Flea Collars For Cat Reviews & Buying Guide 2018

Fleas can be a huge problem if you have a cat. They can quickly spread from your cat to your home. It's better to prevent an infestation of fleas than it is to treat it. This is where a cat flea collar comes in handy. There are dozens of different brands and types available. This can make it overwhelming to choose a quality flea collar. We put together a buyer's guide that'll outline the important things to watch for with your new cat flea collar.

Cat Flea Collar Buyer's Guide

You want to know about the different types of flea collars before you decide on other criteria. This can help you narrow your initial choices down, so it's not so overwhelming.

Defining Flea Collars

A flea collar is used to protect your cat from a flea infestation. They're usually thin strips of a soft plastic material that wraps around your cat's neck just like a traditional collar. It delivers pesticides through contact with your cat's fur and skin. In turn, these pesticides work to kill the fleas and keep them away.

Different Types of Cat Flea Collars

Cat flea collars come in three broad categories. Each type works well to prevent and control flea infestations.

1. High-Frequency Collar

This type of collar emits a constant high-frequency sound wave. These sounds waves are too high for your cat to hear. However, fleas can hear them. The sound disorients them and makes them want to avoid the source of the sound. They'll move off of or away from your cat in an attempt to get away from the noise.

2. Chemical Collar

The chemical-based cat flea collar emits microscopic amounts of a noxious gas into the air. These chemicals linger around your cat. The fleas that are present on your cat die when they inhale these chemicals. However, it's concentrated. So, only fleas in and directly around your cat's neck region will be affected.

3. Topical Collar

The final type of flea collar is a topical flea collar. This type of collar has a residue on the outside of the collar. This powered substance rubs off on your cat's fur as they go about their day. It sinks into the flea's level close to their skin. The fleas die when they come in contact with the residue.

Effectiveness of the Cat Flea Collar

Depending on the type of collar, they'll have different effectiveness levels. Some collars can start working in as little as two hours. Other collars can take up to six hours after the initial application. Generally, they kill up to 90 percent of the fleas that are present by the end of the collar's life. Additionally, a single collar can last up to eight months.

Cat Flea Collar Advantages

There are several advantages that come with using a flea collar on your cat. They include:

Cat Flea Collar Considerations

Choosing a flea collar for your cat can be a daunting task. This is especially true for first-time cat owners. However, there are several general things you want to consider and watch out for.

Active Ingredients

You want to be able to identify all of the active ingredients on your cat flea collar's label. If you're not sure what something is, go to the manufacturer's website. They should list all of the active ingredients along with simple explanations of what they are and what they do. It should give specific ingredient names as well instead of broad terms.

Adjustability and Fit

There should be several possible adjustments for the flea collar possible. You want to be able to get a snug fit, so the collar doesn't shift around or fall off when your cat moves around. If you can't find one that has several size options, pick one that easily lets you adjust it.

Designed for Cats

There are flea tick collars for dogs and flea tick collars for cats. What is safe for a dog may not be safe for a cat. So, make sure that your collar is specially designed for a feline. If you're not sure about your collar's formula, don't be afraid to consult with your local veterinarian.

Durability

Your flea collar should stand up to wear and tear. You want it durable enough so that your cat can't shred it or get it in their mouths. The flea repellent may not react well with your cat's digestive tract. You want a flexible flea collar. Also, make sure to avoid collars that are brittle.

Longevity

At the very least, you want your flea collar to last through the warmer months of the year because this is when fleas are active. Some flea collars provide protection for two to four months. Other flea collars can work for up to eight months with a single collar. You might have to shop around to find one that lasts a long time.

Safety

All of the ingredients in and on your cat flea collar should be safe for them. They'll most likely end up swallowing some of it when they groom themselves. You don't want them to have a negative reaction because you didn't pay attention to the ingredient list. If you don't know what something is, don't be afraid to ask about it.

Waterproof

Your cat may not spend a lot of time in the water. However, they may get wet eventually. Make sure that your flea collar has a waterproof layer. This can help to extend your flea collar's effectiveness for several months. Additionally, it shouldn't leave a greasy residue behind for your cat to ingest.