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The 5 Best Flea Treatments For Cats Of 2024, According To Veterinarians

Best topical Revolution Plus Topical Solution for Cats (3-pack)

Safe for use in kittens as young as 8 weeks, Revolution Plus Topical Solution treats, controls, and prevents more parasites than any other topical product, including roundworms, hookworms, heartworms, fleas, ticks, and mites.

Revolution Plus Topical Solution is the most complete parasite preventive for cats. It kills adult fleas before they can lay eggs and prevents heartworms. It also treats and controls ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and black-legged (deer), Gulf Coast, and American dog ticks.

Dr. Ashley Bourgeois, a veterinary dermatologist at Animal Dermatology Clinic, prefers Revolution Plus, saying that its active ingredients (selamectin and sarolaner) are very effective and well-tolerated by cats.

Dr. Keith Harper, a veterinarian at Hayward Veterinary Hospital, also likes Revolution Plus. "It's one of the most effective topical flea preventions on the market," he says. "I'm a fan of Bravecto as well; it's a longer-lasting flea prevention, effective against fleas and ticks." Bravecto contains fluralaner, which is in the same drug class as selamectin and sarolaner; it is also very effective and well-tolerated by cats. However, it doesn't control as many parasites and can't be given to kittens under 6 months of age.

Revolution Plus is easy to apply every 30 days to a cat's skin at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades. The liquid absorbs and dries quickly, leaving no residue. Unlike with some topical preventives, you don't need to wear gloves to apply it or avoid touching your cat after application. If you get the liquid on your hands, simply wash them with soap and water.

You'll need a prescription from your vet to buy Revolution Plus. Make sure to use it cautiously in cats with a history of neurologic disorders such as seizures.

Best OTC topical

We chose Frontline Plus as one of the best flea treatments for cats because it not only kills fleas and controls flea infestations, but it also kills ticks and chewing lice. The topical medicine protects for 30 days with one application, and fleas do not have to bite your cat for it to work — they die on contact.

Frontline Plus has two active ingredients, fipronil and S-methoprene, which work together to kill parasites and break the flea life cycle. Fipronil kills adult fleas and ticks, while S-methoprene prevents the development of immature flea stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae). It can sometimes take a little time of consistent use before all fleas are completely gone, especially with heavy infestations, since flea eggs can still be present in your home, says Bourgeois.

Frontline Plus is easy to use. Squeeze the contents of the tube onto one spot on your cat's skin between the shoulder blades. The liquid medication spreads across your cat's skin and gets stored in the oil glands. It then self-distributes continuously through the hair follicles throughout the month.

Keep in mind that this treatment does not prevent or kill worms. For that, we recommend using the best cat dewormers.

Best fast-acting

Comfortis Chewable Tablets are fast-acting and good for cats that can't tolerate topical flea preventives. Spinosad, the active ingredient in Comfortis, starts to work within 30 minutes and kills 98% of adult fleas within four hours.

Although topical flea control products are typically easier to use (no need to convince your cat to swallow a pill), there are some cases when an oral preventive is an ideal choice among the best flea treatments for cats. For instance, some cats with sensitive skin can't tolerate a spot-on treatment. "Comfortis is one of the ones I like," Harper says. "It's harder to get the cat to take an oral product, but if you can manage it, it's a pretty effective oral flea medication. It's strictly and solely for fleas."

Comfortis is one of two oral flea control products available for cats; the other is Capstar Flea Control Tablets. Unlike Capstar, which kills fleas for only 24 hours, Comfortis protects cats against fleas for an entire month. However, Comfortis is not safe for kittens younger than 14 weeks old, while Capstar is safe for kittens as young as 4 weeks old.

Give your cat one of the beef-flavored tablets once a month. You can give them the tablet just before or after feeding your cat or hide it in a small amount of food. To purchase Comfortis, you will need a prescription from your veterinarian.

Best for young kittens

Available without a prescription, Capstar is the only flea control product safe for kittens as young as 4 weeks and weighing at least 2 pounds. Kittens must be at least 8 weeks old and sometimes older to be treated with other topical or oral flea control products.

