Bravecto vs. Revolution for Cats: Which Is Better for Parasite Protection? 🐾
Feline parasite protection is non-negotiable—fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms don’t care whether your cat stays indoors or prowls the backyard. With Bravecto and Revolution (and their “Plus” versions) being two of the most prescribed topical preventatives, the question becomes: Which is truly best for your cat?
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Which lasts longer? Bravecto protects for 8–12 weeks (depending on parasite), while Revolution is monthly.
- Which covers more parasites? Revolution Plus leads with broader tick coverage and ear mite + tapeworm prevention.
- Which is safer for younger cats or breeders? Revolution is safe for kittens 8+ weeks and breeding/pregnant cats. Bravecto is not.
- What about neurologic risks? Both Bravecto and Revolution Plus use isoxazolines, linked to rare but serious neurological reactions.
- Which works faster on fleas? Revolution Plus starts killing fleas in 6 hours. Bravecto takes up to 8–12 hours.
- What if my cat has heartworm? Only Revolution Plus is labeled safe regardless of heartworm status.
🧪 What’s Inside These Treatments? (Active Ingredients That Matter)
| Product | Key Ingredients | Drug Class | Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bravecto | Fluralaner | Isoxazoline | Fleas, some ticks |
| Bravecto Plus | Fluralaner + Moxidectin | Isoxazoline + Macrocyclic Lactone | Fleas, ticks, heartworm, worms |
| Revolution | Selamectin | Macrocyclic Lactone | Fleas, heartworm, worms, mites |
| Revolution Plus | Selamectin + Sarolaner | Macrocyclic Lactone + Isoxazoline | Fleas, ticks, heartworm, worms, mites, tapeworms |
💡 Expert Tip: Isoxazolines are powerful—but cats with a neurological history may be at risk. Stick with non-isoxazoline options like original Revolution if concerned.
⏱️ How Often Do You Need to Dose? (And Why It Matters)
| Product | Duration | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Bravecto | 12 weeks for fleas & black-legged ticks | Topical, every 3 months |
| Bravecto Plus | 8–12 weeks (varies by parasite) | Topical, every 2 months |
| Revolution | 4 weeks | Topical, monthly |
| Revolution Plus | 4–5 weeks | Topical, monthly |
📆 Why It Matters: Bravecto’s longer protection means fewer chances to forget—but not suitable for kittens under 6 months. Revolution shines for younger or more sensitive cats.
🦠 Which Parasites Are Covered? (Not All Products Are Equal)
| Parasite Type | Bravecto | Bravecto Plus | Revolution | Revolution Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fleas 🐜 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ticks 🕷 | ✅ (2 species) | ✅ (3 species incl. Asian longhorned) | ❌ | ✅ (4 species incl. Gulf Coast & Lone Star) |
| Heartworm 💓 | ❌ | ✅ (2 months) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Roundworms/Hookworms 🐛 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ear Mites 👂 | ✅ | ⚠️ (less documented) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Flea Tapeworms 🪱 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (indirectly via flea kill) |
🔬 Takeaway: Revolution Plus is the broadest-spectrum product available. If you live in an area with diverse tick species or multi-parasite threats, it may be the better choice.
⚠️ Are There Safety Differences? (Yes—And They’re Crucial)
| Risk Factor | Bravecto/Bravecto Plus | Revolution/Revolution Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Age Restriction 👶 | 6+ months only | 8+ weeks |
| Breeding/Pregnancy 👩👧 | ❌ Not tested safe | ✅ Original Revolution only |
| Neurologic Risks 🧠 | ⚠️ Isoxazoline (seizure risk) | ⚠️ Revolution Plus = Isoxazoline risk |
| Heartworm-Positive Use 💔 | ❌ Use caution | ✅ Revolution Plus only |
| Bathing Tolerance 🛁 | Wait 3 days post-application | Revolution Plus: Safe after 24 hours |
🚨 Red Flag: If your cat has ever had a seizure, tremor, or unexplained collapse, consult a vet before using any isoxazoline-based product.
👶 What If My Cat Is Very Young (or Pregnant)?
If your cat is:
- Under 6 months → Only Revolution or Revolution Plus are labeled effective.
- Pregnant or lactating → Only original Revolution is tested and approved.
🐾 Pro Tip: If you’re fostering kittens or managing a multi-cat home with pregnant queens, stick with original Revolution for safest, proven coverage.
