coat, disperse through the top lipid layer, or may be absorbed into the bloodstream for full body cover.
Frontline spray is an exception to this; it comes in a pump bottle and is applied by spraying over most areas of your cat's coat.
Topical liquid flea treatments for cats include Advantage, Advocate, Nexgard Spectra, Bravecto, and Revolution Plus
Oral flea treatments are much less common for cats. At this stage the only oral flea treatment available for cats is Capstar - a 24 hour flea killer intended for one-off use. There are no oral tick preventatives available for cats.
How We Review Our Products
Our Pet Circle Vet Squad comprises 30 vets with over 120 years of collective, independent veterinary expertise. Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.
Top Flea and Tick Treatments for Cats in Australia
Nexgard Spectra
Pros
- Australia's first and only true all-in-one parasite prevention for cats
- Protects against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm, lungworm and intestinal worms (including tapeworm!)
- Easy to use spot-on formulation
- Specially designed syringe-like applicator for complete and accurate dosing
- Kills newly acquired adult fleas before they can lay eggs
- Starts controlling newly acquired paralysis ticks after 48 hours of the first treatment
- Can be used on kittens from 8 weeks of age and weighing a minimum of 0.8kg.
- Suitable for cats weighing up to 7.5kg
- Safe to use during breeding, pregnancy and lactation
Cons
- More regular application (monthly) compared to other options
- On the more expensive side
Nexgard Spectra is a revolutionary monthly spot-on treatment that protects against all significant parasites of concern in Australia. It is comprised of three active ingredients: Esafoxolaner (an isoxazoline), Eprinomectin (a macrocyclic lactone) & Praziquantel (an anthelmintic).The efficacy of Nexgard Spectra after shampooing or wetting has not been assessed. This product starts controlling newly acquired paralysis ticks after 48 hours of the first treatment. In some cats, optimal control may take up to a week after the first treatment. As Nexgard Spectra may not kill all ticks attached when cats are first treated, any ticks present at the time of first treatment should be removed.
What our customers say: "YAY, a spot on for Cats that covers for paralysis ticks as well as everything else. Love the syringe style application as well. Thank you."
What our vets say: "I recommend Nexgard Spectra For Cats, as it is truly an âall-in-oneâ product that covers all of the most important parasites for cats. Used regularly once a month it protects your kitty from fleas, ticks, ear mites, heartworm, intestinal worms, lungworm, and tapeworm. The syringe style applicator is so easy to use, making quickly applying the product on your cat a breeze. And the best thing is you don't need to give any extra tablets for full parasite coverage - it really is one and done!" - Dr. Jenny
Bravecto Plus
Pros
- Protects against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm, lungworm, roundworm and hookworm
- Easy to use spot-on formulation
- Safe for kittens from 9 weeks of age and weighing over 1.2kg
- Suitable for cats weighing up to 12.5kg
- Needs to be applied every 2 months
Cons
- Does not protect against tapeworm, so separate tapeworm-only tablet or allwormer product will be needed
- Safety during breeding, pregnancy and lactation has not been established
Bravecto Plus is a two-monthly spot-on that protects your cat against a range of commonly encountered parasites. It is comprised of two active ingredients: Fluralaner (an isoxazoline) and Moxidectin (a macrocyclic lactone). It is fast acting, providing effective control of pre-existing infestations of both fleas and paralysis ticks within 48 hours of application. Efficacy of this product after shampooing and wetting has not been assessed.
What our customers say: "I really like Bravecto after having used other spot ons for decades. The chemical smell is not there and my cats settled more quickly after application. I also like the 2 month protection as it means less fights with the furry army."
What our vets say: "I use Bravecto Plus spot on for my cats as their parasite preventative. It only needs to be applied every 2 months and covers against ticks, fleas, heartworm and intestinal worms. I like that itâs a spot- on topical formulation and comes in either a 1 or 2 pack option." - Dr. Angie
Revolution Plus
Pros
- Protects against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm, hookworm and roundworm
- Easy to use spot-on formulation- low volume, non-oily and quick-drying
- Can be used on kittens over 8 weeks of age and weighing more than 1.25kg
- Suitable for cats weighing up to 10kg
Cons
- Does not protect against tapeworm, so separate tapeworm-only tablet or allwormer product will be needed
- Safety during breeding, pregnancy and lactation has not been established
- More regular application (monthly) compared to other options
Revolution Plus is a low volume, non-oily monthly spot-on covering fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms (excluding tapeworm). It is comprised of two active ingredients: Sarolaner (an isoxazoline) and Selamectin (a macrocyclic lactone). It's fast acting and starts to kill adult fleas within 12 hours of application.
What our customers say: "We used to use blue Revolution for our cat and during recent vet trip, I was advised to upgrade to Revolution plus for more protection for our cat from parasites etc. we use it on our cat monthly and she has been very healthy and no fleas or any parasites etc."
