Cat Flea and Tick Prevention Guide

Fleas and ticks aren’t just annoying—they carry serious diseases.

Why Year-Round Prevention

Fleas survive indoors year-round in heated homes. Ticks are active whenever temperatures exceed 40°F. Skip prevention during “winter months” at your cat’s peril.

Types of Preventatives

Topical (Spot-On)

• Applied monthly to back of neck
• Waterproof once dry
• Examples: Advantage II, Frontline Plus

Oral Medications

• Chewable pills given monthly
• Some kill fleas and ticks
• Easy for multi-pet households
• Examples: Bravecto, Comfortis

Collars

• Long-lasting (up to 8 months)
• Some require good contact with skin
• Examples: Seresto (8 months)

Injections

• Every 6-12 months
• Vet-administered
• Only covers fleas (usually)

Natural Prevention Options

Limited effectiveness but can help:

• Regular brushing with flea comb
• Frequent vacuuming
• Washing bedding weekly
• Diatomaceous earth (outdoor areas)
• Cedar mulch (outdoor)

Treating an Infestation

On Your Cat

• Bathe with flea shampoo
• Use flea comb to remove adults
• Apply preventative immediately

In Your Home

1. Vacuum everything (carpets, furniture, crevices)
2. Wash all bedding in hot water
3. Consider professional extermination
4. Treat yard with nematodes or pesticides

Treat All Pets

Every pet in home must be treated simultaneously.

Signs Your Cat Has Fleas

• Excessive scratching
• Hair loss (especially on back/tail)
• Red bumps or scabs
• Flea dirt (looks like black pepper)
• Seeing fleas (fast-moving brown specs)

Diseases Fleas and Ticks Carry

Fleas:

• Tapeworms
• Cat scratch disease
• Murine typhus

Ticks:

• Lyme disease
• Cytauxzoonosis (often fatal in cats)
• Anaplasmosis