With heavily infested cats, especially young kittens, it's important to eliminate fleas as quickly as possible. The active ingredient in Capstar, nitenpyram, works within 30 minutes and kills more than 90% of adult fleas in as little as six hours.

Capstar only protects against fleas for 24 hours, but it is safe to give daily if necessary. Since giving a cat a pill every day can be inconvenient, pet owners should follow up with one of the best flea treatments for cats that provides long-term flea control once their cat is old enough.

Best collar Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats

Regardless of the season, it's important to protect your feline friend from fleas and ticks. The Seresto collar may be a good option for your pet, as it can provide eight months of protection against fleas and ticks in all life stages. It's 24% off, which is a deal we haven't seen in months.

A March 2021 investigation by USA Today reported 1,700 animal deaths and other adverse reactions linked to Seresto flea collars. It's unknown if the EPA-approved pesticides used in the collar caused these incidents. You can read more about the safety of Seresto collars in our FAQs.

Flea collars were once a standard option for flea control, but they now take a back seat to the best flea treatments for cats that are topical and oral preventives. One standout in the category remains: the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar. It uses patented sustained-release technology for eight months of continuous protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, and ticks.

The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar contains imidacloprid and flumethrin, which are released in low concentrations over your cat's skin and coat to kill fleas on contact. The water-resistant collar kills 100% of fleas within 24 hours.

While topical and oral medicines are the easiest and most effective form of flea control, there are instances when the Seresto collar might be a good option. Dr. Colleen Sawyer, a veterinarian at Rolesville Veterinary Hospital, says the collar may be a good choice for people who forget to give their cats monthly treatments. She also likes it for cats who can't tolerate topical flea products and resist taking pills. Bourgeois says the Seresto collar might also be a good choice for cats that roam outside often and whose owners don't see them consistently.

The collar is nongreasy, odor-free, lightweight, and adjustable for cats of all sizes. Your cat can wear it alongside their existing collar. If the flea collar catches on something, your cat can free itself thanks to a two-step safety system.

Although the EPA is reviewing the safety of the Seresto collar, Harper doesn't think pet owners need to stop using the collar if it's the best flea control for their cat. "The jury is still out," he says. "If you absolutely can't use any other form of flea preventive, I know the fleas are going to be a problem, so let's prevent that." Purchase a Seresto collar only from a reputable online retailer, brick-and-mortar store with a guarantee program, or your veterinarian. Before placing the collar on your cat, make sure it's authentic. You can call Elanco product support at 800-422-9874 to verify a collar is authentic.

What to look for in cat flea medicine

When shopping for flea medication for your pet, we recommend evaluating treatments using the same standards we applied to our top picks. As always, it's best to talk to your veterinarian before beginning any treatment.

Safety and efficacy: The product should be FDA- or EPA-approved.

Number of parasites treated: Flea preventives that treat additional parasites are ideal. Generally, the more parasites a preventive product covers, the higher we rated it. Among our recommendations, the exceptions are Capstar, the only treatment available for kittens younger than 8 weeks, and our OTC pick, Frontline Plus, which treats fleas, ticks, and lice.

Ease of use: Look for products that are easy to use. When comparing two similar products, the easiest one to apply may be your best bet. For instance, we ranked products lower if a person must wear gloves to apply the treatment or if children and pets must be kept away from the treated animal for a specified time.

Minimum age and weight: Cats must be above a minimum age and weight to use flea medications. For this reason, there are fewer options for young kittens.

Prescription vs. OTC: Some flea control products are available over the counter, while a veterinarian must prescribe other products. Prescription flea control products are usually more expensive than OTC options because they protect against more parasites, most importantly, deadly heartworms.

There is no treatment for cats with adult heartworms, and they will eventually die from the infection. Veterinarians recommend using a year-round heartworm preventive for all cats, whether they live indoors or out. They also recommend year-round intestinal parasite prevention. For these reasons, prescription flea control products that prevent heartworms and other parasites are the best choice for your cat. The more parasites you can prevent with one treatment, the better off your cat will be.

You can purchase prescription medicines from your vet or at online pet stores like Chewy, Petco, and Petsmart.

Types of flea and tick medications: There are various medications, including topical, oral, collars, shampoos, and sprays. They vary by cost, convenience, ease of use, and effectiveness. Your vet can help you choose the best type for your cat.

