The Best Flea Collars for Cats
Cat flea collars are collars that carry a parasite preventative which gets distributed along the whole body. In addition to killing any vermin on the feline coat, it also prevents any sort of infestation.
Cat Flea Collars
If you own a cat, then you know how challenging it is to give him a proper bath. It’s almost impossible when your pet is constantly trying to escape, along with biting and clawing at every chance he gets. Despite the looks of betrayal our feline pets give us, we endure it all just to keep them clean and most importantly – flea free! Unfortunately, the number of cats who likes water is rare and we folks have had to find an alternative way in feline pest control. Thus – Cat flea collars – takes the stage. Please note: If you are simultaneously a dog and a cat parent, you might wonder whether dog flea collars and cat flea collars are the same! Well, they are quite different and they vary between cats and dogs.
What Are Cat Flea Collars?
Simply put, “Cat Flea Collars” are collars that carry a parasite preventative which gets distributed along the whole body. In addition to killing any vermin on the feline coat, it also prevents any sort of infestation. Flea collars are very popular as they don’t have an allergic reaction to the typical “spot on products”. They are also low cost and just as effective as other treatments available. Many collars on the market also have additional features such as – reflective coating and breakaway designs. Others also feature toned-down version for kittens with adjustable fit.
What Are The Dangers of Fleas On Cats?
Fleas are more than an annoyance. Your beloved cat can be at serious risk of health issues if these parasites take control. Fleas are ectoparasites – they live by feeding off of their host’s blood. Without proper actions, they can cause diseases such as anemia, cat flu, tapeworm, and flea allergy dermatitis. Generally, cats keep themselves well groomed. However, in case of major outbreaks, you might need to take matters into your own hands. Pay attention if your cat is behaving differently – such as extensive licking and biting. It’s highly recommended that you check for fleas on a regular basis. This will help you prevent major outbreaks before they take hold. Use a flea comb to check for dead fleas. Adult fleas leave a small dark speck of digested blood. If you add water to the spec, it will turn red and you’ll know that you’ve got a flea problem. It’s true that flea collars work well with low cost and maintenance – however, prevention is always a better option than treatment.
How Do Cat Flea Collars Work?
Depending on the formulation of the insecticides used, the designs for the collars differ with each manufacturer.
In general, there are two types - Solid & LIquid.
1. Solid
Here, the insecticide and resin are mixed together in a unique way. The collar rubs with the cat’s skin and fur, releasing the chemical over time. If the insecticide is a dispersion type, then fleas only need to make contact with the chemical to work. For absorption type insecticides, fleas need to bite the cat skin.
2. Liquid
Liquid insecticides are mostly released in the form of a gas. They are very effective in their flea repelling qualities. However, the gas form makes it inefficient in killing pests.
Insecticides Used in Flea Collars
Ingredients that only kill adult fleas are Imidacloprid and Fipronil. They are also known as adulticides and mixed with Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) which makes the adult fleas, eggs, and larvae sterile. This stops the reproduction process and in time end the entire life cycle of the fleas. Commonly used IGRs are Pyriproxyfen and S-methoprene.
How Effective Are Flea Collars for Cats?
Some manufacturers combine IGR and adulticides to make an excellent combination in fighting fleas and ticks. A good quality flea collar will kill all adult fleas within 24 hours and will continue protecting the animal for up to 8 months. Water is the only element that can reduce the efficiency of these flea collars. That is why many collars are now “waterproof” – meaning a monthly bath or so will keep the collar in good shape. Keep in mind that the flea collar only protects your cat. It does not protect the eggs, larvae, and pupae anywhere else in the house. The IGRs help a little but take time to work. The number of fleas you see on your cat is only but a fraction of the infestation. In the overall flea population, 5% represents adults, 50% are eggs, 35% represent larvae, and the rest of the 10% are pupae.
Best Flea Collars for Cat Reviews
Finding the right collar for your cat amongst thousands of choices can be overwhelming. Here are a few select choices that deliver the best performance in terms of price.
1. Bayer Seresto
Bayer Seresto cat flea collars are all highly recommended by veterinarians. They are one of the primary reasons cat collars are regaining their popularity. The collar is very easy to use and comes with a quick release mechanism. It’s odorless and leaves no mess or greasy stains. Broad spectrum insecticides such as Imidacloprid and Flumethrin are used in the collar. They kill all fleas within 24 hours and any new fleas within 2 hours. Your cat will be protected for 8 continuous months through their low-concentration, slow-release formula. It will protect your cat from head to tail and kill any fleas and ticks on contact, no biting required.
COSYWORLD is a relatively new brand in the market but slowly gaining popularity due to their use of natural ingredients. It’s an oil based collar and uses Cinnamon oil, Lavender oil, Eucalyptus oil, Linaloe and Lemon Eucalyptus as its primary ingredients. The collar has a nice smell due to the essential oils used in the manufacturing process. It’s hypoallergenic, provides 8-month protection, water-proof, and works excellent as a non-toxic alternative to Bayer Seresto. Cat owners may not trust a new brand right away. The natural ingredients may also be less effective in comparison to insecticides.
3. Hartz UltraGuard Plus
When it comes to cat flea collars, Hartz is a recognized brand. Their UltraGuard Plus collar kills fleas and ticks and comes with a growth hormone which can disrupt the life cycle of fleas. The collar uses Tetrachlorvinphos as its active ingredient. Although the chemical has been called controversial, EPA says that it’s safe as long as proper label instructions are followed. The collar is water-resistant and comes with a handy “break-away” feature. There have been warnings that some cats may experience hair loss in the neck due to strong chemicals. Also, after handling the collar, wash your hands with soap and water. Keep the collar away from children.
4. Natural Pet & Flea Collar
Natural Pet and flea collar uses all-natural options for those who want to avoid insecticides and chemicals. It’s a non-toxic alternative for cats with skin sensitivities This collar kills fleas and ticks using geraniol, citronella oil, and cinnamon oil as the primary ingredients. It’s water resistant and offers an all-round protection for 3 months. The use of natural ingredients can cause some irritation for your cat. Also, the smell of citronella oil may bother your cat – but there have been very few reports. It’s an excellent choice for flea prevention, but not for fighting the infestation.
5. Pet Gallow Flea Collar
Like Hartz, Pet Gallow also uses Tetrachlorvinphos as their primary ingredient, but at a slightly larger quantity. However, it does not smell like chemicals and has a money-back guarantee. Pet Gallow offers a good 6-month protection killing adult fleas, baby fleas, and eggs. It’s water resistant and can also extend a little infestation protection for your home too! The product is manufactured outside of the US. Many buyers have voiced that a quick-release option would’ve been much appreciated.
Final Words
For owners that are wary of chemicals and other artificial solutions to flea infestations, Natural Chemistry offers a line of products that are perfect for protecting your pets. Using a blend of botanical ingredients, these products repel a variety of pesky insects from pets. Natural Chemistry offers several forms of protection, including sprays and shampoos.
About the Author: This article has been contributed by Danial Zaman. He is a content writer at FeedFond. He loves writing about cats, dogs and other animals. More informative articles on cats and other animals by him can be found at Feedfond.