The Ultimate Guide to Preventative Flea Medicine for Cats: Comparison Chart Included

1. Activyl is a prescription-only medication.
2. Its active ingredient is indoxacarb, which is not considered controversial.
3. Activyl is designed to treat fleas and ticks.
4. Activyl also treats a variety of common internal parasites, including hookworms and roundworms.
5. One application is effective for one month.
6. Activyl is safe for kittens over 8 weeks old.
7. There is no minimum weight requirement.
8. Reported side effects are rare but can include vomiting and hair loss.
9. Prices vary depending on package size and where it’s purchased, but a three-month supply can range from $30 to $50.
10. Activyl is administered topically, by applying the solution directly to the skin between the shoulder blades.

Advantage II is a topical treatment that kills fleas and lice and prevents them from reproducing.

1. Advantage II is an over-the-counter medication.
2. The active ingredients are imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen. There is some controversy surrounding the use of imidacloprid as it has been linked to adverse effects on bees and other pollinators.
3. Advantage II treats and prevents fleas.
4. Advantage II does not treat internal parasites.
5. A single application of Advantage II is effective for up to one month.
6. Kittens must be at least 8 weeks old to be treated with Advantage II.
7. There is no minimum weight requirement for Advantage II.
8. Possible side effects include skin irritation and hair loss at the application site.
9. The average price for a 4-pack of Advantage II is around $45.
10. Advantage II is administered topically, meaning it is applied directly to the skin on the back of the cat’s neck.

1. Advantage Multi is a prescription-only product.
2. The active ingredients in Advantage Multi are imidacloprid and moxidectin. Imidacloprid is a flea-killing agent, while moxidectin is effective against heartworms and intestinal parasites.
3. Advantage Multi treats and prevents fleas, heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
4. The medicine is known to treat more parasites than other products in its class.
5. Advantage Multi is applied topically once a month and is effective for 30 days.
6. The minimum age for treatment with Advantage Multi is 9 weeks old.
7. There is no minimum weight requirement for Advantage Multi.
8. Known side effects of Advantage Multi include skin irritation, hair loss, and behavioral changes.
9. The average price range for Advantage Multi is around $15-20 per dose, with a standard package containing 6 doses.
10. Advantage Multi is applied topically to the skin between the shoulder blades of the cat.

1. Capstar is available over-the-counter.
2. The active ingredient in Capstar is nitenpyram. There are no known controversial ingredients in Capstar.
3. Capstar is effective in treating fleas in cats.
4. Capstar does not have any known effects on internal parasites.
5. Capstar is administered orally and can be given once daily if needed. It is effective for up to 24 hours.
6. Capstar can be used in cats over four weeks of age.
7. Capstar is safe for cats weighing at least 2 pounds.
8. Some potential side effects of Capstar include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
9. The average price range for Capstar is $20 to $40 for a six-pack of tablets. Each tablet provides a single dose.
10. Capstar tablets are given orally and can be hidden in food or administered directly into the mouth.

1. Bravecto is a prescription-only medication.
2. The active ingredient in Bravecto is fluralaner. There are no known controversial ingredients in Bravecto.
3. Bravecto treats and prevents fleas and ticks.
4. Bravecto does not treat internal parasites.
5. Bravecto is applied every 12 weeks for flea prevention and every 8-12 weeks for tick prevention. It is effective for the entire duration between applications.
6. Bravecto can be used on cats 6 months of age and older.
7. There is no minimum weight requirement for Bravecto.
8. Possible side effects of Bravecto include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
9. The price range of Bravecto is around $50-$80 per dose, depending on the size of the cat. Each dose is typically a single treatment.
10. Bravecto is administered orally in the form of a chewable tablet.

1. Bravecto Plus is a prescription-only medication.
2. The active ingredients are fluralaner and moxidectin. Fluralaner has been known to cause adverse reactions in some cats, including vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Moxidectin can cause neurological side effects in cats with a mutation in the MDR1 gene.
3. Bravecto Plus treats and prevents flea and tick infestations, as well as ear mites.
4. Bravecto Plus also prevents heartworm disease and treats intestinal worms such as roundworm and hookworm.
5. The medication is applied topically once every 2 months.
6. Cats must be at least 6 months old and weigh at least 2.6 lbs to be eligible for treatment.
7. There is no minimum weight requirement for Bravecto Plus.
8. Some possible side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Neurological side effects such as tremors and ataxia may occur in cats with the MDR1 gene mutation.
9. The average price range is around $50-$60 for a single dose. One package contains two doses.
10. The medication is applied topically.
11.  