💡 What If My Cat Is Difficult to Medicate Monthly?
Bravecto might be a game-changer. Here’s why:
🕒 Fewer Doses = Better Compliance
Studies show owners are more consistent with 3-month applications. That can mean better long-term protection—if the product is appropriate for your cat.
🌍 Location, Location: Why Geography Affects Your Choice
If you live in:
- Northeast U.S. → Bravecto Plus covers the growing threat of Asian longhorned ticks.
- Southeast U.S. → Revolution Plus offers coverage for Gulf Coast and Lone Star ticks.
- Urban or indoor-only cats → Flea, ear mite, and heartworm coverage is still vital (choose based on age and safety needs).
📍 Reminder: Ticks vary by region. Your vet knows which ones pose the biggest threat where you live.
✨ Final Verdict: Which Product Is Best?
There is no universal winner—only the best product for your cat’s unique needs:
| Scenario | Best Pick |
|---|---|
| Young kitten (8–16 weeks) 👶 | Revolution or Revolution Plus |
| Owner forgets monthly meds 🗓 | Bravecto or Bravecto Plus |
| Pregnant/nursing cat 🤰 | Original Revolution |
| Neurologic history ⚠️ | Avoid Isoxazolines → Try Revolution |
| Heavily tick-infested area 🕷 | Revolution Plus (broadest coverage) |
| Prior heartworm infection 💔 | Revolution Plus only |
🧾 In Summary: The Expert’s Checklist ✅
- Always consult your vet—these are prescription-only for a reason.
- Know your cat’s age, lifestyle, medical history, and local parasite threats.
- Be aware of the neurologic side effects tied to isoxazolines.
- Bravecto = great for long-term compliance.
- Revolution Plus = best coverage, but monthly.
- Original Revolution = safest for breeders and kittens.
FAQs
Comment 1: “My cat had a mild seizure after Bravecto. Can I switch to Revolution Plus instead?”
➡️ This is a vital and often misunderstood issue. Both Bravecto and Revolution Plus contain isoxazoline-class compounds (fluralaner in Bravecto, sarolaner in Revolution Plus). These drugs share the same neurological risk profile. While adverse events like seizures are rare, they are linked to the entire drug class, not just individual brands.
| Product | Isoxazoline Compound | Neurologic Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Bravecto | Fluralaner | ✅ Yes |
| Revolution Plus | Sarolaner | ✅ Yes |
| Original Revolution | None | ❌ No |
💡 Expert Insight: Switching from one isoxazoline to another doesn’t reduce the neurological risk. If a seizure occurred post-Bravecto, Revolution Plus may pose a similar hazard. Consider reverting to original Revolution, which does not include any isoxazoline. Always consult your vet to reassess safety and confirm if the event was causally linked.
Comment 2: “Is there a product that protects against both internal and external parasites without monthly application?”
Currently, Bravecto Plus is the only option that fits this specific request. It combines fluralaner (external parasites) and moxidectin (internal parasites) into a bi-monthly topical.
| Product | Internal Parasites | External Parasites | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bravecto Plus | Heartworms, hookworms, roundworms | Fleas, ticks | ✅ 2 months |
| Revolution Plus | Heartworms, hookworms, roundworms | Fleas, ticks, mites | ❌ Monthly |
| Original Revolution | Heartworms, hookworms, roundworms | Fleas, mites | ❌ Monthly |
🧠 Note: While Bravecto Plus extends coverage to two months, it lacks Revolution Plus’s wider tick species range and indirect tapeworm prevention. Consider what parasites are most prevalent in your area, and evaluate the trade-off between duration and spectrum.
Comment 3: “My indoor cat has never had fleas. Do I still need to use something like Revolution or Bravecto?”
This is a frequently underestimated risk. Indoor cats remain vulnerable to parasite exposure through open doors/windows, human shoes, clothing, and other pets. Fleas and mosquitoes don’t respect indoor boundaries.
| Risk Vector | Parasite | Entry Point |
|---|---|---|
| Shoes, pant cuffs | Fleas | Indoors via humans 👞 |
| Open windows/doors | Mosquitoes | Transmit heartworms 🚪🦟 |
| Other pets in home | Fleas, mites | Cross-infestation 🐶➡️🐱 |
📌 Key Insight: The CAPC (Companion Animal Parasite Council) explicitly recommends year-round parasite prevention for all cats, indoor or outdoor. The absence of infestation history does not equate to immunity.
