Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Cats that go outdoors or live with dogs or other pets that go outside should be on a flea and tick preventive.
- Even strictly indoor cats can be exposed under the right circumstances, so it's worth a conversation with your vet.
- Our vets typically recommend Revolution for cats that need prevention, a simple monthly topical applied between the shoulder blades.
Flea and tick prevention for cats is a little more nuanced than it is for dogs. The right answer depends on your cat's lifestyle, and it's worth understanding the options before your next vet visit.
Fleas are one of the most common causes of itching and skin irritation in cats, and in significant infestations they can cause anemia, particularly in smaller or younger cats. Beyond the discomfort, both fleas and ticks can transmit diseases that have real health consequences.
Cats that spend time outdoors or in contact with other animals that do are at the highest risk. But even cats that stay indoors can be exposed — fleas in particular are remarkably good at finding their way inside.
It depends on their lifestyle. Cats that go outdoors, or that live with dogs or other pets that go outside, should be on prevention. Cats that live entirely indoors with no contact with other animals may not need it, but it's worth confirming with your vet before assuming they're in the clear.
For cats that need prevention, our vets typically recommend Revolution. It's a topical treatment applied once a month directly onto the skin between the shoulder blades. It comes in a small tube, is well tolerated by most cats, and is easy to apply at home.
Your vet will confirm the right product for your cat based on their lifestyle, health history, and any other medications they may be on.
Consistency is what makes prevention effective. Revolution is available through autoship in the Modern Animal app. Set it up once and have your cat's prevention delivered to your door on a monthly schedule, so staying current is one less thing to think about.
Prevention costs vary depending on your cat's size and where you live. Pricing for Revolution can be found in the pharmacy hub in the Modern Animal app. For a full breakdown of service and product pricing at Modern Animal, visit modernanimal.com/pricing. Everything is listed transparently so you know what to expect.
If you're not sure whether your cat needs a flea and tick preventive, bring it up at your next wellness visit. Your vet will help you think through the right call based on your cat's routine.
If questions come up before then, Modern Animal All Access and Essential members can reach our team anytime through 24/7 Virtual Care.
