Fleas are small, bloodsucking insects that infest a cat causing discomfort, and sometimes dermatitis and blood loss. There are over 3,000 types of flea in the world, but the cat flea is a specific type that goes to dinner on your kitty. Cats can get fleas anywhere and in lots of ways. Even house cats can catch fleas through just one critter getting carried into the house. Once an infestation is present you need to treat the cat and the house.
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Last update on 2023-09-25 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
The same goes for your pooch, who has a very specific flea type looking to nosh on him. Your pooch though, may be more likely to get fleas interacting with other dogs in the park, and through going on lots of walks outdoors.
Luckily, there are lots of ways to treat fleas, including the use of a flea comb. Using the best flea comb you can remove fleas from your pet, usually in conjunction with a topical flea treatment.
To help you skip the wrong products and get the very best flea comb for your pets, here are Q&A’s, tips for buying and a lowdown on the best flea combs currently available to buy:
How To Choose The Best Flea Comb
To get the very best chance of buying the perfect flea comb to rid your dog and cat of pests, consider the following:
Which Shape Is Best?
Flea combs come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Of course, you would like a comb that is effective but, you’re going to be the one using the comb. For that reason, it needs to be comfortable for you to hold. If you need a good grip, choose one with a handle. If you prefer precision, the double-sided combs tend to be the easiest to pinch tight and use.
Opt For Tight Teeth
The teeth on a flea comb will not catch any fleas if they are too wide. Ideally, the teeth will be around 10 teeth for every 8 millimeters of space, which essentially means that no light will shine through the gaps.
Try To Purchase In Conjunction With More Complete Flea Treatments
A flea comb is a great way to remove fleas from cats and dogs alongside topical treatments. Treatments for your cats and dog specific products used alongside flea combs (like shampoos) help to approach the removal of fleas in several ways, so the overall eradication of the pest is more successful. You should also consider a home treatment too so that any fleas in your carpets and upholstery can be killed off, preventing reinfestation of the cat or dog.
Follow With A Preventative
You should follow your flea comb treatment with a preventative treatment that helps prevent the infestation happening in the first place. A flea collar for cats or the appropriate product for dogs, or maybe a spot-on treatment used every few months, can help keep those pesky fleas away for good.
Can You See The Fleas?
A handy aspect of the best flea combs is the coloring allowing you to see fleas. Black or dark flea combs, especially where the teeth join the handle, can disguise fleas making them harder to find. If the color of the product is lighter, it is easier overall to see the fleas.
There Is No ‘Best’ Shape
Luckily there are lots of different types of flea combs to choose from all made in different shapes and from different materials. It does need to be comfortable for you to use, and the teeth need to be effective in removing the fleas but do keep an open mind because there’s more of a choice than you might realize.
Best Flea Combs
Bayer Advantage II Flea Prevention
Perfect for Preventing Future Infestations in Cats
To avoid needing to use a flea comb altogether for your cat, it’s a good idea to consider the Bayer Advantage Two Flea Prevention treatment. It works on cats over 9 pounds and one pack keeps your cat flea-free for 6 months.
Owners will like that application is easy, with a tube you squeeze out onto the back of the neck. Even better, fleas don’t have to bite your cat to die as they die on contact with your kitty instead. As if that wasn’t enough, it also starts working in a speedy 12 hours and works on fleas of all stages of the life cycle.
Why We Like It:
- Easy to apply
- 6 months supply
- Starts working quickly
- No need for fleas to bite in order for it to kill them
What We Don’t Like:
- Fleas may become resistant over time
- May irritate the skin of some cats
Safari Dog Flea Comb with Double Row of Teeth
Double Row of Teeth for Super-fast Flea-catching
The Safari flea comb has a plastic handle and metal teeth, of which there are two rows for extra effectiveness. The double row design aids in finding fleas, catching them between the teeth, and detecting flea eggs and skin flakes on the animal.
Owners will like the comfortable ergonomic design of the comb which is easy to grip, and has a hole for hanging and efficient storage.
Why We Like It:
- Comfortable to hold
- Efficient double row of teeth
- Recommended by groomers
- Helps to comb and groom the hair whilst removing fleas
What We Don’t Like:
- Fleas may get caught in between the rows of teeth and be difficult to remove
- May pull on the hair of long-haired animals when combing
SENTRY Flea Comb for Cats
Easy to See Fleas and Their Eggs Whilst Combing
The Sentry flea comb for cats has a plastic handle and a single row of metal teeth to catch and pull fleas from the fur of your cat. The handle is designed to be comfortable to hold, making grooming your cat and helping remove pests easy.
Owners will love that the product can also be used on dogs, and the coloring of the comb means fleas don’t get ‘lost’ in a black teeth to handle design. Instead, the entire product is light in color, easily highlighting fleas, eggs and dirt for removal.
Why We Like It:
- Comfortable and strong handle
- Tightly lined teeth that grip and grip fleas
- Coloring makes it easy to spot fleas
- Helps with grooming as well as removing fleas
What We Don’t Like:
- May struggle to comb thick cat or dog fur
- May not be effective in catching fleas in pets with thick fur
Hartz Cats and Dogs Flea Comb
Super-fine Teeth for Super-effective Flea Removal
The flea comb from trusted pet product manufacturer Hartz is designed to be comfortable to use, and effective at removing fleas from the fur or your cats and dogs. The teeth are extremely fine, which makes them better able to grab those pesky pests when you comb your gorgeous pets.