Topical preventives, often called "spot-on," kill fleas and prevent flea infestations.

Oral flea control products, or "flea pills," are given to a cat by mouth to kill fleas and prevent fleas.

Flea collars deliver medication to a cat's skin and coat.

Flea sprays are applied to the skin and coat; we do not recommend them because topical and oral products are more effective.

Flea shampoos kill fleas that are currently on your cat, but topical and oral flea control products are far more effective. Some flea shampoos are even harmful to cats since many contain pyrethrins. "Nowadays, flea shampoos are rarely if ever needed because the topical and oral flea products are much more effective and safer," Sawyer says. "For flea-infested animals, we typically give a fast-acting oral product such as nitenpyram [Capstar] and follow with a bath in Dawn dish detergent or another mild cat shampoo. You can use a flea comb to assist in removing dead fleas and flea dirt [flea feces]."

Natural vs. Synthetic: All three veterinarians we consulted do not recommend natural products, as they do not work nearly as well as topical and oral flea control products. "They are just not proven to be really effective," says Bourgeois. "My biggest concern with natural products is, even if they're safe, if they're not effective, that's not helping our pets." If you're considering using natural flea control products that contain essential oils, exercise caution because some essential oils can be toxic to cats.

How we selected the best flea treatments for cats

To find the best flea treatments for cats, we referred to the quick product reference guide published by the independent, nonprofit Companion Animal Parasite Council. This handy reference includes all FDA- and EPA-approved parasite control products for small animals. It lists each product's active ingredients, how to use the product, and which parasites it controls.

For additional expertise on preventing and treating fleas in cats, we consulted with three veterinarians: Dr. Ashley Bourgeois, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist with the Animal Dermatology Clinic in Portland, Oregon; Dr. Herman Jeffer, a veterinarian with Cornwallis Road Animal Hospital in Durham, North Carolina; Dr. Keith Harper, a veterinarian at Hayward Veterinary Hospital in Hayward, California; and Dr. Colleen Sawyer, a veterinarian with Rolesville Veterinary Hospital in Rolesville, North Carolina. Our veterinary experts did not specifically endorse any of the products included in this guide unless explicitly mentioned.

Cat flea treatment FAQs What is the most effective flea treatment for cats?

Our experts say topical and oral flea treatments are the most effective and easy to use. The best flea control product for your cat will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and preexisting health issues. Topical preventives are great for both killing fleas and preventing flea infestations. They are usually applied to the skin in one spot on the back of the neck once a month. They spread across the entire body as they dry, leaving no residue. Oral flea control products are given to your cat by mouth to kill fleas. Some pills kill fleas for up to a month; others require more frequent application to continue killing fleas, as often as once a day.

Which is better, Frontline or Advantage, for fleas on cats?

Frontline and Advantage both make two different topical flea control products. Frontline Plus, Frontline Gold, and Advantage II are available over the counter, while Advantage Multi requires a prescription from your vet. Frontline Plus is our OTC recommendation; it kills fleas at all life stages and protects against chewing lice and ticks. Frontline Gold protects against the same parasites as Plus and works faster but is significantly more expensive. Advantage II lost out to Frontline Plus because it does not kill ticks and may require more frequent applications to eliminate severe infestations. Advantage Multi does not kill ticks, but it prevents heartworm and treats and controls roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites. However, we recommend Revolution Plus for treating worms, fleas, and ticks due to its easier application.

How can you tell if your cat has fleas?

Although outdoor cats are more likely to pick up fleas, even indoor cats can get them when they go to the veterinarian or a boarding facility or when the family dog has them. Fleas can even hitch a ride indoors on your clothes or shoes. Signs of fleas in cats include scratching, skin irritation, and the presence of dark red or black specks on your cat's skin, fur, bedding, or furniture. These specks, about the size of grains of black pepper, are called "flea dirt" and are flea feces (or digested blood). To check your cat for fleas or flea dirt, run a flea comb through your cat's coat or part the hair with your fingers to examine the skin. If you find live or dead fleas or flea dirt, your cat has a flea infestation.

How harmful are cat fleas?

