Protecting Your Cat From Ticks and SFTS The Essential Prevention Guide

A single tick bite can put both your cat and your family at risk of a serious illness called SFTS. Learn how to choose safe flea and tick preventives, when to involve your vet, and the smart habits every cat guardian should follow all year long.

Even if you have never worried much about fleas and ticks before, now is the time to pay attention. Protecting your cat from these parasites is not only about their comfort, it is also about safeguarding your own health and your family’s health.

Recently in Japan, a veterinarian died after being infected with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) from a tick carried by a cat. Cases like this are rare, but they highlight why responsible flea and tick prevention is non‑negotiable for every pet parent.

What Is SFTS And Why Should Cat Guardians Care

Ticks may look tiny and harmless, but they can carry life‑threatening viruses and bacteria. One of the most serious is severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a viral infection transmitted by certain hard ticks.

SFTS is especially concerning because it:

• Can infect humans as well as animals
• Has a relatively high fatality rate in reported cases
• Has no specific antiviral cure at this time

According to surveillance data from Japan’s National Institute for Health Crisis Management, there were 1,071 confirmed SFTS infections and at least 117 deaths between 2013 and 2025. While this is still considered a relatively rare disease, the consequences can be severe.

Cats themselves can develop SFTS, but they may also remain asymptomatic carriers and pass the virus to humans through bites, scratches, or close contact with body fluids. This means even a cat that “seems perfectly healthy” can still pose a risk if they have been exposed to infected ticks.

Outdoor cats are at the highest risk of picking up ticks. However, experts emphasize that indoor cats are not completely safe. Ticks can:

• Attach when a cat briefly visits a balcony or garden
• Hitchhike indoors on human clothing or other pets

Because of this, veterinarians increasingly recommend year‑round flea and tick prevention for most cats, tailored to each cat’s lifestyle and local risk.

How Should You Prevent Fleas And Ticks In Cats

The safest and most reliable way to protect your cat is to use veterinary‑approved parasite preventives. While there are many products on the market, not all are equally safe or effective.

Experts generally recommend choosing products that are:

• Prescribed or recommended by your veterinarian
• Appropriate for your cat’s age, weight, and health status
• Used exactly as directed for dose and timing

Today, three main types of preventives are commonly used for cats:

• Spot‑on treatments
  Liquid medication applied to the skin, usually at the back of the neck where the cat cannot lick.
• Oral medications
  Chewable or tablet forms that are swallowed like a treat or with food.
• Collars
  Medicated collars that slowly release active ingredients onto the skin and coat.

For many cats, monthly spot‑on treatments are the most common option, with costs often in the range of several thousand yen (or comparable local currency) per dose. While this is a recurring expense, it is generally far less than the cost—financial and emotional—of treating a serious tick‑borne illness.

Can You Give Flea And Tick Preventives On Your Own

Online shopping has made it easier than ever for pet guardians to purchase flea and tick products without visiting a clinic. Administering these medications at home can be straightforward and may reduce costs.

However, there are important risks to consider:

• You may not know how well a specific product suits your cat’s health, age, or breed.
• You may be unprepared to handle unexpected side effects or allergic reactions.
• Some products sold online may be counterfeit, expired, or not approved in your country.

If you are considering managing preventives yourself, follow these essential rules.

Always Start With A Veterinary Visit

For the first prescription or product choice, a veterinary exam is crucial. Your veterinarian will:

• Review your cat’s medical history, age, and current health
• Check for underlying conditions that could affect medication safety
• Recommend specific products and dosing schedules that fit your cat’s lifestyle

Establishing this relationship also means you have a trusted clinic to contact immediately if your cat shows any unusual signs after treatment.

Follow The Directions Exactly

Flea and tick preventives only work properly when they are used on schedule and at the correct dose. If a product is labeled for “once a month,” then commit to giving it every month without stretching the interval.

Inconsistent dosing can:

• Leave gaps in protection
• Allow fleas and ticks to survive and reproduce
• Increase the risk of disease transmission

Use reminders on your phone, calendar apps, or a physical chart to help you stay on track with monthly treatments.

Schedule A Yearly Health Check

Cats are masters at hiding illness, and their bodies change with age. A medication that suited your cat last year may not be ideal this year.

Veterinarians recommend at least one comprehensive health check per year, even if your cat seems perfectly healthy. During this visit, your vet can:

• Reassess your cat’s weight, organ function, and overall condition
• Confirm that your current preventive plan is still safe and effective
• Adjust products or doses if your cat’s needs have changed

When you follow these guidelines, at‑home administration of preventives can be relatively safe. However, if you ever feel unsure or notice anything unusual—such as vomiting, lethargy, tremors, or skin irritation—contact your veterinarian right away.

Three Common Flea And Tick Preventives Used In Cats

Below are three widely used, vet‑recommended spot‑on products that are commonly prescribed for cats in many regions. Availability and brand names may vary by country, so always consult your local veterinarian.

Stronghold Plus Also Known As Revolution Plus

Stronghold Plus is a spot‑on treatment applied to the skin at the back of the neck. It is considered a leading all‑in‑one preventive and has gained a large share of the market.

This product is known for its broad spectrum of activity, helping protect against:

• Fleas
• Ticks
• Ear mites
• Roundworms
• Heartworm (filaria)

It uses an active ingredient called selamectin, which is not classified as a traditional insecticide and is generally regarded as having a favorable safety profile when used as directed.

Frontline

Frontline is another well‑established spot‑on treatment and is often mentioned alongside Revolution‑type products as a standard choice for cats.

It is considered a pioneer in flea and tick control, with a long history of use and a strong reputation for both efficacy and safety when applied correctly.

Frontline products for cats typically target:

• Fleas
• Ticks
• Chewing lice

NexGard Cat Combo

NexGard Cat Combo is a newer generation spot‑on treatment from the same manufacturer as Frontline, designed to cover an even wider range of parasites.

By combining multiple active ingredients, this product offers broad protection against both external and internal parasites, including:

• Fleas and ticks
• Ear mites
• Several types of roundworms
• Hookworms
• Tapeworms including certain species of Taenia and Echinococcus
• Heartworm prevention

In total, NexGard Cat Combo is formulated to act against around ten different parasite types, making it a true all‑in‑one solution for many cats.

Balancing Cost With Safety For Your Cat And Your Family

Flea and tick preventives are an ongoing investment. Depending on the product and your region, you may spend the equivalent of over 10,000 yen per year per cat.

It can be tempting to skip doses or delay treatment to save money. However, the potential cost of a serious tick‑borne disease—financial, emotional, and in terms of health—can be far greater.

To protect your cat and the people around them, prioritize these core habits:

• Start with a veterinary consultation for your cat’s first flea and tick preventive
• Use every product exactly as directed for dose and timing
• Schedule at least one annual health check to keep your prevention plan up to date

Unchecked flea and tick infestations can sometimes lead to health risks not only for your cat but also for your household and community, especially in areas where diseases like SFTS are present.

By committing to thoughtful, consistent prevention, you are taking a fundamental step in responsible pet guardianship. With the right plan in place, you can look forward to many years of safe, comfortable, and healthy life together with your cat.