The 9 Best Cat Flea Collars To Protect Your Feline Friends

Cat Care, Cats, Pet product reviews

Last Updated - December 12, 2023

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Quick Comparison of Our Top 4 Picks

Best Overall
Vetality Naturals Flea & Tick Cat Collar thumbnail
  • Breakaway feature
  • Contains natural ingredients

3/5

worth the splurge
Wondercide Flea & Tick Collar for Cats with Natural Essential Oils thumbnail
  • Water resistant
  • Contains non-toxic ingredients

3.5/5

best on a budget
Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar for Cats thumbnail
  • Kills and repels fleas at all life stages
  • Water resistant

4.1/5

best breakaway
Zodiac Flea & Tick Collar for Cats thumbnail
  • Breakaway safety feature
  • Seven months of protections

4/5

More Top Picks & Recommendations

Flea collars for cats can be an easy and long-term solution to help keep your cat safe from fleas or prevent cats from getting fleas or ticks. With their ease of use and accessibility, cat flea collars are popular among cat owners.

However, not all flea collars are created equal. Below, we have put together this guide to help you find the best flea collars for cats.

What to Look for in the Best Cat Flea Collar

When considering which flea collar to get your cat, it is important to know the available features and your specific needs. You may also want to consider what other preventive measures you can take with the cat flea collar. It's best to work with a veterinarian to ensure you find the right product that matches your cat's life stage and weight.

What To Consider When Looking for Flea Collars For Cats

Water Resistance

If you have an active outdoor cat who gets into puddles, pools, and rainstorms, you may want to consider a collar that will not be damaged by water. Flea collars can be waterproof or water-resistant, standing up to caribou weather conditions. 

Breakaway Features

A breakaways feature ensures that if your cat's collar gets caught on anything (branch, furniture, fence, etc.), your cat won't get stuck or harmed. These collars have a feature that allows the collar to break with a certain amount of pressure. 

Ingredients

Not all cat flea collars are created equal. And not all are formulated to keep your cat safe, as the FDA or the EPA does not regulate cat flea collars. This means potential ingredients in the collar could harm your cat, you, and other household members.

There are two types of flea collar formula: natural and chemical. Natural formulas are safer options but may not work the best, and chemical formulas often smell stronger but also work faster and more thoroughly. However, some of these formulas contain toxic chemicals that cause adverse effects and harm not only to cats but also to pet owners and other household pets.

Size

To get the correct size flea collar for your cat, it's best to measure your cat's neck size first. This will ensure the collar will fit on your cat's neck comfortably, so your cat will be more willing to wear it daily. 

Long Lasting

Cat flea collars are effective anywhere from 30 days to up to eight months or more, so be sure you know what you need so you know when it is time to replace it. 

Fast Acting

For pet parents who need flea control for a flea issue that is already serious, you will want to find a collar that works quickly. Some formulas work faster than others, so if you need to get on top of a flea problem immediately, look for a collar that begins killing fleas within 24-48 hours of being put on.

Lifecycles

Some collars target eggs, larvae, adult fleas, ticks, or all three.

9 Best Cat Flea Collars

Vetality Naturals Flea & Tick Cat Collar

Best Overall

overall 

3/5

Price

$

Ease Of Use

Comfort

Scent

Vetality Naturals Flea & Tick Cat Collar

Source: Petco

The Vetality Naturals Flea &Tick Cat Collar may just have it all. Perfect for pet parents who prefer using natural pest repellent formula. Using active ingredients like cedarwood oil and peppermint oil to repel fleas for a safe and effective cat collar. Phthalate and PVC Free, this collar provides four months of protection against fleas and ticks and can be safely used on kittens as young as six months. When used as directed, this collar is safe to be used around small children and other pets.


Ingredients

essential, natural oils

Size

5.81" h x 5" w x 1.56" d

Maximum Neck Size

15"

What We Like

  • Breakaway feature
  • PVC and Phthalate free
  • Natural ingredients and safe to be used around children and other pets

What We Don't Like

  • Difficult to properly adjust length size

Wondercide Flea & Tick Collar for Cats with Natural Essential Oils

Worth The Splurge

overall 

3.5/5

Price

$

Ease Of Use

Comfort

Scent

Wondercide Flea & Tick Collar for Cats with Natural Essential Oils

Source: Amazon

When it comes to your cat's health, nothing is worth more splurging than a flea and tick collar to keep them safe. This plant-powered flea and tick collar from Wondercide offers an effective and convenient way to repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Made with natural essential oils and contain no artificial colors, dyes, or fragrance. With two active ingredients, cedarwood oil, and peppermint oil, you can put your mind at ease knowing that no harsh chemical can harm your cat and you. Protects your cat for up to four months; this collar can be used for all cat sizes and ages of four months or older. With the breakaway safety feature, it will protect your cat if a bit too much tension is applied.


