Fleas are a pet parent’s worst nightmare. Not only is it incredibly disgusting to think about sharing your home with hundreds or thousands of minuscule bugs, but fleas can torment your cat. They can cause your cat to obsessively scratch at itself, which can lead to open wounds and severe infections. Fleas can also carry tapeworm and the bacteria that causes cat scratch disease. In addition, it is hazardous for kittens to encounter these pests as kittens are prone to flea-related anemia1. If your cat is exhibiting symptoms of fleas, you’ll need to take control as soon as possible. Thankfully, there are several treatments you can try at home to kill the infestation before it gets worse. Keep reading to find our reviews for the best flea treatment options available for Canadian cat owners.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Advantage II Large Cat
Works on contact
Waterproof formula
Three pack size options
Check Price
Best Value
Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb
Drug-free flea treatment option
Great for most coat types and length
Can be used over and over
Check Price
Premium Choice
Capstar
Easy to administer oral tablet
Works fast
Comes with six tablets
Check Price
Best for Kittens
Advantage II Kitten
Comes with two doses
Works on all flea life stages
Kills on contact
Check Price
FIFIPETS
Works against ticks and sarcoptic mange
Natural ingredients
Can be calming
Check Price
The 5 Best Cat Flea Treatments in Canada
- Advantage II Large Cat – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Form: Liquid solution
Life Stage: Adults over 9 lbs
Generic Name: Imidacloprid & Pyriproxyfen
Advantage II Large Cat is the best overall cat flea treatment available in Canada. This product is designed for adult cats that weigh over nine pounds. This veterinarian-recommended treatment works on contact to kill all life stages of fleas, breaking the life cycle and preventing further infestations. The formula is waterproof and will work for up to one month. It’s available in packs of two, four, or six treatments, so you can pick the option that works best for your household. Imidacloprid attacks the flea’s nervous system to paralyze and kill them, while Pyriproxyfen acts as an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) to kill the eggs and larvae. Though we reviewed their Large Cat treatment today, they also have options for cats of different weights. While this formula is easy to apply, some consumers found that it didn’t absorb as quickly as expected. Pros
Works on contact
Waterproof formula
Three pack size options
Prevents re-infestation
Cons
May not absorb as fast as expected
- Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb– Best Value
Check Latest Price
Form: Brush
Life Stage: All ages
Generic Name: N/A
If you’re searching for the best flea treatment in Canada for the money, you can’t go wrong with this comb from Hartz. This comb features extra-fine teeth that can brush away adult fleas and eggs. Its unique design works for cats and dogs with nearly any coat type or length. Then, when your cat is flea-free, you can use this comb again for regular grooming. You should wash it in hot soapy water first to ensure all the fleas, their larvae, and eggs are long gone. The comb is comfortable to hold and easy to control thanks to its ergonomic handle. There are some reports of this comb not working well on cats with long fur. Pros
Drug-free flea treatment option
Great for most coat types and length
Can be used over and over
Affordable
Comfortable to use
Cons
Not effective on long coats
- Capstar– Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Form: Oral tablet
Life Stage: All Life Stages
Generic Name: Nitenpyram
For many pet owners, money is no object when it comes to combating fleas. Though Capstar’s treatment is a little pricier than others on our list, it is worth the investment. This treatment is an oral tablet that can begin killing fleas in as little as 30 minutes. The package comes with six fast-acting tablets you can administer daily until the flea problem is resolved. It’s designed for use in both cats and dogs and is meant for animals weighing under 24 pounds. Please note that this product is designed to kill adult fleas only. Pros
Easy to administer oral tablet
Works fast
Comes with six tablets
Cons
Does not kill eggs and larvae
- Advantage II Kitten – Best for Kittens
Check Latest Price
Form: Liquid solution
Life Stage: Kitten
Generic Name: Imidacloprid & Pyriproxyfen
Advantage II Kitten is a vet-recommended treatment that can kill all life stages of fleas on kittens over eight weeks. This treatment is recommended for cats between two to five pounds. It goes to work within 12 hours and can kill eggs, larvae, and adult fleas on contact. Since it works on all flea life stages, it can prevent re-infestation. This formula is waterproof, so it will keep working even after you bathe your kitten. It comes with two months’ worth of topical treatments, so if, for some reason, the problem is not solved after the first treatment, you will have another chance. Please do not allow your kitten to clean itself until after this product has had a chance to dry. Pros
