How Does Revolution Plus Work?
Pets are more than just animals we share our homes with – they’re part of the family. And just like we protect our human family members from health threats, we want to do the same for our furry ones. When it comes to feline protection, Revolution Plus has emerged as a front-runner in the battle against common parasites. So, what makes Revolution Plus so effective?
What is Revolution Plus?
Revolution Plus is a potent, broad-spectrum parasite treatment designed specifically for cats. The medication is adept at preventing and treating six types of parasites – fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms. But how exactly does it accomplish this impressive feat? The answer lies in the unique combination of its active ingredients – Selamectin and Sarolaner.
Unpacking the Active Ingredients: Selamectin and Sarolaner
Selamectin
Selamectin, a member of the avermectin family, operates by disrupting nerve signal transmission in parasites. This results in paralysis and eventual death of these harmful invaders. Selamectin is effective against a range of parasites, including fleas, heartworms, ear mites, hookworms, and roundworms.
Sarolaner
Sarolaner, on the other hand, belongs to the isoxazoline class of insecticides. It targets the nervous system of parasites, particularly fleas and ticks, blocking the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. This disruption also leads to paralysis and subsequent death of the parasites.
The Working Mechanism of Revolution Plus
When applied topically, Revolution Plus is absorbed through the skin and enters the cat’s bloodstream. Here, it gets distributed to different tissues, systematically targeting various parasites.
Fleas and ticks come into contact with these active ingredients when they bite the treated cat. The compounds then attack the nervous system of the pests, paralyzing and killing them effectively.
For internal parasites like heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms, the ingredients circulate internally, eliminating these unwanted guests. The medication also helps control the infestation of ear mites, a common problem in cats.
How Long Does Revolution Plus Take to Work?
Typically, Revolution Plus starts working within hours of application. Fleas are killed within 36 hours, while ticks are eliminated within 48 hours. However, for optimal protection, it’s crucial to maintain regular monthly treatments as prescribed by your vet.
Revolution Plus: An Essential Armor for Your Feline Companions
In conclusion, Revolution Plus offers a comprehensive line of defense against common feline parasites, both external and internal. By leveraging the potent properties of Selamectin and Sarolaner, it works systematically to protect your beloved feline friends from these pestilent invaders. Regular usage ensures a safe, happy, and parasite-free life for your cats.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revolution Plus
1. Is Revolution Plus safe for all cats?
Revolution Plus is approved for use in cats and kittens as young as 8 weeks old and weighing 2.8 lbs or more. It’s important to use the medication as directed by your veterinarian and adhere to the correct dosage based on your cat’s weight. As with any medication, some side effects can occur, including temporary hair loss at the application site, diarrhea, vomiting, or changes in behavior. Always consult your veterinarian if you notice any unusual signs after application.
2. How often should I apply Revolution Plus?
Revolution Plus should be applied monthly, or as recommended by your veterinarian, to provide consistent protection against parasites. Missing doses can leave your cat vulnerable to re-infestation.
3. What if my cat has an adverse reaction to Revolution Plus?
Although adverse reactions are rare, they can occur. Signs of an adverse reaction can include excessive salivation, vomiting, tremors, or rapid breathing. If you observe any of these signs, seek immediate veterinary attention. Your vet can recommend an alternative treatment if your cat cannot tolerate Revolution Plus.
4. Can I use Revolution Plus on my pregnant or nursing cat?
Yes, Revolution Plus is considered safe to use on pregnant and nursing cats. However, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new medication in these scenarios.
5. Does my indoor cat need Revolution Plus?
Even indoor cats can be exposed to parasites. Fleas can hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or other pets, and some indoor cats can still get heartworms from mosquitoes that make their way inside the house. Therefore, it’s recommended to protect all cats with a product like Revolution Plus.
6. Can I bathe my cat after applying Revolution Plus?
You should avoid bathing your cat for at least two hours after application. After this period, occasional bathing or swimming should not affect the efficacy of the medication.
