How Long Does Revolution Plus Take to Dry on Cats?
If you’re a cat parent and are using or considering using Revolution Plus as a means to protect your furry friend from parasites, you might be wondering about some specifics – most notably, how long does Revolution Plus take to dry on cats?
What is Revolution Plus?
Revolution Plus is a monthly topical solution that safeguards cats against an array of parasites including fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms. It’s lauded for its efficacy and easy application process, which involves dabbing the liquid onto a small area on the back of the cat’s neck.
How Long Does Revolution Plus Take to Dry?
After applying Revolution Plus on your cat, it’s important to understand that it isn’t necessarily the ‘drying’ of the product you should be concerned about, but rather its absorption. The active ingredients in Revolution Plus, Selamectin and Sarolaner, are quickly absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.
The general recommendation is to consider the application site ‘dry’ within 2 hours of application, which is also the average time it takes for Revolution Plus to be fully absorbed. However, you might still feel a residue even after this period, and that’s perfectly normal.
Post-Application Precautions
During these two hours post-application, a few precautions are essential to maximize the treatment’s effectiveness and prevent any unwanted reactions.
- Avoid Touching: Refrain from touching the application spot until it is dry. If you do, make sure to wash your hands immediately afterward.
- Separate Multi-cat Households: If you have multiple cats, they may attempt to groom each other, potentially ingesting the medication. In such cases, it’s advised to separate your cats for at least 2-4 hours until the Revolution Plus has been fully absorbed.
Revolution Plus: Safety and Efficacy
Revolution Plus has been proven to be a safe and effective parasite prevention method, which begins to work in just a few hours. However, remember that complete elimination of parasites depends on their life cycle and may take a little longer.
In Summary: How Long Does Revolution Plus Take to Dry?
To answer the initial question – the absorption time for Revolution Plus is about 2 hours. This is the recommended waiting period before you should touch the application site or allow other pets to come in contact with it. Always follow the instructions provided with the product for safe and effective use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revolution Plus
Q1: What Should I Do if My Cat Licks Revolution Plus?
Despite your best efforts, your cat might manage to lick the application site. While this isn’t ideal, don’t panic. Revolution Plus includes a bittering agent to deter pets from licking it. The small amount they might ingest usually causes nothing more severe than some temporary drooling or vomiting. However, if your cat seems particularly distressed or symptoms persist, it’s essential to contact your vet immediately.
Q2: Can I Pet My Cat After Applying Revolution Plus?
You certainly can, but it’s best to wait until the application site is dry – typically about two hours after applying the product. This is to ensure that the product has fully absorbed into your cat’s skin. It’s also wise to wash your hands after petting your cat in the treated area during the first 24 hours.
Q3: How Quickly Does Revolution Plus Start to Work?
Revolution Plus starts to work within a few hours of application. However, bear in mind that completely eliminating parasites may take longer, depending on their life cycle. For instance, adult fleas may be killed within 36 hours of application, but larvae and eggs in the environment might take a few weeks to fully eliminate.
Q4: Can I Bathe My Cat After Applying Revolution Plus?
Yes, but you should wait for at least two hours after application to allow the product to be absorbed fully. Even so, frequent bathing or swimming might reduce the product’s effectiveness against certain parasites. As a general rule, try to avoid bathing your cat 48 hours before and after applying Revolution Plus.
Q5: How Long Does Revolution Plus Last?
One application of Revolution Plus provides protection against several parasites for a full month. For consistent protection, it’s vital to keep up with a regular monthly application schedule.
Q6: How Do I Apply Revolution Plus Correctly?
To apply Revolution Plus, part your cat’s fur at the base of the neck in front of the shoulder blades to expose the skin. Then, apply the Revolution Plus directly to the skin. Ensure the product doesn’t run off the side of your cat and that it doesn’t get caught in the fur, as it needs to be absorbed through the skin to be effective.
Q7: How Long Does Revolution Plus Take to Absorb?
Revolution Plus is absorbed quickly into your cat’s skin. While it varies slightly depending on the individual cat, typically, the product should be fully absorbed within two hours. During this time, try to prevent your cat from grooming the application site and avoid touching the area yourself.
Q8: Can I Use Revolution Plus on a Kitten?
Revolution Plus can be used on kittens as young as 8 weeks old. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new flea treatment regimen, especially with kittens, as their developing systems may be more susceptible to potential side effects.
Q9: How Fast Will Revolution Plus Kill Worms in My Cat?
Revolution Plus is effective against certain types of worms. It works systemically to kill heartworms and intestinal worms (roundworms and hookworms) after they have been ingested by the cat. However, it may take a few weeks to entirely clear the worms, depending on the severity of the infestation.
Q10: Does Revolution Plus Work Against Ticks?
Yes, Revolution Plus offers broad protection against various pests, including ticks. It’s effective in killing three types of ticks: black-legged or deer ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, and American dog ticks. The product’s effects last for a full month, making it a good option for comprehensive parasite protection.
Q11: Why is My Cat Still Itching After Applying Revolution Plus?
After applying Revolution Plus, your cat may still itch for a couple of days due to existing flea bites. If the itching persists beyond a few days, it could be a sign of an ongoing infestation in the environment. Alternatively, your cat could be experiencing an allergic reaction to the flea bites, known as Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). Consult your veterinarian if your cat continues to itch excessively after treatment.
Q12: Can Revolution Plus Be Used Alongside Other Medications?
Generally, Revolution Plus can be used with other medications. However, it’s always wise to discuss this with your veterinarian before starting a new treatment to avoid any potential interactions.
Q13: Can Revolution Plus Cause Side Effects in Cats?
While Revolution Plus is generally safe, as with any medication, there’s a chance of side effects. Most cats tolerate it well, but occasional reactions might include temporary hair loss at the application site, lethargy, decreased appetite, diarrhea, or excessive salivation, particularly if the cat manages to lick the product. If any of these symptoms seem severe or persistent, contact your vet right away.
Q14: Can I Use Revolution Plus for Outdoor Cats?
Yes, Revolution Plus is suitable for both indoor and outdoor cats. Given the variety of parasites that outdoor cats can encounter, a broad-spectrum treatment like Revolution Plus can provide comprehensive protection.
Q15: How Should I Store Revolution Plus?
Revolution Plus should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light. The tube should be kept in the original box until ready for use to protect it from light. Keep it out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Q16: Can I Use Dog Revolution Plus on My Cat?
No, it’s crucial never to use a product intended for dogs on your cat. Even if the active ingredient is the same, the concentration and dosages are often different, and using the wrong product can lead to severe reactions or even death. Always use the product intended for your pet’s species and weight.
Q17: Does Revolution Plus Protect Against Ear Mites?
Yes, Revolution Plus can kill ear mites (Otodectes cynotis). If your cat is suffering from an ear mite infestation, Revolution Plus can be a part of the treatment plan, alongside any other therapies your vet might recommend.
Q18: How Does Revolution Plus Work Against Fleas?
Revolution Plus contains two active ingredients: Selamectin and Sarolaner. Selamectin interferes with the nervous system of fleas and other parasites, causing paralysis and death. Sarolaner also works to inhibit the function of the nervous system in pests but is especially effective against ticks.
