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Last Updated:
March 01, 2021
Best Flea Collar for Cats
When considering the benefits versus risks of flea collars for cats, we recommend seriously considering the use of other products such as flea drops and oral flea medications instead of collars. The only collar we can recommend from the collars available on the market is the Seresto Flea Collar for Cats for killing fleas and ticks. Our second pick is the Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Flea, Tick & Mosquito Dog & Cat Collar Tag, but will only repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Kills existing fleas within 24 hours kills ticks within 48 hours
Efficacy
8 months
Safety
Safe for kittens and cats 10 weeks of age and older
Availability
Sold without a prescription
Ingredients
Imidacloprid (10%) Flumethrin (4.5%)
Our Review
Although these flea collars are all-natural, please be aware that they do not kill fleas, flea larvae, ticks, mosquitos, mites, lice, worms, or other parasites. They simply may repel insects. If you have a flea infestation or existing fleas, ticks, or other insects on your cat, consider using a product that will kill these parasites before applying these collars. Beware that aside from the product warnings about not letting children handle these products, washing hands thoroughly after application, and possibly allergic reactions, these products are not necessarily safe for your cats. Essential oils are toxic to cats and can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset, neurological symptoms, and seizures.
Does not kill existing fleas or ticks; repels only
Not to be used with shock collars or electric fences
Product Details
Speed
Begins working in 3 to 4 weeks
Efficacy
Up to 12 months
Safety
Safe for kittens and cats of any size and age
Availability
Sold without a prescription
Ingredients
Silicon dioxide particles
Our Review
Based in Austria, the company is committed to environmental sustainability, and every product they sell meets human-grade standards. They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with this product, meaning that if you or your pet doesn’t like the tag, you will receive a full refund. According to the manufacturer, “The metal tag contains silicon dioxide particles that are encoded with frequencies that the tag then emits over time. These frequencies are annoying to pests, so they stay away from the pet wearing the tag. The tag is also encoded with frequencies that will synchronize with your pet’s own unique biological frequency, which helps to support their immune system.” The company clarifies that this product will not kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes but only repels them. They suggest using their shampoo, frequent vacuuming, and all-natural flea drops to help with a flea infestation. The collar is water-resistant for up to four weeks and waterproof after four weeks NOTE: This collar will not interfere with your pet’s microchip but will interfere with shock collars or electric and invisible fence barriers.
Hartz 2 in 1, Hartz UltraGuard, Hartz UltraGuard Plus, Adams Plus, and Zodiac Flea and Tick Collar for Cats
Kills and repels adult fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, and ticks
Breakaway collar
Water-resistant
What we Dislike
Hazardous to Humans
Especially hazardous to children
Toxic to cats
Collar is flimsy
Product Details
Speed
Begins eliminating fleas eggs larvae and ticks immediately
Efficacy
7 months
Safety
Cats exposed to TCVP can experience diarrhea vomiting difficulty breathing tremors collapse and even death.
Availability
Sold without a prescription
Ingredients
Tetrachlorvinphos (14.55%)
Our Review
DO NOT BUY!These products contain Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP), which is part of the organophosphate family of parasiticides. Studies show that human life is at risk when using TCVP products, not only because it is a toxic chemical but also because it is a known carcinogenic (cancer-causing agent). Toddlers who frequently touch animals and then touch or put their fingers in their mouths are at an increased risk for neurological health issues. Cats exposed to TCVP can experience diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, collapse, and even death.
Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Flea, Tick & Mosquito Cat Collar
Safe for kittens and cats of any size and over 4 months of age
Availability
Sold without a prescription
Ingredients
Peppermint Oil Thyme Oil Geraniol
Our Review
This collar is only designed to repel new pests. It will not help if your cat already has a flea problem.
This collar is not adjustable and can be dangerous for a cat if he got caught on something as it does not have a safety “breakaway” feature. It is also hard to get on the cat and will have to cut off with scissors or a knife to remove.
This flea collar uses essential oils to repel parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. This and similar products that rely on essential oils do not kill fleas and other parasites.