Ingredients

Active Ingredients: 4.3% Cedarwood Oil, 4.3% Peppermint Oil. Inert Ingredients: Nylon, Zinc Stearate, Almond Oil 91.4%, Total 100%

Size

6.1 x 1 x 4.3 inches

Maximum Neck Size

13"

What We Like

  • Smells amazing with non-toxic ingredients
  • Easy to use and customizable
  • Water-resistant

What We Don't Like

  • Can cause allergies if your cat has sensitive skin

Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar for Cats

Best on a Budget

overall 

4.1/5

Price

$

Ease Of Use

Comfort

Scent

Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar for Cats

Source: Amazon

The Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar for Cats is the best for a flea collar that would literally fit any budget. This highly rated collar covers all the bases, providing good flea and tick repellents and lasting as long as seven months. The water-resistant design won't cause a loss of effectiveness if your cat takes a stroll in the rain. With a breakaway design and safety release snap, you won't have to worry about your cat getting caught or stuck somewhere. These collars are simple to use and can be placed in cats 12 weeks and older.


Ingredients

N/A

Size

0.75 x 3.75 x 5 inches

Maximum Neck Size

n/a

What We Like

  • Water-resistant
  • Breakaway design
  • Kills and repels fleas at all life stages
  • EPA registered

What We Don't Like

  • It may cause a negative reaction in some cats
  • Not durable
  • Some have a strong odor

Zodiac Flea & Tick Collar for Cats

Best Breakaway

overall 

4/5

Price

$

Ease Of Use

Comfort

Scent

Zodiac Flea & Tick Collar for Cats

Source: Chewy

For cats needing flea protection which might also need the safety of a breakaway collar, the Zodiac Flea & Tick Collar for Cats has got your kitty covered. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor cats. This collar provides up to 7 months of protection and begins killing and repelling pests right away. The breakaway feature ensures that your cat can safely free itself if caught anywhere without worrying about getting trapped or choked.


Ingredients

Tetrachlorvinphos 14.55%, Other Ingredients 85.45%

Size

One Size Fits All

Maximum Neck Size

N/A

What We Like

  • Water-resistant
  • Made in the USA
  • Breakaway safety feature
  • Seven months of protections

What We Don't Like

  • Mild smell
  • It may have to be used with additional measures to get rid of fleas entirely

Fipukin Flea and Tick Collar for Cats

Best Waterproof

overall 

4.4/5

Price

$

Ease Of Use

Comfort

Scent

Fipukin Flea and Tick Collar for Cats

Source: Amazon

Cat flea collars are often used on outdoor cats, and as such, a useful feature of these collars is that they are also waterproof. The Fipukin Flea and Tick Collar for Cats is just that, a waterproof flea collar for cats. This collar uses natural ingredients to stave off fleas and ticks, ingredients like herbs and natal oils, making it pet-safe. The constant emission of oils makes for reliable all-day protection for your cat. The waterproof feature ensures that your cat's collar stays intact even if your cat takes a swim or gets caught in the rain.


Ingredients

Citronell, Cinnamon, Garlic, Lemongrass, Thyme

Size

4.06 x 4.02 x 1.14 inches

Maximum Neck Size

N/A

What We Like

  • Fits all cat sizes
  • Comb and tick remover included
  • Good for cats with sensitive skin

What We Don't Like

  • Strong scent initially
  • Buckle doesn't secure reliably

Earth Animal Nature's Protection™ Flea & Tick Herbal Collar for Cats

Best Natural Flea collar

overall 

4/5

Price

$

Ease Of Use

Comfort

Scent

Earth Animal Nature's Protection™ Flea & Tick Herbal Collar For Cats

Source: PetMeds

If you are seeking a natural flea collar, then you must check out Earth Animal Nature's Protection™ Flea & Tick Herbal Collar for Cats. Safe for both kittens and adults, this herbal collar is made with a natural blend of aromatic herbs and essential oil with a fresh and minty fragrance. It does not contain synthetic chemical insecticides or pesticides and is a perfect natural alternative to traditional collars made with harsh, synthetic chemicals. It is a full-body repellent that effectively protects and defends defend against irritating fleas and ticks for up to 3 months. This cat flea collar is waterproof and does not need to be removed before entering the water.


Ingredients

Peppermint, Virginia Cedarwood, Almond Oil, Nylon, Zinc Stearate

Size

N/A

Maximum Neck Size

n/a

What We Like

  • Made from natural ingredients
  • Excellent flea control
  • Great alternative to traditional collars that are made with harsh, synthetic chemicals

What We Don't Like

  • Cats might experience allergic reactions

Sergeant's Guardian Flea and Tick Collar for Cats

Best Fast Acting

overall 

4/5

Price

$

Ease Of Use

Comfort

Scent

Sergeant's Guardian Flea and Tick Collar for Cats

Source: Amazon

Need a flea collar that acts fast? Sergeant's Guardian Flea And Tick Collar will start working on contact with maximum effectiveness occurs after a few days of placement. It can be used under conditions where cats are exposed to severe flea and tick infestation. Water-resistant, breakaway design and offers up to seven months of protection, this collar offers full body protection as your cat's natural oil will help distribute the product throughout its coat and skin. Unlike oral flea medicine, this collar is formulated with only one active ingredient that is designed to kill fleas and ticks through contact with the product on your pet's skin. Perfectly to be used on cats 12 weeks or older.