What our vets say: "For cats in tick paralysis areas I find the safest tick preventative is to keep them indoors! If they must go outside then I recommend using Revolution Plus as it includes protection against ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms in addition to fleas." - Dr. Teagan
Bravecto
Pros
- Long-lasting: protects against fleas, ticks and ear mites for 3 months
- Easy to use spot-on formulation with 'twist'n'use' tube
- Safe for kittens over 9 weeks of age and weighing at least 1.2kg
- Suitable for cats weighing up to 12.5kg
Cons
- Does not cover heartworm or intestinal worms, so additional prevention is needed for these parasites
- Safety during breeding, pregnancy and lactation has not been established
Bravecto is a long-lasting 3 monthly spot-on that protects your cat from fleas, ticks and ear mites. It contains one active ingredient: Fluralaner (an isoxazoline). It is fast acting and starts to kill fleas within 12 hours of application. Paralysis tick infestations are controlled within 48 hours of application.
What our customers say: "I've tried many other products and paid thousands in vet bills due to ticks on my cats before trying this product and I've never looked back. Apart from never ever having fleas, I have found numerous dead ticks on my cats but my cats have remained unharmed by them. The fact that it lasts for 3 months is fantastic and means I don't have to worry about having to remember every month to re-apply."
What our vets say: "I know how important tick and flea prevention is for Australian pets. Like many, my cats are not the biggest fans of spot-on treatments. I love that this product protects them for up to 3 months making applications fewer per year! Combined with a monthly heartworm and intestinal worming tablet, they are protected against all common parasites." - Dr. Belinda
Seresto Collar
Pros
- Long-lasting collar that provides continuous protection against fleas and paralysis ticks for 8 months
- Can be cut to size to fit comfortably around your cat's neck
- Designed with a double safety-release mechanism
- Suitable for use in cats and kittens over 10 weeks of age
Cons
- Does not cover mites, heartworm or intestinal worms, so additional prevention is needed for these parasites
- Safety has not been evaluated in pregnant or lactating cats
The Seresto collar's mode of action sets it apart from other flea and tick preventatives. The active ingredients repel and kill ticks and fleas through simple contact, which means they don't have to bite your cat to be killed. This makes it an effective preventative against tick-borne diseases such as ehrlichiosis.
Seresto kills fleas within 24 hours and also kills larval flea stages in the surroundings of treated cats.
Ticks already on cats prior to treatment may not be killed immediately after collar application and may remain attached and viable- therefore removal of all ticks prior to start of treatment is recommended.
The effect of frequent exposure to water or shampooing has not been established.
Seresto contains two active ingredients: Imidacloprid (a neonicotinoid) and Flumethrin (a pyrethroid)
What our customers say: "I have used these collars on my cats for a number of years. Both cats roam freely in a rural environment [daytime only] and I've never had a moment's worry with fleas or ticks. Highly recommended."
Advocate
Pros
- Protects against fleas, mites, heartworm, lungworm, hookworm and roundworm
- Easy to use spot-on formulation
- Can be used in kittens from 9 weeks of age and weighing at least 1kg
- Suitable for cats weighing up to 8kg
Cons
- Does not protect against ticks or tapeworm
- More regular application (monthly) compared to other options
- Safety has not been established in pregnant or lactating cats
Advocate is a good option for cats that are not exposed to ticks. It contains two active ingredients: Imidacloprid (a neonicotinoid) and Moxidectin (a macrocyclic lactone). After application of Advocate, adult and larval flea stages in the cat's surroundings are killed, and the unique mode of action means that fleas don't need to bite your cat to receive a lethal dose.
Advocate remains efficacious following shampooing, swimming or exposure to rain, though we recommend waiting until it is fully dry before letting your cat get wet.
What our customers say: "My little girl was a rescue, and getting medication into her mouth is total struggle and distress for both of us. These little things make life much easier. She's covered ( they seem to work really well without any nasty side effects), and I'm happy that she's protected."
What our vets say: "Advocate is a convenient, low-odour spot on which acts quickly to remove fleas from your cat. Apply once a month to provide ongoing protection from fleas, heartworm, mites and intestinal worms. Itâs a great option for indoor cats who are not exposed to paralysis ticks" - Dr. Michelle
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you need to give your cat flea and tick prevention?
This will depend on the registered frequency of the product. There are now flea and tick prevention products on the market to suit a whole range of schedules:
Every 8 months: Seresto is a collar that provides protection from fleas and paralysis ticks for an incredible 8 months.
Every 3 months: Bravecto is a spot-on topical liquid which provides flea and tick prevention for 3 months.
Every 2 months: Bravecto Plus is a spot-on that provides protection from ticks, fleas, heartworm and intestinal worms (excluding tapeworm) for 2 months.
Every month: For almost every other product, monthly administration is required. Nexgard Spectra, Advocate, and Revolution Plus are examples of monthly flea treatments.
