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My cat still has fleas after Frontline. What are my options?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 7 lbs

Hello, we’ve been having flea issues and my cat is living in my room for now sleeping with me every single night. I put on Frontline Plus a week or two ago and next dose is Oct. 28th. I just brushed her and found about 10 fleas in one stroke my her neck. I don’t think the meds are working. Should I switch to Revolution? Is this normal? What should I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 11th, 2017

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I would wait at least another 2 weeks before using another topical. In the meantime, you can definitely use one of the oral cat flea products. You can purchase Capstar in most bigger pet stores. It only lasts 24 hours, but you can administer it several times a week until you can use another topical ( I recommend either Frontline Gold, or Bravecto for cats ). Or you can purchase Comfortis from your veterinarian. With this, 1 pill will last 30 days. I like Revolution, more because it gets heartworms plus hookworms & roundworms, but it is a topical, too. So use an oral tablet for now. They work great. Take care.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 20th, 2019

    Some flea populations are immune to the active ingredient in frontline. Capstar will last for about 24 hours but not beyond that. I recommend to switch your flea products to something like revolution or a Cheristan. You need to wait an additional two weeks to use the new product or call your veterinarian to get their opinion about using a product early since they know Cassie best. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 10th, 2018

    I would recommend switching to Revolution. Then I would get Capstar. This is a pill but only lasts for 24 hours. It will kill the adult fleas on Jack. I would also bring Jack to your veterinarian to make sure there is no skin infection. They can also give an injection to help him feel much better regarding the scratching. I agree he is most likely very allergic to the flea bites. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 25th, 2017

    Hi Tana! Good for you for adopting Dannie from your aunt! Fleas can be difficult and frustrating to manage! In my experience, I have noticed that Frontline has not been as effective against fleas as it once was. Dosing Dannie with a lower dose of Frontline more frequently is unlikely to kill the fleas he has and is more likely to create resistance to the efficacy of this insecticide. Instead of using Frontline, try giving Dannie one Capstar treatment (available in most pet stores), as this will kill nearly all adult fleas in about 30 minutes. The Capstar is not a lasting preventative, but is effective to initially start management. From there, I would recommend switching to a topical, such as Advantage or Revolution. The other option is to take Dannie to his vet for a prescription for a longer acting oral flea preventative, like Comfortis or Bravecto. Be sure to wash his bedding in hot water regularly and vacuum every day or two. Thoroughly clean the vacuum canister or throw away the vacuum bag often to prevent flea eggs from hatching and reinfecting the house! I hope this helps!

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