Owners will love the comfortable, ergonomically designed handle which the product easier to control and use.
Why We Like It:
- Comfortable handle with hanger hole
- Extra-fine teeth
- Helps with mat detangling
- Helps to remove loose hair
What We Don’t Like:
- May not be suitable for cats or dogs with very thick fur
- Unsuitable for work on undercoats
Hertzko Flea Comb with Double Row of Teeth
Rounded Teeth to Keep Pets Calm During Grooming
The Hertzko is a metal and plastic comb designed with a double row of teeth to speed up the time it takes to comb your pooch or kitty. The design works to not only catch and drag fleas from the fur, but also their eggs, dirt and any dry skin flakes the pet has.
Cats and dogs will love the rounded teeth which tend to avoid scratching their skin, making flea removal more of a comfortable process.
Why We Like It:
- Double row of teeth
- Comfortable to use
- Rounded teeth to avoid scratching
- Rust-resistant
What We Don’t Like:
- May be unsuitable for cats and dogs with very long hair
- May not be durable enough for heavy use
H&H Pets Flea Comb with Rubber Handle
Attractive Comb With Effective Flea-grabbing Design
The cute design of the H&H flea comb will appeal to any owner who loves practical accessories that are also aesthetically pleasing. The benefits of the comb go further than the look though. It has a comfy rubber sheathed handle, high-grade metal teeth to grab fleas, and a handy hanger hole for effective storage.
Previous customers may notice that the product has been improved on models of the comb sold before.
Why We Like It:
- Attractive design
- Comfortable rubber-sheathed handle
- Strong metal teeth
- Easy to see fleas because of the product coloring
What We Don’t Like:
- Works better after flea shampoo or powder
- May not be strong enough for use on mats
LilPals Double-Sided Dog Comb
Two Types of Teeth Spacing for Grooming and Flea Removal in One
The LilPals double-sided comb is great for owners who want a choice of teeth spacing. A more tightly lined row of teeth is able to grip fleas, eggs and dirt easily, whilst wider spaced teeth glide through the whole coat for effective grooming.
Customers will appreciate the comfortable handle, more compact overall size, and strong stainless steel teeth which are designed to last.
Why We Like It:
- Two choices of teeth spacing
- High-quality design
- Can be used for flea removal and grooming
- More compact size which is great for use on cats and very small dogs
What We Don’t Like:
- May be too small for larger cats and dogs
- Some people may struggle to hold the handle comfortably because it is small
Honbay Double sided Pet Combs 4 Pack
Great Budget Option for Multi-pet Households
If you have several pets, you may prefer to use multiple fine-tooth combs so as not to accidentally reinfect each animal. The 4 combs pack makes it easy and cost-effective to do this, including different colored combs which are easy to color-code to each animal.
Owners who like extremely fine comb teeth to work on the face and more shallow-furred areas of the pet will love the design of the product. The finer side is effective at combing fleas out of fine hair, whereas the slightly more spaced comb teeth are better for overall grooming.
Why We Like It:
- Great for multi-pet households
- Two types of teeth spacing
- Easy to clean
- Excellent for precise combing and flea targeting
What We Don’t Like:
- Combs may not be super-durable
- Can be tricky for those with dexterity issues, compared to a comb with a handle
FAQ
If you’re still feeling a little confused about cat and dog flea combs, here are some of the most common flea comb questions and answers:
How Do You Use A Flea Comb Properly?
There is a knack to using a flea comb, but it’s easily completed by anybody willing to learn. You’ll want to begin with a relaxed and happy pet, who is seated comfortably. Ideally, you can see what you remove from the pet easily, so that means good light and a surface you can utilize for fur and flea removal.
To understand how to use a flea comb on adult cats, check out this video. For guidance on combing your dog with a flea comb, check out this video.
What Do You Do With The Removed Fleas And Eggs?
Removing fleas with the best flea comb comes with the horrible task of then dealing with what you have removed. This video demonstrates what to do with the fur, eggs and fleas you remove to give you an idea of what to do.
Can You Use The Same Flea Comb On Cats And Dogs?
You can usually always use the same flea comb on cats and dogs. You can source the best flea comb for dogs if your dog is a breed with very thick fur. The product may then be designed to work more successfully than a cat comb, although if you have a cat with very thick fur it may work better for them too.
You should also use additional regular preventative treatment for your dog to avoid depending on the flea comb alone. Any preventative or flea-killing products for pets that aren’t combs should only ever be used for the type of animal specified by the manufacturer.
Can You Use Flea Combs On Kittens and puppies?
Often, you have to use flea combs on kittens and puppies who are too young for other types of treatment. You can find some great guidance on using a flea comb on a kitten in this video.
It’s often a good idea though, if you notice fleas on your kitten or puppy, to speak to your vet to check your pet isn’t anemic because of the fleas.
How Do You Clean A Flea Comb?
During use you can use damp kitchen roll to remove fur and debris, then drop that debris in hot soapy water. After you have used the comb, rinse and wash with soapy water before allowing the product to dry completely.
Your Pets Can Be Flea-Free With The Best Flea Comb
Using our tips above and additional great products you can get the very best flea comb for your pets. Remember to consult your vet if you need advice on more detailed flea treatment, especially if you have a very young cat or dog with an infestation.
With the right product and approach, soon enough, your pets will be critter free and comfortable in their own skin again.