A severe infestation can seriously damage a cat's skin, induce an allergic reaction, or cause anemia from blood loss. Fleas can also spread parasites like tapeworms and may transmit diseases.

Why are some flea products dangerous to cats?

Never use a product on a cat if it is labeled only for dogs. Some ingredients that are well-tolerated by dogs can be toxic to cats. "Anything with a permethrin, also known as pyrethrin, should never be used on a cat," Sawyer says. "[Cats] are very sensitive to pyrethrins and can have significant neurologic side effects, even death. Never use a product labeled for a dog on a cat as it may have pyrethrins in it even if not exclusively mentioned on the label."

Is Seresto harmful to cats?

In March 2021, USA Today and the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting published a report alleging that the Seresto flea collar is linked to thousands of adverse incidents in pets and humans. To date, 2,500 pet deaths have been allegedly linked to the collar.

Elanco published a statement defending the collar's safety and efficacy. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Pet Poison Hotline followed suit. The EPA recommends pet owners read the entire label before using any flea collar and follow all directions carefully. Your veterinarian can provide additional safety guidance. If your pet has an adverse reaction, immediately remove the collar and call your veterinarian. Tim Carroll, EPA's press secretary, advises pet owners to contact the  National Pesticide Information Center and report adverse reactions to the EPA.

The 5 Best Cat Dewormers Of 2024

Best broad-spectrum Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer

Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer effectively eliminates several types of intestinal parasites including tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms.

What we like

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Veterinarian recommended

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Kills several types of worms

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Safe and reliable

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Kills all parasites within seven days

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low risk for side effects

What we don't like

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not for kittens younger than 8 weeks old or less than 2 pounds

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Can be hidden in food but may be difficult to administer if cat doesn't easily take pills

A broad-spectrum dewormer can knock out multiple types of parasites at the same time. We recommend Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer because it is safe, effective, and eliminates all parasites within seven days. No other cat dewormer kills as many different types of worms as Drontal. This dewormer features two powerful active ingredients, pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel, which together cover tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms.

To give your cat this medicine, place the tablet far back in their mouth until they swallow it or crumble and mix it into a small amount of wet food. Drontal has a very low risk for side effects and is safe for kittens and cats more than 8 weeks old and ranging from 2 to 16 pounds.

Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer requires a prescription from your veterinarian. Don't skip this step because cats may have other parasites that even broad-spectrum dewormers can't eliminate.

When using a broad-spectrum dewormer like Drontal, your cat may require one or more follow-up treatments to make sure all the worms are eliminated. If your cat has fleas, you should also use one of the best flea treatments for cats to prevent future tapeworm infections.

Best oral tapeworm dewormer Droncit Tablets for Cats

One Droncit tablet quickly and safely kills tapeworms in cats and can be given mixed with food.

What we like

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Kills tapeworms within 24 hours

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Easy-to-administer tablet

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Powerful active ingredient

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long-trusted brand name

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Single pills available for purchase

What we don't like

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some cats may experience salivation or diarrhea after taking

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not for kittens under than 6 weeks old

Droncit Tablets tackle tapeworm infestations quickly and safely in cats and kittens 6 weeks of age and older. They are conveniently sold per pill, unlike the other tapeworm dewormer we considered, Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer Tablets, which are sold in a three-pack and at a slightly higher cost per pill.

Each tablet contains 23 milligrams of the active ingredient praziquantel, which works to paralyze and eliminate tapeworms within 24 hours. This ingredient is effective against the most common species of tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis), eliminating them in a single dose. You can feed the tablet to your cat whole or crumbled and mixed with food.

Because cats can become reinfected by ingesting another flea, effectively eliminating tapeworms requires treating your cat for fleas as well.

Best topical tapeworm dewormer Centragard Topical Solution for Cats

One dose of Centragard Topical Solution quickly and safely kills tapeworms in cats, treats hookworms and roundworms, and prevents heartworms when given monthly.