1. Catego is a prescription-only medication for cats.
2. The active ingredients in Catego are dinotefuran, fipronil, and pyriproxyfen.
3. Catego is effective against fleas, ticks, and chewing lice.
4. Catego is not known to be effective against internal parasites.
5. The application of Catego is necessary once a month for continuous flea and tick protection. The duration of its effectiveness is one month.
6. Catego can be used on cats that are 8 weeks of age or older.
7. There is no minimum weight requirement for using Catego.
8. Possible side effects of Catego include itching, redness, and hair loss at the application site. In rare cases, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation have also been reported.
9. The average price range for Catego is $20-30 for a 3-pack of treatments.
10. Catego is administered topically, with the solution being applied to the back of the cat’s neck between the shoulder blades.
11.  

1. Cheristin is a prescription-only flea medication.
2. The active ingredient in Cheristin is spinetoram. This ingredient has not been reported as controversial.
3. Cheristin treats and prevents flea infestations in cats.
4. Cheristin only treats external parasites, specifically fleas.
5. Cheristin is a monthly topical treatment.
6. Cats must be at least 8 weeks old to be eligible for Cheristin treatment.
7. There is no minimum weight requirement for Cheristin.
8. The most commonly reported side effect of Cheristin is hair loss or mild skin irritation at the site of application.
9. The average price range for Cheristin is around $50 for a 3-month supply.
10. Cheristin is applied topically to the skin on the back of the cat’s neck.

1. Comfortis is a prescription-only medication.
2. The active ingredient is Spinosad, which is generally considered safe for cats. However, some cats may have an adverse reaction to it.
3. Comfortis treats fleas on cats.
4. Comfortis does not treat internal parasites.
5. A single dose of Comfortis is effective for 30 days.
6. Cats must be at least 14 weeks old to receive Comfortis.
7. There is a minimum weight requirement of 2 pounds for cats to receive Comfortis.
8. Some cats may experience side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.
9. The average price range for Comfortis is around $80-$100 for a 6-month supply, depending on the cat’s weight.
10. Comfortis is administered orally once a month.

Overall, Comfortis is a prescription-only medication that is effective at treating fleas on cats. While it may not be effective for treating internal parasites, it is generally considered safe and easy to administer. It is important to follow the recommended dosages and monitor for any potential side effects.

1. Easyspot is an over-the-counter medication.
2. The active ingredient is fipronil, which is a controversial pesticide that has been linked to adverse effects in animals and humans.
3. Easyspot is used to treat fleas and ticks.
4. Easyspot does not treat internal parasites.
5. The medication is applied once a month and provides protection for 30 days.
6. Easyspot is safe for cats that are 8 weeks of age or older.
7. There is no minimum weight requirement for Easyspot.
8. The known side effects of Easyspot are vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
9. The average price range for Easyspot is $30-$40 for a three-month supply.
10. Easyspot is administered topically, with the medication being applied to the back of the cat’s neck.

1. Effipro Plus is an over-the-counter medication produced by Virbac.
2. The active ingredients are fipronil and pyriproxyfen, which are both widely used in flea and tick treatments. There are no known controversial ingredients.
3. Effipro Plus is effective against fleas, ticks, and chewing lice.
4. This medication is not designed to treat internal parasites.
5. The application of Effipro Plus is required monthly for optimal effectiveness, and it is expected to provide at least 30 days of protection.
6. Effipro Plus can be used on cats 8 weeks of age and older.
7. There is a minimum weight requirement of 1.5 pounds.
8. Side effects are rare but may include skin irritation, itching, and hair loss at the application site.
9. The average price range for Effipro Plus is around $50 for a pack of 3 doses.
10. The medication is applied topically, and the dosage is based on the weight of the cat.

