Last Updated: 16/06/2025
Looking for the best protection against fleas and ticks for your cat? Read our guide for answers.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 24 minutes - medium read
Every year, more and more parasite preventative products for cats are released onto the Australian market. With this increasing number of products, it can be incredibly confusing.
Which products treat which parasites? What flea treatment is actually the most effective? How often does each product need to be given?
The truth is, the best flea and tick treatment for cats depends on a number of important factors, and what works for one cat might not be best for another. However, there are certainly some top contenders when it comes to effectiveness, ease of administration, and safety. We've broken these factors down for you and listed our Vets' top picks, so you can make the right decision for your cat!
When choosing a flea and tick treatment, it's important to consider the following factors:
Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.
Nexgard Spectra is a revolutionary monthly spot-on treatment that protects against all significant parasites of concern in Australia. It is comprised of three active ingredients: Esafoxolaner (an isoxazoline), Eprinomectin (a macrocyclic lactone) & Praziquantel (an anthelmintic).The efficacy of Nexgard Spectra after shampooing or wetting has not been assessed. This product starts controlling newly acquired paralysis ticks after 48 hours of the first treatment. In some cats, optimal control may take up to a week after the first treatment. As Nexgard Spectra may not kill all ticks attached when cats are first treated, any ticks present at the time of first treatment should be removed.
What our customers say: "YAY, a spot on for Cats that covers for paralysis ticks as well as everything else. Love the syringe style application as well. Thank you."
Bravecto Plus is a two-monthly spot-on that protects your cat against a range of commonly encountered parasites. It is comprised of two active ingredients: Fluralaner (an isoxazoline) and Moxidectin (a macrocyclic lactone). It is fast acting, providing effective control of pre-existing infestations of both fleas and paralysis ticks within 48 hours of application. Efficacy of this product after shampooing and wetting has not been assessed.
What our customers say: "I really like Bravecto after having used other spot ons for decades. The chemical smell is not there and my cats settled more quickly after application. I also like the 2 month protection as it means less fights with the furry army."
Revolution Plus is a low volume, non-oily monthly spot-on covering fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms (excluding tapeworm). It is comprised of two active ingredients: Sarolaner (an isoxazoline) and Selamectin (a macrocyclic lactone). It's fast acting and starts to kill adult fleas within 12 hours of application.
What our customers say: "We used to use blue Revolution for our cat and during recent vet trip, I was advised to upgrade to Revolution plus for more protection for our cat from parasites etc. we use it on our cat monthly and she has been very healthy and no fleas or any parasites etc."
Bravecto is a long-lasting 3 monthly spot-on that protects your cat from fleas, ticks and ear mites. It contains one active ingredient: Fluralaner (an isoxazoline). It is fast acting and starts to kill fleas within 12 hours of application. Paralysis tick infestations are controlled within 48 hours of application.
What our customers say: "I've tried many other products and paid thousands in vet bills due to ticks on my cats before trying this product and I've never looked back. Apart from never ever having fleas, I have found numerous dead ticks on my cats but my cats have remained unharmed by them. The fact that it lasts for 3 months is fantastic and means I don't have to worry about having to remember every month to re-apply."
Advocate is a good option for cats that are not exposed to ticks. It contains two active ingredients: Imidacloprid (a neonicotinoid) and Moxidectin (a macrocyclic lactone). After application of Advocate, adult and larval flea stages in the cat's surroundings are killed, and the unique mode of action means that fleas don't need to bite your cat to receive a lethal dose.
Advocate remains efficacious following shampooing, swimming or exposure to rain, though we recommend waiting until it is fully dry before letting your cat get wet.
What our customers say: "My little girl was a rescue, and getting medication into her mouth is total struggle and distress for both of us. These little things make life much easier. She's covered ( they seem to work really well without any nasty side effects), and I'm happy that she's protected."
Want to read more? Check out our other articles:
Tick paralysis in dogs and cats
How to treat fleas on your cat
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