Comment 4: “What’s the difference between Revolution and Revolution Plus if I already use the regular one and it works?”
Great question—the difference lies in parasite spectrum and specific ingredients. Revolution Plus adds sarolaner to the base formula, expanding tick coverage and enhancing flea speed of kill.
| Feature | Revolution | Revolution Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Fleas | ✅ Monthly | ✅ Faster, 6-hour kill |
| Ticks | ❌ None | ✅ 4 species |
| Heartworms | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Worms (Round/Hook) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ear Mites | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Tapeworms | ❌ No | ✅ Indirectly prevents |
🌟 Pro-Level Consideration: If your geographic region has tick threats (like the Gulf Coast or Lone Star tick), or your cat goes on balconies or patios, Revolution Plus offers superior protection. But if ticks aren’t a risk and your current protocol works, sticking with original Revolution may be perfectly sufficient.
Comment 5: “I noticed my cat drooling after applying Bravecto. Is that normal?”
Yes—but here’s what’s really happening: Excessive drooling (hypersalivation) in cats after topical application is usually caused by oral ingestion, often due to grooming the application site before it’s fully dry.
| Cause | Effect | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Grooming application site | Bitter taste triggers drooling | Separate cats post-application 🐱↔️🐱 |
| Incomplete absorption | Licking wet spot | Apply high on neck, not fur ✔️ |
| Owner handling | Petting site → hand → cat mouth | Wash hands after applying 🧼🖐️ |
✅ Veterinary Tip: While not toxic, the bitter taste of fluralaner (Bravecto) and moxidectin can cause temporary signs like drooling, agitation, and vomiting. Offer milk or tuna water to dilute taste if it occurs. To avoid it next time, apply while your cat is distracted, and restrict licking access for 24 hours.
Comment 6: “Can I use Bravecto or Revolution while my cat is nursing kittens?”
This is a critical concern for breeders and rescues. Only original Revolution has demonstrated safety in pregnant and lactating cats.
| Product | Safe in Pregnant/Nursing Cats? |
|---|---|
| Revolution | ✅ Yes |
| Revolution Plus | ❌ Not tested |
| Bravecto | ❌ Not established |
| Bravecto Plus | ❌ Not established |
⚠️ No “Plus” or Bravecto product is currently approved for use during pregnancy or lactation. If protection is necessary, stick with Revolution and always inform your vet about reproductive status to avoid unintended exposure.
Comment 7: “Does either product prevent tapeworms directly?”
Only Revolution Plus offers a form of indirect protection against Dipylidium caninum, the most common flea tapeworm in cats.
| Product | Tapeworm Protection |
|---|---|
| Revolution Plus | ✅ Indirect (by killing fleas) |
| Revolution | ❌ No |
| Bravecto / Bravecto Plus | ❌ No |
🔎 Explanation: Tapeworms infect cats when they ingest infected fleas during grooming. Revolution Plus rapidly kills fleas, disrupting this cycle. However, if your cat already has tapeworms, you’ll still need a dewormer like praziquantel to clear active infection.
Comment 8: “Do these products still work if I bathe my cat regularly?”
Water resistance varies between formulations.
| Product | Bathing Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Revolution Plus | Safe 24 hrs after application 🛁 |
| Revolution | Same as above ✔️ |
| Bravecto | Wait 3 days post-application 🚫💦 |
| Bravecto Plus | Effect after bathing not evaluated ❓ |
🐾 For cats that are bathed or swim frequently, Revolution products offer more predictable post-bathing performance. Bravecto’s label cautions against early bathing, and Bravecto Plus lacks confirmed post-wash data—meaning efficacy could be compromised if guidelines aren’t followed.
Comment 9: “Is the ‘bite-to-kill’ mechanism less effective than products that repel fleas?”
Not necessarily—but it’s important to understand what “bite-to-kill” means.
| Mode of Action | How It Works | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Bite-to-kill (Bravecto, Revolution Plus) | Fleas/ticks must feed to ingest the drug | ✔️ Still highly effective |
| Repellent (rare in cat products) | Fleas/ticks avoid host entirely | 🚫 Less common in feline meds |
🐜 Note: Flea and tick repellents aren’t standard in feline parasiticides because cats are highly sensitive to certain repellents like permethrin. The bite-to-kill system ensures that even if a flea bites, it won’t survive to reproduce or spread disease. This mechanism has been shown to effectively break infestation cycles when used consistently.
