Best Flea Treatment for Cats in South Africa: Which One to Choose (2026)

Quick answer: The best flea treatment for your cat is a cat-specific product, sized for your cat’s weight and age, that you’ll actually apply on time. For the longest protection, Bravecto and Bravecto Plus spot-ons last up to 12 weeks. For monthly treatment, Revolution, Frontline Plus and Advantage are all popular. Bravecto Plus and Revolution also cover some worms and ear mites. Treat every pet in the home and keep going for at least three months to break the flea life cycle.

Important: never use a dog flea product on a cat. Some dog products contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats and can be fatal. Always check the pack says it is for cats.

Cat flea treatments compared

Product	Lasts	Fleas	Ticks	Also covers
Bravecto Spot-On for Cats	Up to 12 weeks	Yes	Yes	Ear mites
Bravecto Plus for Cats	Up to 12 weeks	Yes	Yes	Ear mites, roundworm, hookworm, heartworm prevention
Revolution for Cats	1 month	Yes	Yes	Ear mites, lice, roundworm, hookworm, heartworm prevention
Frontline Plus for Cats	1 month	Yes	Yes	Flea eggs and larvae
Advantage for Cats	1 month	Yes	No	Flea larvae in the home

Which flea treatment suits your cat?

• You want the fewest doses: Bravecto Spot-On lasts up to 12 weeks, so it’s four treatments a year.
• You want fleas, ticks and worms in one: Bravecto Plus covers fleas, ticks, ear mites and common worms for up to 12 weeks.
• Your cat has ear mites or you want monthly worm cover: Revolution (selamectin) treats fleas, ticks, ear mites, lice and common worms monthly, and helps prevent heartworm.
• Your cat goes outdoors where there are ticks: choose a product that covers ticks, such as Bravecto, Frontline Plus or Revolution.
• You have a small kitten: Revolution for Puppies and Kittens is made for kittens from 6 weeks old weighing up to 2.5 kg. Frontline Plus is suitable from 8 weeks, and Bravecto from 9 weeks and 1.2 kg. Always check the pack before you use it.

See all tick and flea treatment for cats

How to apply a spot-on

1. Weigh your cat and choose the pipette for that weight.
2. Part the fur at the base of the skull, between the shoulder blades, where your cat can’t lick.
3. Squeeze the whole pipette onto the skin, not the fur.
4. Keep other pets from grooming the spot until it’s dry, and follow the pack’s advice on bathing.
5. Note the date, so the next dose is on time.

How to get rid of fleas for good

The fleas you see on your cat are only part of the problem. Most of a flea population lives in the home as eggs, larvae and pupae in carpets, bedding and furniture. To break the cycle:

• Treat every cat and dog in the home at the same time, each with a product made for its species.
• Wash bedding on a hot wash and vacuum often, then throw away the vacuum contents.
• Keep treating for at least three months. New fleas keep hatching from the home for weeks, and treatment kills them as they jump on.
• Treat all year. In much of South Africa fleas stay active through the year, especially in warm homes.

Fleas can also pass on tapeworm, so ask your vet about deworming if your cat has had fleas. Treating a dog too? See our guide to tick and flea control for dogs.

Never run out of flea treatment

Put your cat’s flea treatment on Autoship and the next dose arrives before it’s due, with 35% off your first order (up to R400) and 5% off after that. We deliver across South Africa, same day in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban when you order by 10am.

This guide is general information. Always read the pack instructions, and ask your vet before treating a kitten, a pregnant or nursing cat, or a cat that is unwell or on other medicines.

Frequently asked questions