Comes with two doses
Works on all flea life stages
Kills on contact
Waterproof
Cons
Kitten must not lick itself after application
- FIFIPETS Flea Collar
Check Latest Price
Form: Collar
Life Stage: All Stages
Generic Name: N/A
This flea collar can provide eight months of protection and prevention against fleas. It features ingredients such as linaloe oil, citronella oil, lavender oil, and lemon eucalyptus. Each ingredient serves a different purpose. For example, the lemon eucalyptus provides antibacterial and insecticidal properties, while lavender oil can treat itchy skin. Citronella oil can repel insects, while linaloe oil is a calmative. This collar is said to help protect cats and dogs from lice, sarcoptic mange, ticks, fleas, and flea larvae. It is easy to adjust to fit your cat’s neck comfortably. The collar does smell quite strong at first, so it may need to be aired out before use. Pros
Works against ticks and sarcoptic mange
Natural ingredients
Can be calming
Cons
Smelly
Buyer’s Guide: What You Need to Know About Cat Flea Treatments in Canada
Fleas are not a rite of passage for every pet owner and it’s not something you should take lightly, either. The moment you suspect your cat has fleas is the moment you need to start treating them. Before treating your kitty, you should learn a little more about fleas and what you need to do to prevent them from returning. How Do I Know If My Cat Has Fleas? There are some telltale signs your cat will exhibit if it has fleas. The sooner you can catch the problem, the easier it’ll be to deal with. In addition, early detection can prevent the side effects that can be really tough on cats, such as tapeworms and anemia. Some of the most common signs of fleas include:
Hair loss
Increased itchiness
Peppery flakes on the fur (feces)
Skin redness
Skin irritation
Excessive grooming
Lethargy
Pale gums
How to De-Flea Your Home Did you know that a female flea can lay up to 50 eggs daily? These fleas can fall off your cat’s fur onto your bedding, furniture, and carpet. If you don’t address these fallen fleas, you could be dealing with a full-fledged infestation. As soon as you know your pet has fleas, it’s time to clean your home thoroughly. First, you’ll need to vacuum every nook and cranny of your space. Don’t forget to do any cushioned furniture and every crack in your flooring to ensure every egg is gone. It would help if you tossed the vacuum bag afterward or washed the canister with hot and soapy water. Remove any bedding or sofa covers and throw them into your washing machine. You can also put any of your cat’s beds into the wash if they fit. Use hot water to make sure no fleas survive the wash cycle. You might also consider using a chemical solution to treat your home. However, check with your veterinarian before using any chemical in your space as some can be toxic, especially if they’re not used properly. How to Prevent Cat Fleas in the Future Image Credit: Csaba Deli, Shutterstock Now that you have the best flea treatment for your cat, you need to do some work to prevent your cat from getting fleas in the future. If your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, you may want to cut back on their outdoor time. If that is impossible with your adventurous kitty, you’ll need to ensure fleas no longer call your yard home. Cut your grass and reduce any areas of brush where fleas might hide. You could also treat your yard with a flea prevention product, but check to see if it’s safe for use around pets first. Next, keep up with your housework. Do a thorough vacuum once a week for several months after your cat’s initial contact with fleas. This is because adult fleas can survive up to three months, hopping on anything they can to survive. Researchers estimate that for every adult flea you find, there could be as many as 100 immature ones ready to pounce. Larvae can lie dormant for nine months, so even if you think you’ve taken care of your flea problem, it can come back down the road. Regular vacuuming can remove any leftover eggs and larvae. Can Fleas Kill My Cat? Not only are fleas a total nuisance, but they can also be deadly if not addressed quickly enough. Kittens are the cat demographic most at risk of developing severe complications after contracting fleas. When kittens get fleas, they don’t always have the classic symptoms like itchy skin. Since their bodies are small, they risk developing anemia due to the blood loss caused by fleas feeding on them. The signs of anemia to be on the lookout for include:
Pale gums
Inappetence
Weakness
Lethargy
Collapse
If you believe your kitten may have fleas, you must see a vet as soon as possible. They can address the problem and provide the prompt treatment your kitten needs.