Sergeant's GUARDIAN® PRO Flea & Tick Collar for Cats is available for killing fleas, ticks, flea eggs, and flea larvae, plus repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes for up to seven months.

Ingredients

Tetrachlorvinphos

Size

0.56 x 3.75 x 5 inches

Maximum Neck Size

n/a

What We Like

  • Fast acting. Kills fleas and ticks upon contact.
  • Breakaway design
  • Flea comb included
  • EPA registered flea collar

What We Don't Like

  • Hazards to human and domestic animals
  • It may not be durable

Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Non-Toxic Flea & Tick Cat Collar

Best for all Sizes

overall 

4/5

Price

$

Ease Of Use

Comfort

Scent

Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Non-Toxic Flea & Tick Cat Collar

Source: Chewy

The Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Non-Toxic Flea & Tick Cat Collar is the best option for a flea collar that is perfect for any and all sizes of cats. This natural collar is non-toxic and made from geraniol, peppermint, and thyme oil. It contains no synthetic pesticides, pyrethrins, phthalates, or artificial fragrances.

The plant-powered flea and tick collar offers an effective, convenient way to repeal fleas, tickets, and mosquitoes for up to 4 months. It features a breakaway safety feature and will loosen to protect your cat if a bit of tension is applied. With geraniol, peppermint, and thyme oil, your baby will always smell fresh.


Ingredients

Active ingredients: Peppermint oil 4.4%, Thyme oil 1.1%, Geraniol @0.09%, Insert Ingredients 96%

Size

ONE SIZE

Maximum Neck Size

N/A

What We Like

  • Pleasant scent but can be strong for some
  • Water-resistant
  • Breakaway feature
  • Safe around kids
  • It can be used on all ages

What We Don't Like

  • Very strong smell, especially within the first few weeks of use

Vet's Best Flea & Tick Repellent Collar for Cats

Best for Fluffy or Large Cats

overall 

4/5

Price

$

Ease Of Use

Comfort

Scent

Vet's Best Flea & Tick Repellent Collar for Cats

Source: Petco

Big or fluffy cats have unique issues when it comes to potential flea issues, and fleas can be harder to eradicate on cats with long fur or big bodies. The Vet's Best Flea & Tick Repellent Collar for Cats is the best solution for pet parents who need a collar that is a little more powerful and a little more effective. Made with natural materials and 100% certified natural, this collar uses a powerful blend of cedarwood and peppermint oils to repel fleas and tick for up to 4 months effectively. This collar is safe for your cat with a natural formula that keeps fleas away comfortably and safely.


Ingredients

Cedarwood Oil, Peppermint Oil

Size

7.09" h x .39" w x .39" d

Maximum Neck Size

20"

What We Like

  • Breakaway feature
  • Tested formula
  • Fits cats up to 20-inch neck size

What We Don't Like

  • Not for cats with a sensitivity to essential oils
  • Doesn't kill fleas, just repels them

If a cat collar does not work for you, alternatives are available. Alternatives include oral flea treatments, topical flea treatments, and a spray on the cat's coat that will also target and kill ticks and fleas.

FAQs

What Is A Cat Flea Collar And How Does It Work

Most flea collars work by emitting a slow-release oil throughout the animal's skin and cat's fur, and it will act with your cat's natural body oils to kill and repel fleas and eggs. 

For severe infestations, flea collars may need to be used in combination with flea shampoo, medication specifically designed to kill fleas in all life stages, and natural insect control treatments. Flea collars can usually be used in place or alongside your cat's regular collar and can be used on a daily basis. Flea collars are especially useful for cat parents of outdoor cats or cats who go in and out often. 

You can stop an indoor infestation by preemptively using flea and tick collars to ensure your cat doesn't bring in unwanted guests who might attack some unprotected indoor pet and begin the vicious cycle. Fleas are notoriously hard to eradicate, so staying on top with preventative measures is key to maintaining a clean, sanitary house and healthy, happy pets. 

Do Flea Collars Have Side Effects?

Yes. Some cats experience side effects such as rash, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. If you notice your cat is experiencing side effects, seek help from a veterinarian.

When is Flea Season?

Flea seasons are typically between Spring to Fall. Fleas are around year-round, but the eggs usually hatch around springtime.

Why do cats and dogs need a different flea treatment?

If you have dogs at home, they may be attempting to use the same flea treatment, and however, you may be putting your pet at risk if you do so. Dog flea treatment uses different chemical ingredients. Therefore, it's important to seek individual treatment.

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About the Author

Doctor of veterinary medicine with extensive experience in animal welfare with a strong interest in feline medicine and plans to pursue ABVP-Feline specialty board certification. A key member of many local veterinary associations and avid reader of animal related science journals and studies.