Cat Flea Collars

Using cat flea collars to control an infestation is a quick and easy way to control these small, biting parasites.

Since fleas are only about 1-2 mm long, they're nearly impossible to see and chances are you won't notice them until you have a full infestation.  

Using a flea collar specifically formulated for cats is one of the most commonly used practices for flea control because the collars are inexpensive, easy to use and they're available over the counter.

However, it's important to understand a collar is more of a preventative measure and not necessarily a cure.  

Sure, they will kill the fleas or ticks that are biting your pet, but you also have to consider the fleas that are living in your pets bedding and throughout your home.

If you don't address the whole issue, you'll never get the entire problem under control.

So, the first order of business is to use a flea collar, then follow up with treatments in your home to eliminate any additional fleas to solve your problem for good.

Where Do Fleas Come From?

Fleas can be a big issue because they seem to appear out of nowhere.

Since fleas can jump surprisingly far for their size, chances are your cat picked them up when they were exposed to another animal with fleas, or when they roamed outside.

When a single flea feeds and lives on your cat, they can lay hundreds of eggs which soon develop into hundreds of fleas, leading to an infestation. 

So, in order to keep the issue under control, flea collars work great at stopping the problem before it even starts by repelling these nuisance fleas and removing the opportunity for your cat to bring the fleas inside your home.

How To Identify If Your Cat Has Fleas

Flea and tick activity commonly peaks during the spring as the outside temperatures begin to warm up.  

Since fleas are a parasite that feed on blood, your cat creates the perfect host for a hungry flea.

Some common signs of fleas are itching and excessive licking, especially on infested parts of their body.  

In more extreme cases you'll be able to see the fleas actually moving around on your cat.

Safari Flea Comb for Cats

One of the easiest ways to find fleas on your cat is to use a flea comb.  

The small, thin teeth on the comb allow you to brush out the fleas from your cats fur.  

You can use a white towel or pillow case to wipe off the comb which makes it easier to spot the fleas, or simply knock the comb off over a bucket of hot soapy water.  

This will kill any fleas that you brushed off your cat.

Brushing also gives you the opportunity to check the exposed skin for redness, bumps, dried blood and fecal matter left behind by biting fleas called "flea dirt."  

Flea dirt looks a lot like granules of pepper on your cats skin...which is a tell tale sign of fleas.

How Do Flea Collars Work?

Once you have confirmed your cat has fleas, or you believe your cat has been exposed to another animal that has them, using a flea collar will prevent the fleas from making your house their new home.

Cat flea collars have active ingredients that kill fleas and ticks on contact.

A good collar will slowly release the ingredients to provide long lasting prevention in a safe dosage for your animal which kills the fleas before they bite.

High quality flea collars will last for up to 8 months.  

This long lasting protection is great for cats who don't like to take pills or don't like the topical liquid treatments applied monthly to their coats.  

Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats

The Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar is a great choice for those looking for a quality flea collar that's safe and effective.  

Odorless and non-greasy, this collar will kill the fleas living on your cat within 24 hours and allow protection for up to 8 months.  

Plus, these collars have a special design that allows the collar to widen if the collar gets tangled or stuck on an immovable object, protecting your cat.

Are Flea Collars Safe For Cats?

Today's cat flea collars are known to be a safe treatment option for fleas and ticks, releasing minimal amounts of chemicals that repel the parasites without harming your cat.

Some studies have stated due to cats continuous licking and grooming, they can ingest some of the toxins released buy the collar, but the amount of toxins released are in such a small dosage it doesn't actually harm the cat.

Cat flea collars can cause allergic reactions though since the ingredients in the collars can be absorbed into the skin causing fur loss or irritation to the site.  

These reactions can show up 2-3 weeks after applying the collar, so keep an eye out for red or blistered areas, excessive scratching all over their body, or any unusual symptoms that arise after applying the collar.

If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to contact your local veterinarian.

Cat Flea Collars - Overall

Using a cat flea collar to protect your pet from biting fleas is a great option.  

Since cats typically don't like the topical applications that are applied monthly and getting them to take a pill is difficult to say the least......a flea collar is a safe and easy way to keep your home and cat protected from these unwanted pests.