Conclusion The best overall cat flea treatment available in Canada is Advantage II for its fast-acting and waterproof formula. The best value option is Hartz’s flea comb as it’s an affordable and drug-free option. For a little more money, you can try our premium pick: Capstar’s oral tablets. The tablets start killing fleas in as little as 30 minutes so you can get your home flea free faster. Flea treatments can be challenging to find in Canada, especially if you prefer shopping online. However, if none of the five reviews above spoke to you, we recommend reaching out to your vet for advice. They can provide recommendations and even treat your cat in the office.
Featured Image Credit: Simone Hogan, Shutterstock Sources
Protect Your Cat and Home From Fleas How to Get Rid of Cat Fleas and Keep Them Away Treating and Preventing Fleas on Your Pet What Do Fleas Look Like on Cats?
Fleas are a pet parent’s worst nightmare. Not only is it incredibly disgusting to think about sharing your home with hundreds or thousands of minuscule bugs, but fleas can torment your cat. They can cause your cat to obsessively scratch at itself, which can lead to open wounds and severe infections. Fleas can also carry tapeworm and the bacteria that causes cat scratch disease. In addition, it is hazardous for kittens to encounter these pests as kittens are prone to flea-related anemia1.
If your cat is exhibiting symptoms of fleas, you’ll need to take control as soon as possible. Thankfully, there are several treatments you can try at home to kill the infestation before it gets worse. Keep reading to find our reviews for the best flea treatment options available for Canadian cat owners.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Advantage II Large Cat
Works on contact
Waterproof formula
Three pack size options
Check Price
Best Value
Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb
Drug-free flea treatment option
Great for most coat types and length
Can be used over and over
Check Price
Premium Choice
Capstar
Easy to administer oral tablet
Works fast
Comes with six tablets
Check Price
Best for Kittens
Advantage II Kitten
Comes with two doses
Works on all flea life stages
Kills on contact
Check Price
FIFIPETS
Works against ticks and sarcoptic mange
Natural ingredients
Can be calming
Check Price
The 5 Best Cat Flea Treatments in Canada
- Advantage II Large Cat – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Form: Liquid solution
Life Stage: Adults over 9 lbs
Generic Name: Imidacloprid & Pyriproxyfen
Advantage II Large Cat is the best overall cat flea treatment available in Canada. This product is designed for adult cats that weigh over nine pounds. This veterinarian-recommended treatment works on contact to kill all life stages of fleas, breaking the life cycle and preventing further infestations. The formula is waterproof and will work for up to one month. It’s available in packs of two, four, or six treatments, so you can pick the option that works best for your household. Imidacloprid attacks the flea’s nervous system to paralyze and kill them, while Pyriproxyfen acts as an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) to kill the eggs and larvae. Though we reviewed their Large Cat treatment today, they also have options for cats of different weights.
Check Latest Price
Form: Liquid solution
Life Stage: Adults over 9 lbs
Generic Name: Imidacloprid & Pyriproxyfen
While this formula is easy to apply, some consumers found that it didn’t absorb as quickly as expected.
Pros
Works on contact
Waterproof formula
Three pack size options
Prevents re-infestation
Cons
May not absorb as fast as expected
- Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb– Best Value
Check Latest Price
Form: Brush
Life Stage: All ages
Generic Name: N/A
If you’re searching for the best flea treatment in Canada for the money, you can’t go wrong with this comb from Hartz. This comb features extra-fine teeth that can brush away adult fleas and eggs. Its unique design works for cats and dogs with nearly any coat type or length. Then, when your cat is flea-free, you can use this comb again for regular grooming. You should wash it in hot soapy water first to ensure all the fleas, their larvae, and eggs are long gone. The comb is comfortable to hold and easy to control thanks to its ergonomic handle.
Works on contact
Waterproof formula
Three pack size options
Prevents re-infestation
- Works on contact
- Waterproof formula
- Three pack size options
- Prevents re-infestation
May not absorb as fast as expected
- May not absorb as fast as expected
Form: Brush
Life Stage: All ages
Generic Name: N/A
There are some reports of this comb not working well on cats with long fur.