Vet's Best Flea and Tick Repellent Collar for Cats
Safe for kittens and cats of any size and over 4 months of age
Availability
Sold without a prescription
Ingredients
Cedarwood Oil Peppermint Oil
Our Review
This collar is only designed to repel new pests. It will not help if your cat already has a flea problem.
This collar is not adjustable and the breakaway feature is not very safe. This flea collar uses essential oils to repel parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. This and similar products that rely on essential oils do not kill fleas and other parasites.
Dr. Mercola Herbal Flea, Tick & Mosquito Repellent Collar for Cat & Kitten
Safe for kittens and cats of any size and over 4 months of age
Availability
Sold without a prescription
Ingredients
Geraniol
Our Review
This collar is only designed to repel new pests. It will not help if your cat already has a flea problem.
This collar is not adjustable and can be dangerous for a cat if he got caught on something as it does not have a safety “breakaway” feature. This flea collar uses essential oils to repel parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. This and similar products that rely on essential oils do not kill fleas and other parasites.
Safe for kittens and cats of any size and over 4 months of age
Availability
Sold without a prescription
Ingredients
Cedarwood Oil Peppermint Oil
Our Review
This flea collar uses essential oils to repel parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitos- it is only designed to repel new pests. It will not help if your cat already has a flea problem. This and similar products that rely on essential oils do not kill fleas and other parasites.
Beloved Pets Flea and Tick Prevention Collar for Cats
This flea collar uses essential oils to repel parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitos- it is only designed to repel new pests. It will not help if your cat already has a flea problem. This and similar products that rely on essential oils do not kill fleas and other parasites.
Safe for kittens and cats of any size age not noted
Availability
Sold without a prescription
Ingredients
Citronella Oil Clove Oil Peppermint Oil
Our Review
Although these flea collars are all-natural, please be aware that they do not kill fleas, flea larvae, ticks, mosquitos, mites, lice, worms, or other parasites. They simply may repel insects. If you have a flea infestation or existing fleas, ticks, or other insects on your cat, consider using a product that will kill these parasites before applying these collars. Beware that aside from the product warnings about not letting children handle these products, washing hands thoroughly after application, and possibly allergic reactions, these products are not necessarily safe for your cats. Essential oils are toxic to cats and can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset, neurological symptoms, and seizures.
Best Products
Best Flea Collar for Cats
Product Name
Best for
Rate
Seresto Flea Collar for Cats
Best Overall
7
Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Collar Tag
Best Repellant Formula
5
TropiClean Flea & Tick Repellent Collar for Cats
Best Herbal Formula
4
How to Choose
Flea collars for cats have been available in the United States since the 1960s. Sales for the product grew over time but have since declined as flea drops [LINK TO REVIEW] have risen in popularity. While researching these products, we determined that the decline in flea collars’ sales could result from the dangers and side effects associated with their use.
While many of the available flea collars last longer than flea drops–up to 8 months–the chemicals contained in the collars are not absorbed into the cat systemically. The collars release chemicals or natural oils over the surface of the cat’s body and hair to control fleas, ticks, and in some cases, mites and mosquitos. This treatment mechanism makes your cats, you, and your family susceptible to exposure to poisons, some of which are known to cause cancer. The only exception to this is the Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Flea, Tick & Mosquito Dog & Cat Collar Tag, which is all-natural and non-toxic for pets and humans. We cannot, however, guarantee its effectiveness.
Hazardous and possibly toxic chemicals and oils is why we’ve included “Ingredients” as one of the five common attributes we explore in the various flea collars.
Some collars contain Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP), which is part of parasiticides’ organophosphate family of parasiticides. Are these products are safe for my cat?
Please consult with your veterinarian when choosing a product to ensure you have the best guidance possible for your cat’s case.
Do fleas have to bite my cat to die?
No. Neither the Seresto collar nor the collars with Tetrachlorvinphos require fleas to bite your cat. These collars kill fleas and ticks on contact.
I’ve used flea products in the past, but none seem to work. Why?
The most common reason flea products do not work is that pet parents inconsistently administer them. For a flea infestation, it takes a minimum of 90 days to effectively eradicate fleas using not only flea treatments for your pet but also flea treatments for the environment. It is simpler, more affordable, and less stressful to be consistent with preventative treatments.