1. Frontline is available both as a prescription and over-the-counter.
2. The active ingredients in Frontline are fipronil and (S)-methoprene. Fipronil is a widely used insecticide that has been associated with some controversy due to its potential to cause adverse effects in dogs. (S)-methoprene is an insect growth regulator that has been shown to be safe for use in cats.
3. Frontline treats and prevents infestations of fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats.
4. Frontline does not treat internal parasites.
5. Frontline should be applied every 30 days for continuous flea and tick prevention. The duration of effectiveness is 30 days.
6. Frontline can be used on kittens as young as 8 weeks old.
7. There is no minimum weight requirement for Frontline.
8. The most commonly reported side effects of Frontline are mild skin irritation at the application site and hair loss. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite can occur.
9. The average price range for Frontline is around $50 for a three-month supply. A standard package contains three treatments.
10. Frontline is administered topically, usually applied to the skin between the shoulder blades.

1. Frontline Gold is available both as a prescription and over-the-counter medication for cats.
2. The active ingredients in Frontline Gold are fipronil and (S)-methoprene. There are no known controversial ingredients in the product.
3. Frontline Gold treats a variety of external parasites, including fleas, ticks, and chewing lice.
4. The product is not designed to treat internal parasites.
5. The medication needs to be applied every 30 days to ensure continuous protection against parasites. The duration of its effectiveness is 30 days.
6. Frontline Gold is safe for cats eight weeks and older.
7. There is a minimum weight requirement of 1.5 pounds for cats.
8. Side effects are rare but may include skin irritation or redness at the application site.
9. The average price range for a three-dose package of Frontline Gold is around $50 to $60.
10. Frontline Gold is a topical solution that is applied directly to the skin on the back of the cat’s neck.

1. Interceptor Plus is a prescription-only medication.
2. The active ingredients in Interceptor Plus are milbemycin oxime and praziquantel, which are not considered controversial.
3. Interceptor Plus is effective in treating roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
4. Interceptor Plus is effective in treating heartworms.
5. Interceptor Plus should be given once a month, and the duration of its effectiveness is 30 days.
6. Interceptor Plus is safe to use on puppies and dogs over 6 weeks of age and cats over 8 weeks of age.
7. Interceptor Plus can be used on cats weighing 2.8 pounds or more.
8. The known side effects of Interceptor Plus include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
9. The average price range for Interceptor Plus is $50 to $80 for a six-month supply.
10. Interceptor Plus is administered orally, usually mixed with the cat’s food.

1. Heartgard is a prescription-only medication that is available through a veterinarian.
2. The active ingredient in Heartgard is ivermectin. There are no known controversial ingredients in Heartgard.
3. Heartgard is used to prevent heartworm disease in cats.
4. Heartgard is not known to treat any internal parasites other than heartworm.
5. Heartgard is typically given once a month, and its effectiveness lasts for one month.
6. Heartgard can be given to kittens as young as 6 weeks old.
7. There is no minimum weight requirement for Heartgard.
8. Known side effects of Heartgard in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In rare cases, it can also cause seizures or even death.
9. The price of Heartgard varies depending on the size of the package and the location, but it typically costs around $8-$10 per monthly dose. A standard package contains 6 doses.
10. Heartgard is an oral medication that is given to cats by mouth.

1. Para Defense for Cats is an over-the-counter product distributed by CAPInnoVet.
2. The active ingredient is the same as Advantage II, although the specific ingredients are not disclosed.
3. This medication treats fleas and ticks externally.
4. No information was found regarding internal parasites that it treats.
5. The product is applied every 30 days, and its effectiveness lasts up to 4 weeks.
6. Cats must be at least 8 weeks old to use Para Defense.
7. There is no minimum weight requirement specified.
8. No known side effects were found.
9. The average price range for a 3-month supply is $20-30.
10. Para Defense is administered topically.

1. Profender is a prescription-only medication.
2. The active ingredients in Profender are emodepside and praziquantel, which are not considered controversial.
3. Profender is effective in treating tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
4. Profender is effective in treating tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
5. Profender should be applied once a month, and the duration of its effectiveness is 30 days.
6. Profender is safe to use on kittens over 8 weeks of age.
7. Profender can be used on cats weighing 2.2 pounds or more.
8. The known side effects of Profender include hair loss at the application site, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and drooling.
9. The average price range for Profender is $20 to $40 per dose.
10. Profender is applied topically on the skin, usually on the back of the cat’s neck.