Pros
Drug-free flea treatment option
Great for most coat types and length
Can be used over and over
Affordable
Comfortable to use
Cons
Not effective on long coats
- Capstar– Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Form: Oral tablet
Life Stage: All Life Stages
Generic Name: Nitenpyram
For many pet owners, money is no object when it comes to combating fleas. Though Capstar’s treatment is a little pricier than others on our list, it is worth the investment. This treatment is an oral tablet that can begin killing fleas in as little as 30 minutes. The package comes with six fast-acting tablets you can administer daily until the flea problem is resolved. It’s designed for use in both cats and dogs and is meant for animals weighing under 24 pounds.
Drug-free flea treatment option
Great for most coat types and length
Can be used over and over
Affordable
Comfortable to use
- Drug-free flea treatment option
- Great for most coat types and length
- Can be used over and over
- Affordable
- Comfortable to use
Not effective on long coats
- Not effective on long coats
Form: Oral tablet
Life Stage: All Life Stages
Generic Name: Nitenpyram
Please note that this product is designed to kill adult fleas only.
Pros
Easy to administer oral tablet
Works fast
Comes with six tablets
Cons
Does not kill eggs and larvae
- Advantage II Kitten – Best for Kittens
Check Latest Price
Form: Liquid solution
Life Stage: Kitten
Generic Name: Imidacloprid & Pyriproxyfen
Advantage II Kitten is a vet-recommended treatment that can kill all life stages of fleas on kittens over eight weeks. This treatment is recommended for cats between two to five pounds. It goes to work within 12 hours and can kill eggs, larvae, and adult fleas on contact. Since it works on all flea life stages, it can prevent re-infestation. This formula is waterproof, so it will keep working even after you bathe your kitten. It comes with two months’ worth of topical treatments, so if, for some reason, the problem is not solved after the first treatment, you will have another chance.
Easy to administer oral tablet
Works fast
Comes with six tablets
- Easy to administer oral tablet
- Works fast
- Comes with six tablets
Does not kill eggs and larvae
- Does not kill eggs and larvae
Form: Liquid solution
Life Stage: Kitten
Generic Name: Imidacloprid & Pyriproxyfen
Please do not allow your kitten to clean itself until after this product has had a chance to dry.
Pros
Comes with two doses
Works on all flea life stages
Kills on contact
Waterproof
Cons
Kitten must not lick itself after application
- FIFIPETS Flea Collar
Check Latest Price
Form: Collar
Life Stage: All Stages
Generic Name: N/A
This flea collar can provide eight months of protection and prevention against fleas. It features ingredients such as linaloe oil, citronella oil, lavender oil, and lemon eucalyptus. Each ingredient serves a different purpose. For example, the lemon eucalyptus provides antibacterial and insecticidal properties, while lavender oil can treat itchy skin. Citronella oil can repel insects, while linaloe oil is a calmative. This collar is said to help protect cats and dogs from lice, sarcoptic mange, ticks, fleas, and flea larvae. It is easy to adjust to fit your cat’s neck comfortably.
Comes with two doses
Works on all flea life stages
Kills on contact
Waterproof
- Comes with two doses
- Works on all flea life stages
- Kills on contact
- Waterproof
Kitten must not lick itself after application
- Kitten must not lick itself after application
Form: Collar
Life Stage: All Stages
Generic Name: N/A
The collar does smell quite strong at first, so it may need to be aired out before use.
Pros
Works against ticks and sarcoptic mange
Natural ingredients
Can be calming
Cons
Smelly
Buyer’s Guide: What You Need to Know About Cat Flea Treatments in Canada
Fleas are not a rite of passage for every pet owner and it’s not something you should take lightly, either. The moment you suspect your cat has fleas is the moment you need to start treating them. Before treating your kitty, you should learn a little more about fleas and what you need to do to prevent them from returning.
Works against ticks and sarcoptic mange
Natural ingredients
Can be calming
- Works against ticks and sarcoptic mange
- Natural ingredients
- Can be calming
Smelly
- Smelly
How Do I Know If My Cat Has Fleas?