What we like

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Kills tapeworms with one dose

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Easy-to-administer topical solution

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Treats and prevents roundworms and hookworms

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Prevents heartworms when given every 30 days

What we don't like

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not for kittens less than 7 weeks old or weighing less than 1.8 pounds

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not for use in pregnant or nursing cats

Centragard quickly and safely treats tapeworms and two other intestinal parasites (hookworms and roundworms) in cats and kittens 7 weeks of age and older. It is a great option for cats that won't take pills. Simply squeeze the liquid in one spot on the back of your cat's neck and allow it to dry. You can use Centragard one time to treat an infestation of tapeworms, hookworms, or roundworms, or give it monthly to keep your cat free from intestinal parasites and also prevent deadly heartworms.

Centragard contains the active ingredients eprinomectin and praziquantel, which work to kill worms and prevent future infections. These ingredients are effective against the two most common species of tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis), two species of hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Ancylostoma braziliense), one species of roundworm (Toxocara cati), and heartworms.

Because cats can become reinfected by ingesting another flea, effectively eliminating tapeworms requires treating your cat for fleas as well.

Best oral parasite preventive Interceptor Flavor Tabs

Given monthly, Interceptor Flavor Tabs prevent heartworms and treat and control roundworms, adult hookworms, and adult whipworms.

What we like

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Prevents heartworms

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Treats and controls roundworms, adult hookworms, and adult whipworms

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Easy-to-administer flavored tablet

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Protects for 30 days

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Safe for kittens as young as 6 weeks of age

What we don't like

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Can be difficult to give some cats oral medications

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some cats don't like the taste

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't protect against fleas, which transmit tapeworms

Interceptor is a great choice for pet owners who wish to give an oral preventive rather than a topical product because of the many parasites it protects against. In addition to preventing deadly heartworm disease, Interceptor Flavor Tabs treat and control roundworms, adult hookworms, and adult whipworms with the active ingredient milbemycin oxime. Each pill protects for 30 days, and it's safe for kittens as young as 6 weeks of age.

Interceptor is one of only two chewable parasite preventives available for cats, Heartgard being the other option. Unlike Interceptor, Heartgard only treats and controls one other parasite (hookworms) in addition to heartworms.

You can give your cat an Interceptor Flavor Tab as a treat or hide it in a small amount of wet food. You'll need a prescription from your veterinarian to purchase Interceptor. As with all heartworm medications, your cat needs a heartworm test prior to starting this preventive and once a year thereafter.

Best topical parasite preventive Revolution Plus Topical Solution for Cats (3-pack)

What we like

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Kills and prevents six types of parasites

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Once-monthly treatment

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Easy to administer

What we don't like

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Does not kill tapeworms

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Caution required in cats with a history of neurologic disorders

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not labeled for use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing cats

Our pick for best topical parasite preventive is Revolution Plus Topical Solution because it protects cats against six different parasites — more than any other topical preventive. Revolution Plus beat out the other topical preventive we considered, Bravecto Plus Topical Solution, because it is safe for kittens 8 weeks and older. Bravecto cannot be used for kittens younger than 6 months old. Revolution Plus also kills ear mites, while Bravecto does not.

Revolution Plus treats and controls two intestinal worms: roundworms and hookworms. It also prevents heartworms, treats and prevents flea infestations (killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs), and treats and controls ear mites and three different tick species (black-legged or deer tick, Gulf Coast tick, and American dog tick). It does not kill tapeworms.

Given every 30 days, this monthly spot-on treatment is simple to apply in one spot to your cat's skin between the shoulder blades. The medication, a small amount of liquid, is absorbed through the skin and dries quickly, leaving nothing behind. Unlike some other topical products like Advantage Multi and Bravecto, you do not need to wear gloves to apply Revolution Plus and you can touch your cat after application, even if the product has not completely dried. If you get the medication on your hands, simply wash them with soap and water.

Before choosing a broad-spectrum parasite preventive for your cat, have a conversation with your veterinarian who can advise you on what might be best depending on your cat's lifestyle and what parasites are most common in your area.

You must obtain a prescription from your veterinarian to purchase Revolution Plus. As with all heartworm medications, your cat needs a heartworm test prior to starting this medication and once every year after. Revolution Plus should be used with caution in cats with a history of neurologic disorders such as seizures.

What to look for in cat dewormers

It's important to take your cat to the vet before giving them a dewormer. If you suspect your cat has worms, always take them to the veterinarian for a physical exam and fecal test, which is an examination of the stool that reveals what type of worms your cat has.