7. Does Revolution Plus kill existing heartworms?
No, Revolution Plus is a preventative medication and does not kill adult heartworms. It works by eliminating the immature stages of the heartworm lifecycle, thus preventing the development of adult heartworms.
8. Why am I still seeing fleas after applying Revolution Plus?
Remember that Revolution Plus kills fleas that come in contact with your treated pet but won’t repel new fleas in the environment. If your pet is in an area heavily infested with fleas, you may still see fleas on your pet until the flea lifecycle is broken. Consistent monthly treatment and environmental control measures can help manage the infestation.
9. Can Revolution Plus be used on other pets?
Revolution Plus is specifically designed and approved for cats. It should not be used on dogs or other pets. Other species have different sensitivities and metabolize medications differently. Always consult with your veterinarian to choose the best parasitic prevention strategy for each pet.
10. Can I apply Revolution Plus more frequently if my cat is heavily infested?
No, Revolution Plus should be applied only as directed by your veterinarian, typically once a month. Applying more frequently could lead to an overdose and potential harmful effects. If your cat has a heavy infestation, consult with your vet for additional treatment options.
11. How should Revolution Plus be stored?
Revolution Plus should be stored in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and out of the reach of children and pets. Do not store it in the fridge or freezer, and avoid exposing it to excessive heat or open flame.
12. What should I do if my cat ingests Revolution Plus?
If your cat ingests Revolution Plus, they may experience symptoms like excessive salivation or vomiting due to the bitter taste. While the product is generally safe, excessive ingestion can be harmful. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested an excessive amount.
13. Can I use Revolution Plus in conjunction with other flea treatments?
Before combining Revolution Plus with other flea treatments, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian. Certain medications may interact negatively, leading to potential side effects.
14. What happens if I miss a dose of Revolution Plus?
If you miss a dose, apply Revolution Plus as soon as you remember, and then resume the regular monthly schedule. Do not apply two doses at once or in a short time frame.
15. Does Revolution Plus also protect against ticks?
Revolution Plus provides broad protection against various parasites, including three types of ticks: black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum), and the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis). It’s important to note that no medication can provide 100% protection against all types of ticks, so regular tick checks remain essential, especially in areas where tick-borne diseases are common.
16. Can I use Revolution Plus on a pregnant or lactating cat?
Revolution Plus is considered safe for use on pregnant and lactating cats. However, it’s always best to consult your vet before starting any new medication regimen, especially in special situations like pregnancy or nursing.
17. What should I do if I notice side effects after applying Revolution Plus?
While side effects are rare, they can occur. If you notice symptoms such as hair loss at the application site, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, or any other unusual behavior, contact your vet immediately.
18. Does Revolution Plus lose its effectiveness in water or rain?
Once Revolution Plus has dried on your cat’s skin, it remains effective even if your cat gets wet or bathed. However, it’s best to avoid bathing your cat within two hours of application to ensure the product has had a chance to dry fully.
19. Can I touch my cat after applying Revolution Plus?
After applying Revolution Plus, it’s advised to avoid touching the application site until it is dry, which typically takes about two hours. This not only ensures maximum effectiveness but also reduces the chance of the product being accidentally ingested if your cat grooms itself or comes into contact with people or other animals.
20. Does my indoor cat need Revolution Plus?
Even indoor cats are at risk of parasite exposure. Fleas can come into your home on people’s clothing or other pets, and mosquitoes (which transmit heartworms) can easily get indoors. Thus, the use of Revolution Plus can be beneficial even for indoor cats.
21. Can kittens use Revolution Plus?
Yes, Revolution Plus can be used on kittens as young as eight weeks old. However, always consult with your vet before starting any new medication for your kitten.
22. How do I know if Revolution Plus is working?
If applied correctly, Revolution Plus begins to kill fleas within 36 hours of application. You might still see fleas on your cat after this time, as new fleas can jump onto your cat from the environment. These new fleas will be killed within 36 hours of landing on your cat. You should see a decrease in the number of fleas over time. If you’re still noticing a high number of fleas after a month, consult with your vet.