Every 3 weeks: older product Frontline Spray requires administration every 3 weeks in order to provide protection against ticks. Most cat owners generally find this a little irregular and difficult to remember compared to monthly administration, and with newer, more convenient products on the market, Frontline Spray is not used as commonly as it once was.
See the table at the bottom of this article to find out how long each product lasts for.
Should you use 'all-in-one' products?
Which is best - a 'flea/tick only' product, or a 'combination product' which takes care of worming too? Ultimately, either option is sufficient, and the choice depends on your personal scheduling preference.
Giving a flea and tick treatment separate to worming can have its benefits - for example, some people might only wish to give flea prevention in the warmer times of the year but continue worming all year round. But if you do require flea prevention all year round, combining everything into one treatment is very convenient indeed.
Please note that we strongly recommend ongoing, year-round tick prevention for pets in paralysis tick areas.
Which treatments cover everything in an 'all-in-one'?
The term 'all in one' gets thrown around by manufacturers a lot, but until recently, there was no product that protected against absolutely every significant Australian parasite. That changed when Nexgard Spectra for cats came onto the scene. This is a revolutionary parasite treatment that protects against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm, and all intestinal worms including tapeworm - everything your cat needs in an easy to apply monthly spot-on.
There are also a couple of products which come close. Revolution Plus and Bravecto Plus offer coverage against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and most intestinal worms. The only parasite these products do not cover is tapeworm. Revolution Plus is applied monthly, and Bravecto Plus is applied every 2 months.
If we take ticks out of the equation, there are plenty of combination products available. Cat products which protect against fleas, intestinal worms, and heartworm, but which do not provide tick prevention, include Advocate and Revolution.
How to Choose A Parasite Prevention That Suits Your Cat
The easiest way to know which parasite prevention you need is by asking yourself a few questions.
Is your cat indoors-only, or do they go outside?
If your cat doesn't go outside, ticks are less likely to be an issue for them. We still recommend protecting against fleas, intestinal worms, and heartworm however, as these critters can find their way indoors via various routes. A product like Advocate or Revolution might be perfect for you.
Obviously, if your cat does go outside, you will need to consider giving tick prevention. But this brings us to our next questionâ¦
Are you in a high-risk tick area?
To determine whether your area is affected by ticks, you can consult relevant heat map images, but the best way to know for sure is to check with your local vet clinic. They will know first-hand whether tick cases are seen in your region.
For cats who spend time outdoors in tick areas, we recommend the use of isoxazoline-based products such as Nexgard Spectra, Revolution Plus, Bravecto or Bravecto Plus.
If you're not in a tick area, it's still perfectly safe to use a product that prevents ticks. However you may wish to opt for a product without tick prevention, such as Revolution or Advocate, depending on whether your cat is currently battling a flea burden. This brings us to our final questionâ¦
Does your cat currently have fleas?
If your cat is currently struggling with a flea burden, we recommend a product that kills fleas quickly, rather than a product that interrupts the flea breeding cycle. Our top recommendations for strong flea killers include Bravecto, Bravecto Plus or Revolution Plus. Please also note that in order to effectively eradicate fleas, you may need to do a full flea clean of your house and bedding to eliminate pesky eggs in the environment.
Comparison Table of Cat Parasite Preventatives
See our product comparison table below for a look at all cat parasite prevention products in Australia and what they cover:
Advocate
1 month
1 month
1 month
Topical
Advantage
1 month
Topical
Bravecto
3 months
3 months
Topical
Bravecto Plus
10 weeks
3 months
3 months
3 months
Topical
Capstar
24 hours
Chewable Tablet
Drontal
1 month*
1 month*
Tablet
Evicto
1 month
1 month
1 month
Topical
Frontline Plus
1 month
Topical
Frontline Spray
3 weeksAlso controls brown dog ticks 2 months Topical Spray
Milbemax All Wormer For Cats
1 month
1 month*
1 month*
Tablet
Milpro
1 month
1 month*
1 month*
Tablet
Neovela
1 month
1 month
1 month
Topical
Neovet
1 month
1 month
1 month
Topical
Neoveon Plus
1 month
Topical
Nexgard spectra
Topical
Paragard
1 month*
1 month*
Tablet
Profender
1 month*
1 month*
Tablet
Revolution
1 month
1 month
1 month
Topical
Revolution Plus
1 month
1 month
1 month
1 month
Topical
Seresto
8 months
8 months
Collar
* Please Note: The monthly worming recommendation is based on an adult cat not receiving any additional worming control (such as in an all in one product). For cats on all in one products, who prey or scavenge on rodents, we recommend monthly tapeworming prevention with either a tapeworm tablet (purchasable from your vet) or an all-wormer. For all other cats, we recommend 3-monthly tapeworm protection. For a worming guide for kittens under 12 weeks of age, see our veterinary written article New Kitten Guide.
Further Reading
Want to know more? Check out some of our other articles:
Tick paralysis in dogs and cats
How to treat fleas on your cat
Flea Tick Worming Guide for Cats
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips from our expert vets on keeping your pets happy and healthy.