Comment 10: “My vet recommended Bravecto for my long-haired cat. Is fur length a factor when choosing between these products?”
Yes—fur length can influence application success, but not necessarily product choice. Both Bravecto and Revolution lines are topical spot-on medications, and their effectiveness hinges on proper skin contact, not just surface coverage. For long-haired breeds like Persians or Maine Coons, application technique is more important than ingredient selection.
| Challenge | Impact | Solution 💡 |
|---|---|---|
| Dense coat | Barrier to skin | Part fur completely before applying |
| Grooming interference | Lick product off | Apply high on neck, out of reach |
| Residue visibility | Owners may see oily spot | Normal, disappears in 24–48 hrs |
🔬 Veterinary Insight: A topical solution won’t absorb through fur alone. For long-haired cats, you may need to divide the dose across two close spots at the base of the neck if fur is particularly thick—but only under vet guidance. The goal is total skin contact, not fur saturation.
Comment 11: “Are there any differences in how fast Bravecto and Revolution kill fleas?”
Definitely. Speed of flea kill is a clinically relevant factor, especially in cats with flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) or heavy infestations.
| Product | Time to Initial Kill | Re-infestation Kill Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bravecto | 8 hrs (100% kill) 🕒 | 12 hrs post-infestation ⏱ | Sustains for 12 weeks |
| Bravecto Plus | 12 hrs (initial) 🔄 | 12 hrs (re-infestation) 🐜 | Effective for 8–12 weeks |
| Revolution | 36 hrs (initial) 🐢 | N/A | Monthly reapplication |
| Revolution Plus | 6 hrs (re-infestation) ⚡ | Fastest onset among options | Maintains full kill for 5 weeks |
🧪 Clinical Takeaway: Revolution Plus acts the fastest against reintroduced fleas, making it excellent for cats with active infestations. However, Bravecto offers unmatched longevity with a rapid enough kill rate for most home scenarios. Choose based on whether speed or duration is your priority.
Comment 12: “Does Revolution or Bravecto work better in multi-pet households?”
Both can be effective, but household dynamics shape the answer. If you have dogs, kittens, or multiple cats that groom each other, exposure risk and product safety must be considered.
| Factor | Why It Matters | Best Practice 🧼 |
|---|---|---|
| Grooming between pets | May ingest product | Separate for 24 hrs post-application |
| Different age groups | Not all products are safe for kittens | Revolution suits 8-week-old kittens |
| Cross-species exposure | Some dog products are toxic to cats | Keep species-specific meds separate 🚫🐕➡️🐱 |
🎯 Veterinary Strategy: In mixed-species homes, Revolution (original) has a broader safety margin, especially around young kittens or nursing queens. For cats who co-groom, apply at night, and use treats, toys, or confinement to discourage licking until fully absorbed.
Comment 13: “Are there any environmental factors that affect how well these products work?”
Absolutely. Climate, region, and parasite seasonality all influence product performance. Some medications are better suited for high-load environments, others excel in routine maintenance.
| Environmental Factor | Impact on Product Efficacy | Preferred Option 🌍 |
|---|---|---|
| Humid climates | Higher flea/tick activity | Revolution Plus (broadest range) |
| Rural/tick-dense areas | Risk of tick-borne disease | Bravecto Plus (Asian longhorned) or Revolution Plus |
| Year-round warm zones | Continuous mosquito threat | Monthly Revolution or Plus variant |
📌 Note: Some tick species, like Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star tick), are highly aggressive and require monthly defense. In those regions, Revolution Plus becomes critical. Likewise, in cool, dry climates with low vector activity, Bravecto’s long duration may be all that’s needed.
Comment 14: “Is there any benefit to rotating between Bravecto and Revolution to prevent resistance?”
An insightful question—yet in veterinary parasitology, resistance management works differently than in antibiotics. Most topical parasiticides don’t build resistance rapidly when applied properly.
| Rotation Logic | Evidence | Recommendation 🔁 |
|---|---|---|
| Antibiotic-style cycling | No direct correlation | ❌ Not necessary unless resistance observed |
| Managing side effects | Yes (e.g., switching after GI upset) | ✅ Valid reason |
| Exposure minimization | Yes, based on seasonal vector load | ✅ May vary product by season (with vet) |
💡 Expert Insight: Instead of rotating arbitrarily, it’s better to adjust products based on the cat’s changing risk profile—season, travel, health status—not fear of resistance. If fleas/ticks persist despite treatment, the issue may stem from application errors or environmental re-infestation, not drug resistance.