"Generally speaking, if they have one parasite, they'll have multiple parasites," says Dr. Herman Jeffer, a veterinarian at Cornwallis Road Veterinary Hospital. "If they have roundworms, it's not uncommon to see tapeworms or other worms as well, or 'non-worms' like coccidia."

Certain single-celled microscopic parasites (protozoa), including coccidia and Giardia, cause symptoms similar to those caused by intestinal parasites, but they are not true worms. They require different prescription medications to treat them — dewormers won't help.

Even though some dewormers do not require a prescription, do not skip the vet visit since different drugs treat different worms. Your vet can also determine if your cat may have other health issues that need to be addressed.

"It's important to see your veterinarian so they can identify what parasites are present and then prescribe the appropriate deworming medication," says Dr. Colleen Sawyer, a veterinarian with Rolesville Veterinary Hospital. "Your vet can also explain any risks for human disease, which is also parasite dependent."

Depending on the type of worms found, your cat might also need follow-up deworming and a follow-up fecal exam to make sure no parasites remain. Your veterinarian can also identify any other health issues that might be going on aside from intestinal parasites.

How we selected the best cat dewormers

My knowledge about intestinal parasites and their treatment and prevention is informed by a 20-year career writing and editing for pet and veterinary publications. I also worked as an assistant in veterinary hospitals for eight years, where one of her jobs was conducting fecal tests to look for the presence of worms.

For this guide to the best cat dewormers, I consulted two veterinarians for advice regarding the treatment and prevention of intestinal parasites like tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms, as well as heartworms and ectoparasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. Although this information guided our product selection, our experts did not specifically endorse any of the products included in this guide. I also used the quick product reference guide published by the independent, nonprofit Companion Animal Parasite Council. It lists all FDA- and EPA-approved parasite control products for small animals, including each product's active ingredients and uses.

Here are the main attributes I looked for:

Safety and efficacy: I only considered FDA- or EPA-approved dewormers and preventives for this guide. We then consulted the Merck Veterinary Manual to ensure all ingredients in these products are known to be safe and effective for use in cats and kittens.

Number of parasites treated: In general, the more parasites a preventive product covers, the higher it was rated.

Ease of use: Products were rated lower if they were more complicated to use than a similar product. For instance, products ranked lower if the pet owner must wear gloves to apply the product or if children and pets need to be kept away from the treated animal for a specified amount of time.

Cat dewormer FAQs What is the best cat dewormer?

In general, Sawyer prioritizes products that provide both flea and heartworm prevention. "Heartworm disease, although rare, is not treatable in cats and has a high fatality rate," she says. "Coverage for ticks, immature life stages of fleas, and intestinal parasites are also important, and fortunately now there are products available that protect against all the above."

Are natural dewormers better for cats?

Jeffer says he has serious doubts about whether natural deworming products are effective. He points out that conventional, veterinarian-recommended dewormers are not only very effective but extremely safe to use. "They've all been used over decades, and there are very few to no side effects associated with them," he says.

Can indoor cats get worms?

Outdoor cats are most at risk of picking up intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms, as well as heartworms, fleas, and ticks. However, even indoor cats need parasite prevention. Fleas can be brought into the house by other pets or even on your clothing, and cats that live inside can still be exposed to other parasites. Jeffer says heartworms are the main risk for indoor cats. "Even one heartworm can potentially be fatal to a cat," he says. "Even if a couple of mosquitoes get into the house that happen to be carriers for heartworm disease, there's a chance that an indoor-only cat can get heartworms and can actually die from it."

Should you give cats parasite prevention medicine year-round?

Veterinarians recommend broad-spectrum parasite prevention for all cats. Some owners think their cats only need preventives in the spring and summer, but veterinarians recommend keeping cats on a broad-spectrum parasite preventive all 12 months of the year. Different parasites are active during different months, and parasite activity can vary depending on where you live. Additionally, parasites can become active earlier than expected, including in the winter. "It's a little bit of a gamble, especially with climate change and the unpredictability of the weather in most areas of the country," Jeffer says.

