The Best Cat Flea Collar β€” Reviewed and Ranked

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: December 14, 2022
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Do you need a collar to treat your cat for fleas and ticks? Your feline friend deserves the best care possible, so as a cat owner, you do everything you can to ensure that he or she is healthy. When your cat starts itching incessantly, it may be time to invest in a cat flea tick collar.

The benefit of knowing whether it is fleas or ticks is that you will be able to identify them yourself. If you watch your cat’s fur closely, you’ll be able to spot fleas and ticks moving about. The majority of cats get fleas at some point during their lifetime, so don’t worry too much. A flea infestation can quickly spread throughout your home if you don’t nip it in the bud.

Thankfully, flea collars can effectively combat the problem. There are collars that can kill fleas and ticks that are already on your cat, as well as collars that can prevent flea infestations from happening in the first place! When searching for the best cat flea collar, you should consider a number of factors.

Check out this handy guide for everything you need to know about the best flea and tick collars for cats.

  1. Hartz Plus UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar for Cats
    • A collar can help repel ticks and fleas for up to seven months
    • Water-resistant
    • Reasonably priced
    • Has a pleasant scent 
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Adams Flea & Tick Collar for Cats, 2 Collars
    • Lasts up to seven months
    • Prevents ticks and fleas from laying or growing eggs on cats
    • A convenient breakaway mechanism for easy removal
    • Odorless, non-greasy
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Cats
    • Slow release active ingredients kill fleas, ticks, and larvae for 8 months
    • Adjustable collar is odorless and non-greasy
    • Visibility reflectors included with collar for outdoor cats
    • Suitable for cats 10 weeks and older
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. ShengKou Flea and Tick Collar with Essential Oils for Cats
    • Made from non-greasy, pure essential oils like citronella
    • Also includes Polyethylene
    • Suitable for cats 10 weeks old and older with a neck circumference of 13.8 inches or less
    • Waterproof protection
    • Repels fleas and ticks
    Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Cat Flea Collars Today

#1. Best Overall: Hartz Plus UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar for Cats

We recommend the Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea & Tick Collar for Cats as the best cat flea collar on the market.

Additionally, pet owners who are trying to save money will find it to be a great choice. Fleas and ticks will be killed off immediately by this product. It is extremely effective at preventing these little creatures from getting onto your cat in the first place as well. Using one collar can keep ticks and fleas away for up to seven months.Β 

In addition, this cat flea tick collar is water-resistant. This product is reasonably priced and has a pleasant scent that cats and their owners will enjoy. There is a possibility that some cats may be allergic to the active ingredients in this collar. The collar should be checked regularly to make sure your cat does not suffer from skin irritation or hair loss.

Pros and Cons of the Hartz Plus UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar for Cats

ProsCons
This is the most cost-effective option for flea collars.The active ingredients in this collar may cause allergies in some cats, so it’s important to monitor your cat’s skin.
Any ticks or fleas on your cat will be killed by the cat flea collar immediately.
You can use the collar for a period of seven months.
Best Budget
Hartz Plus UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar for Cats
  • A collar can help repel ticks and fleas for up to seven months
  • Water-resistant
  • Reasonably priced
  • Has a pleasant scent 
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Breakaway: Adams Flea & Tick Collar for Cats

You should consider the Adam Flea & Tick Collar for Cats if you want an excellent breakaway flea collar for your cat.

The Adams Flea & Tick Collar for Cats is another cat flea collar that lasts up to seven months. The collar contains an ingredient that prevents insects like ticks and fleas from laying eggs on cats. The collars are designed to kill fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, and three stages of tick life cycles. 

A convenient breakaway mechanism makes it easy to remove this affordable option. The collars both have an easy release snap, so if your cat accidentally gets caught on something, the collar will break free so your cat will not be injured. In spite of frequent exposure to rain and swimming, these collars remain effective. However, due to the active ingredients, this Adams collar is only recommended for households without children.

Pros and Cons of the Adams Flea & Tick Collar for Cats

ProsCons
The breakaway feature prevents your cat from being injured.Using it in households with young children is not recommended due to its active ingredients.
Ticks and fleas are killed at all life stages for up to seven months with this product.
This flea collar is completely waterproof.
Best Breakaway
Adams Flea & Tick Collar for Cats, 2 Collars
  • Lasts up to seven months
  • Prevents ticks and fleas from laying or growing eggs on cats
  • A convenient breakaway mechanism for easy removal
  • Odorless, non-greasy
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Premium: Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats

If you’re willing to pay a premium, the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats from Bayer is one of the best on the market. The collar is odorless, fits perfectly, works against fleas and ticks for eight months, and is veterinarian recommended.

Unlike topical treatments that must be applied monthly, the collar contains both Imidacloprid and Flumethrin that release slowly over eight months. In order to fit properly, the collar should be inserted through the buckle, and then excess material should be cut off. Within 24 hours, the collar begins killing preexisting fleas, and new fleas begin dying within two hours.