Comment 15: “Can Bravecto or Revolution be used alongside vaccines or other treatments?”
Yes—with a few precautions. These topical parasiticides are generally well-tolerated when administered alongside routine vaccinations, dewormers, or sedatives, provided your veterinarian is informed.
| Treatment Type | Compatibility | Consideration 💉 |
|---|---|---|
| Vaccines | ✅ Yes | Avoid overlapping same-day stressors |
| Dewormers (e.g., praziquantel) | ✅ Yes | Monitor for mild GI upset |
| Sedatives / Antibiotics | ✅ Yes | Inform vet to avoid rare interactions |
| Other Topicals | ❌ No | Never mix multiple flea meds on same day 🚫 |
📋 Key Guidance: Avoid using multiple topical parasiticides simultaneously, and space out vaccines by 2–3 days from topical applications to reduce immune system strain. If your cat is undergoing dental work or surgery, ensure your vet schedules parasite control post-op, when possible.
Comment 16: “Does Revolution Plus protect against Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses?”
Revolution Plus protects against tick species that carry such diseases, but it does not directly prevent Lyme or Ehrlichia infection. It stops the tick vector before the pathogens are transmitted.
| Pathogen | Transmitted By | Revolution Plus Protection 🛡 |
|---|---|---|
| Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) | Black-legged tick | ✅ Tick killed before disease transmission |
| Cytauxzoonosis | Lone Star tick | ✅ Covered vector-wise, but not curative |
| Ehrlichiosis / Anaplasmosis | Amblyomma spp. / Ixodes | ✅ Vector control only |
🦠 Reality Check: No flea/tick preventative is a vaccine or cure for these diseases. Prompt tick kill (within 6–12 hours) is the best defense. Revolution Plus achieves this, but monitoring for symptoms post-tick bite is still critical in high-risk regions.
Comment 17: “Can I apply Bravecto or Revolution right after my cat gets groomed or bathed?”
⏳ Timing is everything when it comes to topical efficacy. After a professional grooming session or home bath, the skin’s natural oils—which help distribute topical treatments—may be temporarily stripped away. These oils are essential for the active ingredients to spread systemically through the dermal layers.
| Product | Wait Time After Bath | Why It Matters 🛁 |
|---|---|---|
| Bravecto | ❗Wait 3 days | Needs oil barrier for systemic absorption |
| Bravecto Plus | 🚫 Not evaluated post-bath | May have reduced efficacy if applied too soon |
| Revolution/Revolution Plus | ✅ Safe after 24 hrs | Designed for faster dermal uptake post-bath |
🧴 Recommendation: If your cat has just been groomed, postpone Bravecto application for 72 hours to restore skin oil levels. For Revolution products, a 24-hour buffer is typically adequate. Applying too soon may compromise distribution, reducing protection even if the dose appears absorbed.
Comment 18: “Do I need to treat my home if I’m using Bravecto or Revolution on my cat?”
Yes—and here’s why: topical treatments eliminate parasites on your pet, but do not address environmental infestations. Flea eggs, larvae, and pupae can persist in carpets, bedding, and cracks in flooring.
| Environment Zone | Threat Level | Action Step 🧼 |
|---|---|---|
| Pet bedding | High | Wash weekly in hot water |
| Carpet & upholstery | Moderate | Vacuum daily; use flea sprays if needed |
| Baseboards, hardwood cracks | Hidden reservoirs | Use insect growth regulators (IGRs) if infestation is active |
🐛 Expert Tip: Topicals like Bravecto kill fleas that jump on and bite, but immature life stages remain in the environment. For a full flea eradication protocol, especially during a known infestation, combine topical treatment with aggressive environmental cleaning and IGR-based sprays.
Comment 19: “Is there a difference in how Revolution and Bravecto absorb into the cat’s system?”
