A flea collar that takes a week to start working is easy to write off as useless in the first few days, when in fact it just hasn't reached full effect yet — patience is part of how these products are meant to be used.

This is a plant-based, reflective flea collar for cats, working through Margosa extract at 20.4 g/kg and Lavandula hybrida oil at 15.3 g/kg rather than a synthetic insecticide. Beaphar say it repels fleas for up to 12 weeks, but takes 5-7 days from fitting to reach its full effect.

• 35cm, adjustable collar
• Elastic safety link
• Reflective finish
• Margosa extract 20.4 g/kg and Lavandula hybrida oil 15.3 g/kg
• Repels fleas for up to 12 weeks
• Takes 5-7 days to reach full effectiveness

One thing worth knowing. Beaphar say not to use this on cats under 12 weeks old, on sick, convalescent or nursing cats, or to let a cat chew it, and it may cause allergic reactions in some animals — read the safety notes before fitting it, not after. It is for external use only.

Who it's for: an owner of a healthy adult cat over 12 weeks who wants an ongoing, plant-based flea deterrent rather than a spot-on treatment, and likes the added visibility of a reflective collar.