In addition to killing existing fleas and ticks, this collar kills their larvae to get rid of an infestation. The collar is also equipped with three reflectors to make it visible at night. While this collar is more expensive than others, it has been very successful with many reviewers, and it is definitely cheaper than monthly flea treatments.Β 

Pros and Cons of the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats

ProsCons
The collar features continuous flea and tick prevention for eight months.This flea collar is more expensive than many others.
It starts repelling and killing fleas within 24 hours of application.
Veterinary professionals recommend this flea collar.
During the night, your cat will be visible with the collar’s reflectors.
Best Premium
Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Cats
  • Slow release active ingredients kill fleas, ticks, and larvae for 8 months
  • Adjustable collar is odorless and non-greasy
  • Visibility reflectors included with collar for outdoor cats
  • Suitable for cats 10 weeks and older
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Natural: ShengKou Flea and Tick Collar with Essential Oils for Cats

ShengKou’s Flea and Tick Collar with Essential Oils for Cats is a natural alternative for your cat if you’re looking for something more natural.

Those who prefer products made with pure essential oils will love this safe, effective flea and tick collar for cats. The active ingredients in this flea collar include lemon eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, and linaloe oil. As the active ingredients are administered in low doses, they are distributed evenly over the skin of your cat.

The collar is water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it losing its effectiveness in bad weather. Additionally, the collar was developed by veterinarians and lab-tested for safety. Furthermore, it is environmentally friendly. Despite its benefits, this collar may cause your cat’s skin to be irritated because it uses essential oils. Essential oils can also cause adverse reactions in cats, just as they do in humans. Make sure your cat does not react badly to any of the essential oil ingredients in this collar.

Pros and Cons of the ShengKou Flea and Tick Collar with Essential Oils for Cats

ProsCons
If you prefer using natural essential oils over chemical ones, this is a great choice.It is important to monitor your cat’s skin for any irritation caused by essential oils.
It was developed by veterinarians and lab-tested for safety.
It is water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your cat wetting it and deactivating it.
Best with Essential Oils
ShengKou Flea and Tick Collar with Essential Oils for Cats
  • Made from non-greasy, pure essential oils like citronella
  • Also includes Polyethylene
  • Suitable for cats 10 weeks old and older with a neck circumference of 13.8 inches or less
  • Waterproof protection
  • Repels fleas and ticks
Check Amazon

How to Choose the Best Cat Flea Collar

Our cats deserve protection against pesky fleas and ticks. The last thing anyone wants is to see their cat suffering from an infestation. The flea collar market is still flooded with options, and choosing the right one may seem overwhelming. You shouldn’t let this worry you, however. It’s important to keep in mind that not all cat collars are the same. It is essential to buy one that is safe for your feline friend. Keeping that in mind, never use a dog’s flea collar on a cat. While shopping, you should also keep a few other things in mind.

Three main factors should be considered when choosing the right flea collar for your cat:

  • Active ingredients 
  • Duration 
  • Life stage 

In the following section, we will explore each of these factors in more detail:

Active Ingredients

It is important to know what ingredients are in a flea collar. There can be a lot of difference between collars. Imidacloprid, for instance, is dangerous for insects, but safe for humans and animals. As a result, the product is effective at deterring fleas and ticks. 

Often, you’ll see an ingredient called flumethrin as well, which is great for killing ticks! A pesticide known as tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) has been used for several decades to kill insects. However, veterinary advice should be sought if you are concerned about specific ingredients.

Duration

It is also important to keep in mind the length of time it will take for the flea collar to work. If you live in an area with warm weather throughout the year, you will want to choose a flea collar that lasts a longer period of time. There are some that last two months, while others may last up to eight months.

Life Stage

Kittens are more sensitive than older cats, so you’ll need to make sure your cat can handle a flea collar. The majority of the flea collars we reviewed stated that kittens under 12 weeks of age should not use them. You should keep in mind that when your pet develops, you’re most likely going to have to replace the item when your pet grows larger. They may be sized like a conventional collar, leaving two fingers between the collar and the neck of your cat.

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About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

The Best Cat Flea Collar β€” Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How do you remove a flea collar from a cat?

In most cases, cat flea and tick collars can be removed by simply snapping them off with scissors. For your cat’s safety, remember to cut away from him.

How long should you keep a flea collar on a cat?Β 

In most cases, flea collars can last up to three months before they need to be changed. It is possible to get up to eight months of use from some of the newer designs. While flea collars have few side effects, certain cats with sensitive skin may experience itching, redness, or hair loss.

How do you put a flea collar on a cat?

During her mealtime or playtime, when she is occupied with something else, you can put it on her. If you are alone with her, you can also choose a time when she is relaxed. Before you put the collar around your cat’s neck, place it on the floor near her so that she can become accustomed to it.

You should wrap the collar around your cat’s neck slowly and carefully when she is quiet and comfortable. When you first put the collar on, leave it on for a couple of minutes before removing it. You should leave the collar on your cat for longer periods of time every day.

How tight should a flea collar be on a cat?

A strong fit is required for flea collars. There should be enough room for two fingers to fit beneath. It might be possible for the cat to slip its leg through if it’s too loose. Putting on your cat’s collar may cause his neck muscles to stiffen up, so check the fit after a few minutes and readjust if necessary.

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