Seresto Flea Collar for Cats

Description

What This Collar Does

The Seresto flea collar for cats uses two active ingredients flumethrin and imidacloprid embedded in a polymer matrix that releases them gradually over 8 continuous months. The ingredients spread from the collar’s contact point across your cat’s skin and coat, reaching parasites before they bite.

After 24 hours of application, new fleas are killed within 2 hours. After 48 hours, new ticks are repelled or killed within 6 hours.

What It Protects Against

Fleas:

– Adult fleas before they lay eggs, which limits re-infestation at the source
– Fleas associated with Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) and Flea Bite Hypersensitivity (FBH)
– Fleas that may carry bartonellosis, tapeworm infections, feline infectious anemia, and rickettsiosis

Ticks:

– Deer ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone star ticks
– Ticks that may transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, cytauxzoonosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis

Who It Suits

The collar is a practical fit for healthy cats and kittens aged 10 weeks and older who need consistent, low-maintenance parasite prevention. Because it works continuously after a single application, it removes the need to remember monthly topicals.

It is not appropriate for kittens under 10 weeks of age. Consult your veterinarian before using it on cats that are pregnant, nursing, elderly, debilitated, or on other medications.

How to Fit It

1. Remove the collar from its sealed protective bag directly before use.
2. Unroll it and check that no plastic connector remnants remain inside.
3. Thread the end through the buckle.
4. Place it around your cat’s neck. As a guide, fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your cat’s neck.
5. Pull the excess collar through the loop(s).
6. Trim to no more than 1 inch (2 cm) beyond the loop(s), unless your kitten is still growing.
7. Check the fit periodically and adjust as needed.
8. Wear it continuously for the full 8-month period, then replace.

The collar includes a quick-release mechanism for breakaway safety. Do not attach a leash to it.

Regulatory Status

The Seresto collar is registered with the EPA and remains on the market. In July 2023, the EPA completed a formal safety review and confirmed the collar could continue to be sold, with new reporting requirements for the manufacturer. The most commonly reported adverse events are dermatological — itching or hair changes near the collar site. Less common but more serious reported events include neurological symptoms such as convulsions or ataxia.

The EPA’s Office of Inspector General published a report in February 2024 noting that the 2023 review had methodological limitations and calling for improved assessment protocols. Canada has banned the collar.

If your cat shows any adverse reaction after application, remove the collar immediately and contact your veterinarian.

Key Precautions

– Do not use on kittens under 10 weeks of age
– Keep out of reach of children
– Wash hands thoroughly after fitting
– Do not let the cat or children chew on the collar
– Store in the original sealed container until ready to use
– Dispose of used or expired collars in the trash