There are some telltale signs your cat will exhibit if it has fleas. The sooner you can catch the problem, the easier it’ll be to deal with. In addition, early detection can prevent the side effects that can be really tough on cats, such as tapeworms and anemia.
Some of the most common signs of fleas include:
Hair loss
Increased itchiness
Peppery flakes on the fur (feces)
Skin redness
Skin irritation
Excessive grooming
Lethargy
Pale gums
Hair loss
Increased itchiness
Peppery flakes on the fur (feces)
Skin redness
Skin irritation
Excessive grooming
Lethargy
Pale gums
- Hair loss
- Increased itchiness
- Peppery flakes on the fur (feces)
- Skin redness
- Skin irritation
- Excessive grooming
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
How to De-Flea Your Home
Did you know that a female flea can lay up to 50 eggs daily? These fleas can fall off your cat’s fur onto your bedding, furniture, and carpet. If you don’t address these fallen fleas, you could be dealing with a full-fledged infestation.
As soon as you know your pet has fleas, it’s time to clean your home thoroughly.
First, you’ll need to vacuum every nook and cranny of your space. Don’t forget to do any cushioned furniture and every crack in your flooring to ensure every egg is gone. It would help if you tossed the vacuum bag afterward or washed the canister with hot and soapy water.
Remove any bedding or sofa covers and throw them into your washing machine. You can also put any of your cat’s beds into the wash if they fit. Use hot water to make sure no fleas survive the wash cycle.
You might also consider using a chemical solution to treat your home. However, check with your veterinarian before using any chemical in your space as some can be toxic, especially if they’re not used properly.
How to Prevent Cat Fleas in the Future
Now that you have the best flea treatment for your cat, you need to do some work to prevent your cat from getting fleas in the future.
If your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, you may want to cut back on their outdoor time. If that is impossible with your adventurous kitty, you’ll need to ensure fleas no longer call your yard home. Cut your grass and reduce any areas of brush where fleas might hide. You could also treat your yard with a flea prevention product, but check to see if it’s safe for use around pets first.
Next, keep up with your housework. Do a thorough vacuum once a week for several months after your cat’s initial contact with fleas. This is because adult fleas can survive up to three months, hopping on anything they can to survive. Researchers estimate that for every adult flea you find, there could be as many as 100 immature ones ready to pounce. Larvae can lie dormant for nine months, so even if you think you’ve taken care of your flea problem, it can come back down the road. Regular vacuuming can remove any leftover eggs and larvae.
Can Fleas Kill My Cat?
Not only are fleas a total nuisance, but they can also be deadly if not addressed quickly enough. Kittens are the cat demographic most at risk of developing severe complications after contracting fleas.
When kittens get fleas, they don’t always have the classic symptoms like itchy skin. Since their bodies are small, they risk developing anemia due to the blood loss caused by fleas feeding on them.
The signs of anemia to be on the lookout for include:
Pale gums
Inappetence
Weakness
Lethargy
Collapse
If you believe your kitten may have fleas, you must see a vet as soon as possible. They can address the problem and provide the prompt treatment your kitten needs.
Pale gums
Inappetence
Weakness
Lethargy
Collapse
- Pale gums
- Inappetence
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Collapse
Conclusion
The best overall cat flea treatment available in Canada is Advantage II for its fast-acting and waterproof formula. The best value option is Hartz’s flea comb as it’s an affordable and drug-free option. For a little more money, you can try our premium pick: Capstar’s oral tablets. The tablets start killing fleas in as little as 30 minutes so you can get your home flea free faster.
Flea treatments can be challenging to find in Canada, especially if you prefer shopping online. However, if none of the five reviews above spoke to you, we recommend reaching out to your vet for advice. They can provide recommendations and even treat your cat in the office.
Featured Image Credit: Simone Hogan, Shutterstock
Sources
Protect Your Cat and Home From Fleas How to Get Rid of Cat Fleas and Keep Them Away Treating and Preventing Fleas on Your Pet What Do Fleas Look Like on Cats?
- Protect Your Cat and Home From Fleas
- How to Get Rid of Cat Fleas and Keep Them Away
- Treating and Preventing Fleas on Your Pet
- What Do Fleas Look Like on Cats?
