Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best flea and tick collars for cats under $60 that actually work

Low-cost cat flea and tick collars that stop infestations

Yes, lots of makers of flea and tick collars for cats claim to prevent and control these pests for you and your favorite feline, keeping him healthy by stopping flea infestations literally dead in their tracks. Of course, you also want to save a few bucks wherever you can. Is there a happy medium with these collars and maximum bang for your buck in effectiveness?

We’re happy to report that yes, there are at least three awesome cat flea and tick collars, all for less than $60 each, that deliver on their promises, so both you and your cat are happy in a clean household. Below are some of the best cat flea and tick collars available. They use effective ingredients, are designed with your cat’s safety in mind, don’t have a greasy feel, and are made to keep up with your active outdoor cat. If you’re shopping for new flea and tick protection for your cat, give these collars a look.

Orange cat scratching his neck on a lawn
Image used with permission by copyright holder

ShengKou Flea and Tick Collar for Cats

  • Uses citronella oil, cinnamon oil, garlic oil, lemongrass oil, and thyme oil
  • Water resistant
  • Will break in emergencies

The ShengKou Flea and Tick Collar for Cats puts natural ingredients to work to help repel fleas and ticks. This collar uses citronella oil, cinnamon oil, garlic oil, lemongrass oil, and thyme oil, not harsh chemicals. Its sustained-release design offers up to 12 months of protection, and it doesn’t feel greasy. The collar is made to break in emergencies, so your cat can safely play indoors and outdoors.

It’s designed to be used for cats of any size, and you can adjust the collar and then cut off the excess strap. The collar is water-resistant and can be left in place until you’re ready to replace it. With this value pack, you’ll get two collars and a free flea-removal tool.

Seresto 8-Month Flea and Tick Collar for Cats

  • Odorless and greaseless
  • Gets fleas and ticks on contact so they don’t have to bite your cat for it to work
  • Starts working within 24 hours of putting on the collar

This vet-recommended Seresto 8-Month Flea and Tick Collar for Cats is adjustable for kittens 10 weeks and up. It’s great both for indoor and outdoor kitties. With this collar, low concentrations of feline-safe flea and tick killer release gradually over eight months with no additional treatment needed.

Seresto collars use imidacloprid against fleas and flumethrin against ticks. This is the only collar on the market that uses this combo. Once the collar is fully activated, after the first 24 hours it’s on, it kills new fleas within 2 hours.

Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea & Tick Collar for Cats and Kittens

  • Water resistant
  • Features a reflective strip
  • Safe for kittens 3 months and up

The Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea & Tick Collar can be worn at the same time as a regular collar, ensuring outdoor cats won’t get lost because they’re missing an ID tag. Additional safety features include a reflective strip that reflects direct light up to 450 feet and a breakaway, safety-release snap. With a water-resistant design, rain won’t affect the collar’s ability to kill and repel fleas, ticks, flea eggs, and flea larvae. The collar is effective for seven months and is safe for kittens 3 months and older.

Cat sitting outside scratching its neck
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When applying a flea collar, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Some collars are water-resistant instead of waterproof, and others may take different amounts of time before you start to see their effects. It’s important for the collar to fit your cat properly, both to prevent rubbing and to keep him safe.

If your cat already has a flea infestation, then you’ll need to pair the collar with other remedies, including treating your home for fleas and actively vacuuming bedding, furniture, carpeting, and other spaces where fleas may have laid their eggs. Breaking the flea life cycle can be challenging, and investing in a quality flea collar is just one step in managing fleas and ticks for your cat.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
How long do cats live? The answer may actually depend on their human parent
Learn about the average cat life expectancy and how you can extend it
Kitten sitting on a tree stump in front of a tree

Cats are wonderful additions to our families, and they can quickly become beloved family members. But, like most pets, cats have shorter lives than humans. As tragic as this is, it's only normal to want to spend as many years as possible with your cat. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help increase the chances of your cat living a long and healthy life.
But it's also important to be realistic about your cat's lifespan. How long do cats live? First, it's important to remember that cat life expectancies are really just a guideline — it's best to just appreciate and enjoy each day you can share with your fur baby.

How long do cats live as pets?

Read more
What does it mean when cats purr? It’s more scientific than them just being happy
Cat purring is thought to indicate happiness, but it can have a few different meanings
Black and white cat lying on a cat bed on a sofa

Chances are, you've heard that purring is a sign that a cat is happy. And in many cases, that's true. Cats often purr during activities they enjoy, like being petted in that hard-to-reach spot or settling down for a nap in the sun. However, purring can have different meanings and causes than just indicating happiness.

Scientists are still working to understand this feline behavior fully, and new theories about the reasons behind purring continue to evolve. So, why do cats purr, and what does your cat's purr really mean? New information may be coming out every day, but the information that we already have can help you better understand your cat.

Read more
How often should I feed my cat? Here’s what to know about cat feeding schedules
There's a lot more to think about than just what cat food to buy
Cat licking lips over food bowl

Trying to find the perfect food for your cat can be difficult -- just ask any cat owner with a picky eater at home. The shops and internet are home to endless delicious and nutritious options to choose from, but buying the best food for your cat is only half the battle — your cat's feeding schedule is another code to crack. If you've ever wondered, "How often should I feed my cat," you're not alone.

You can feed cats anywhere from one to five times a day, depending on their individual needs. After all, it's no secret that every cat has a distinct personality, right? No matter how often you feed your cat, their feeding schedule can impact their digestive system, energy level, and overall happiness, so finding the perfect balance for them is essential. Like many other animals, cats love routine, and once they learn their feeding schedule, they'll happily remind you of it.

Read more