Yes—though both are topical, their absorption mechanisms and distribution pathways differ significantly.
| Product | Route of Absorption | Systemic Distribution ⚙️ |
|---|---|---|
| Bravecto/Bravecto Plus | Transdermal → bloodstream | Stored in fat layers, slow release over time |
| Revolution/Revolution Plus | Topical → dermal circulation | Enters bloodstream quickly, metabolized in liver |
🩸 Breakdown: Bravecto’s lipophilic nature allows it to accumulate in sebaceous glands and release gradually, making its 3-month duration possible. Revolution’s active ingredients enter the bloodstream more rapidly and are designed for monthly cycles, explaining their shorter duration but faster systemic onset.
Comment 20: “Can Bravecto or Revolution treat an active flea infestation, or are they only preventative?”
Both can address active infestations, but their timing, kill rate, and lifecycle interruption vary.
| Product | Flea Kill Speed | Prevents Egg/Larvae Development? 🐣 |
|---|---|---|
| Bravecto | 8–12 hrs | ❌ No direct action on eggs/larvae |
| Revolution | 36 hrs | ✅ Prevents flea eggs from hatching |
| Revolution Plus | 6 hrs | ✅ Disrupts lifecycle by sterilizing adults |
🐾 Clinical Strategy: For severe flea infestations, Revolution Plus may be preferred initially due to its rapid kill and egg inhibition properties. Once the environment is under control, you may switch to a longer-duration option like Bravecto for maintenance. Consider pairing with an oral Capstar-type flea killer for immediate knockdown under vet supervision.
Comment 21: “Is it safe to use these products during allergy season or when my cat is on antihistamines?”
Yes, Bravecto and Revolution are generally compatible with common feline allergy medications such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine, or chlorpheniramine. However, allergic skin can impact application quality.
| Concern | Risk Level | Advice 🧴 |
|---|---|---|
| Broken/inflamed skin | ❗Moderate | Avoid applying to irritated areas |
| Concurrent antihistamine use | ✅ Low | Safe with vet guidance |
| Steroid treatment | ⚠️ Monitor | May mask topical reactions |
🌼 Note: If your cat has atopic dermatitis, ensure the application site is not inflamed or ulcerated, as this may lead to increased absorption or local reactions. Topicals should always be applied to intact, healthy skin for optimal safety.
Comment 22: “Do these treatments expire? Can I use an old dose if it looks fine?”
Yes, they expire—and using expired doses is risky. The active ingredients degrade over time, reducing efficacy and potentially altering absorption characteristics.
| Product | Shelf Life (Sealed) | Storage Conditions ❄️ |
|---|---|---|
| Bravecto | ~2 years | Room temp; avoid direct sunlight |
| Revolution/Revolution Plus | ~2–3 years | Store between 68–77°F (20–25°C) |
📦 Golden Rule: Never use expired parasiticides, even if the liquid appears unchanged. Potency drops, and the stabilizers that ensure even dispersion may degrade. Always check the expiration date printed on the foil packaging or box.
Comment 23: “My cat scratches a lot after application. Is that normal or a sign of a reaction?”
Mild, temporary scratching can be normal due to alcohol carriers in the formula. However, persistent or escalating itching could indicate a contact dermatitis or hypersensitivity.
| Symptom | Severity | Recommended Action 🩺 |
|---|---|---|
| Brief itching (under 30 min) | Mild | Observe, no intervention |
| Persistent scratching, redness | Moderate | Call vet, monitor closely |
| Ulceration, hair loss, licking | Severe | Discontinue product, seek care |
🧬 Caution: All topical medications carry a risk of localized irritation. If your cat grooms excessively, rubs their head, or exhibits systemic signs (lethargy, vomiting), discontinue use and contact your veterinarian. You may need to explore oral alternatives or hypoallergenic topicals.
Comment 24: “Can these treatments affect my cat’s liver or kidneys long-term?”
When used as directed, Bravecto and Revolution have excellent safety profiles, including for hepatic and renal function. However, in cats with pre-existing liver or kidney disease, careful monitoring is warranted.
| Condition | Risk Adjustment | Monitoring Needed 🔬 |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy cat | ✅ Minimal concern | Routine checks only |
| Chronic kidney disease (CKD) | ⚠️ Use with vet supervision | Monitor BUN/creatinine |
| Liver enzyme elevation | ⚠️ Select non-isoxazoline when possible | Check ALT/ALP levels |
🩺 Bottom Line: Isoxazolines (Bravecto, Revolution Plus) are metabolized in the liver, so for cats with hepatic insufficiency, opt for selamectin-only Revolution if appropriate. Your vet may also recommend more frequent bloodwork during long-term use.