1. Program 6 Month Injectable for Cats is a prescription-only medication.
2. The active ingredient in Program 6 Month Injectable for Cats is lufenuron.
3. Program 6 Month Injectable for Cats is effective against flea infestations.
4. Program 6 Month Injectable for Cats does not treat internal parasites.
5. A single injection of Program 6 Month Injectable for Cats provides protection against fleas for 6 months.
6. Cats must be at least 6 weeks old to be eligible for treatment with Program 6 Month Injectable for Cats.
7. There is no weight requirement for Program 6 Month Injectable for Cats.
8. Known side effects of Program 6 Month Injectable for Cats include lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
9. The average price range for Program 6 Month Injectable for Cats is $50-$100, and a single injection is typically included in a package.
10. Program 6 Month Injectable for Cats is administered by injection from a licensed veterinarian.

Program also has an oral application.  

1. Program is a prescription-only medication.

2. The active ingredient in Program is lufenuron, which works by preventing flea eggs from hatching. It is not effective against adult fleas or other parasites.

3. Program is designed to prevent flea infestations in cats.

4. Program does not treat internal parasites.

5. Program is given orally once a month, and its effectiveness lasts for 30 days.

6. Program can be given to kittens as young as 6 weeks old.

7. There is no minimum weight requirement for Program.

8. Known side effects of Program are rare, but some cats may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite.

9. The average price range of Program is $40-$60 for a 6-month supply.

10. Program is administered orally in tablet form.

1. Revolution is a prescription-only medication.
2. The active ingredient in Revolution is selamectin, which is not considered controversial.
3. Revolution is effective in treating fleas, heartworms, ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and ticks (deer ticks).
4. Revolution is effective in treating roundworms and hookworms.
5. Revolution should be applied once a month, and the duration of its effectiveness is 30 days.
6. Revolution is safe to use on kittens over 6 weeks of age.
7. Revolution can be used on cats weighing 2.6 pounds or more.
8. The known side effects of Revolution include hair loss at the application site, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and drooling.
9. The average price range for Revolution is $55 to $85 for a three-month supply.
10. Revolution is applied topically on the skin, usually on the back of the cat’s neck.

1. Revolution Plus is a prescription-only medication for cats.
2. The active ingredients in Revolution Plus are selamectin and sarolaner. Selamectin is an anthelmintic and antiparasitic, while sarolaner is a flea and tick preventative.
3. Revolution Plus treats and prevents fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms.
4. Revolution Plus is known to have a broad-spectrum effect, treating more parasites than some other medications.
5. Revolution Plus is applied topically once a month, and it remains effective for 1 month.
6. Cats must be at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2.8 lbs to receive Revolution Plus treatment.
7. There is no minimum weight requirement.
8. Common side effects of Revolution Plus include hair loss, itching, and digestive issues, although these are rare.
9. The average price range of Revolution Plus is $20-$25 per dose, and it is sold in packages of 3 or 6 doses.
10. Revolution Plus is administered topically by applying the solution to the skin at the base of the cat’s head.

1. Seresto for cats is an over-the-counter product.
2. The active ingredients are imidacloprid and flumethrin. Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid that acts as an insecticide and flumethrin is a pyrethroid that acts as a tick repellent. There have been some controversies surrounding the use of neonicotinoids and their potential impact on pollinators.
3. Seresto for cats treats and prevents fleas and ticks.
4. Seresto for cats does not treat internal parasites.
5. The product provides 8 months of continuous flea and tick protection.
6. The minimum age for use is 10 weeks old.
7. There is no weight requirement.
8. Some known side effects include skin irritation and hair loss at the site of application.
9. The average price range for Seresto for cats is between $50 and $70 and includes one collar.
10. The product is administered by placing the collar around the cat’s neck.

1. Vectra for Cats is a prescription-only medication.
2. The active ingredients in Vectra for Cats are dinotefuran, pyriproxyfen, and permethrin. Some controversy surrounds the use of permethrin in cats due to potential toxicity, so caution should be exercised when using this product.
3. Vectra for Cats is designed to treat and control fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies, and lice.
4. Vectra for Cats is not indicated for the treatment of internal parasites.
5. The medication should be applied monthly for maximum effectiveness. It is designed to provide protection for one month.
6. Vectra for Cats can be used on cats that are at least 8 weeks old.
7. There is no minimum weight requirement for Vectra for Cats.
8. Known side effects of Vectra for Cats include skin irritation, hair loss, and changes in behavior.
9. The price range for Vectra for Cats varies depending on the package size and the retailer, but it typically costs around $60 for a 6-month supply.
10. Vectra for Cats is administered topically, with the medication applied directly to the cat’s skin.