Indoor-outdoor cats are at high risk for contracting intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, and all cats, including those that live indoors, need prevention from deadly heartworms. Sawyer says parasites can find their way into your home in many different ways. This includes other animals like the family dog or small rodents. Humans can also bring fleas inside on their clothing or shoes, and mosquitoes that transmit heartworm disease can easily enter through open doors or windows.

Types of worms and their signs and symptoms

Cornell University veterinarians estimate that as many as 45% of cats have intestinal parasites at any given time. In adult cats, parasite infestations may cause mild to moderate digestive symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and gas. However, heavy infestations, especially in kittens, can lead to more severe digestive symptoms, weight loss, anemia, malnutrition, and restricted growth.

"We'll see cats coming in, for example, if they've been in a feral situation. They are anemic, bloated, they have chronic diarrhea and vomiting, their coats are brittle and unkempt, and they can be very depressed," Jeffer said. "Kittens can actually die from parasite infestations."

Some of the most common worms seen in cats are roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms.

Roundworms: Common in cats, especially in kittens, roundworms are large (3 to 6 inches), smooth, and round-bodied. You might not notice symptoms, particularly if your cat has only a few roundworms. In kittens, large numbers of worms may cause a pot-bellied appearance, vomiting, diarrhea, low appetite, dull coat, and restricted growth. You might also see roundworms in your cat's stool or vomit.

Tapeworms: If you see something in your cat's feces that resembles grains of white rice, or you notice them licking or biting the area under their tail, they could have a tapeworm infestation. Cats contract tapeworms when they ingest an infected adult flea. As the tapeworm grows, segments break off and pass in your cat's stool.

"Probably the most common kind of worm that pet owners are going to notice is a tapeworm," Jeffers says. "The cat might have other ailments that need to be addressed, so there are a lot of reasons to bring your cat to the vet to sort out which worm it is and to make sure there aren't secondary issues that are resulting from that infection."

Hookworms: Tiny worms nearly invisible without the assistance of a microscope, hookworms are blood-sucking parasites that attach to the wall of the intestines. Signs of hookworm infection in cats include anemia, weight loss, and dull coat. Hookworm-infested cats also sometimes have dark, tarry-looking stools.

The 9 Best Carpet Cleaners For Pets To Treat Stubborn Stains And Odors

Since dogs and cats create their own breed of mess, the best carpet cleaners for pets are designed to be powerful enough to remove the stains and stubborn odors our furry friends leave behind. Our favorite model overall, theBissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus, has several rows of brushes to handle the most intense cleaning sessions. For a compact option that won't break the bank, we're partial to Hoover's PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner for spot-cleaning smaller accidents.

Some of the best carpet cleaners for pets include built-in spot treaters and dual mopping-vacuuming ... [+] capabilities.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / IMAGE: RETAILERS

Carpet cleaners use a combination of water, cleaning solution, scrubbing and suction to effectively wash stains and smells out of rugs and carpets—far beyond the surface clean of a vacuum. Ahead, our team of home editors—who are experts at covering cleaning products across the board—curated nine of the best carpet cleaners for pets, including affordable, portable and multipurpose picks. And to keep your entire home fresh, see our stories on the best pet vacuums (which we thoroughly tested) and the best air purifiers for pets while you're at it.

Wayfair

Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus

If you've got a pet that's not the best at using the bathroom outside (or simply loves tracking mud indoors), you need a really powerful machine that can scoop up some serious gunk. That's where the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus comes in. This super intense cleaner is designed to eliminate the toughest pet stains and stenches, even promising to remove eau de skunk (yes, really). Enjoy multiple rows of dirt-lifting brushes, each of which scrubs deep into carpets. There's also an Express Clean Mode for when you need to get things clean and dry in 30 minutes and a built-in CleanShot pre-treater to help you fight those especially stubborn stains. A pet upholstery tool and tough stain tool keep you armed and ready for the next mess.

Amazon

Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner

It's rare to get a full-sized quality carpet cleaner for less than $200, but Hoover delivers with this model. This machine features a special PowerSpin Pet brush roll with antimicrobial-treated brushes to tackle odors, while the cleaner's HeatForce helps carpets to dry faster. This cleaner is also lightweight—just 12.5 pounds—making it easy to tote from room to room. While some carpet cleaners are behemoths, this version is also more on the petite side, making for easy storage.

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