NexGard COMBO for Cats: Pricing, Cost-Saving Tips, and Where to Buy 🐱💰
NexGard COMBO is a broad-spectrum, prescription-only topical treatment designed for comprehensive parasite protection in cats. Manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, it provides month-long defense against fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms—making it one of the most complete parasite preventatives available.
However, its cost varies depending on the retailer, pack size, and whether you purchase online or through a veterinarian. If you’re wondering how much NexGard COMBO costs, this guide breaks down current pricing, factors influencing cost, where to buy it for the best deals, and money-saving tips.
📌 Key Takeaways: Quick Answers to Your Questions
| 💡 Question | ✅ Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| 💰 How much does NexGard COMBO cost per dose? | $25 – $35 per dose, with potential savings on multi-dose packs. |
| 📦 What are the available pack sizes? | Sold in 1, 3, 6, or 12-month packs. |
| 🛒 Where can I buy NexGard COMBO? | Veterinary clinics, online pet pharmacies, and authorized pet retailers. |
| 🩺 Is a prescription required? | Yes, a valid prescription from a vet is required before purchase. |
| 🔄 Can I save money on NexGard COMBO? | Yes! Buy in bulk, look for online discounts, and check manufacturer rebates. |
💰 How Much Does NexGard COMBO Cost in the USA?
Pricing can fluctuate depending on the seller and whether you’re buying a single dose or a multi-pack. Here’s a breakdown of current pricing from major retailers:
🛍️ NexGard COMBO Price Comparison (USA)
| Retailer | 1-Dose Pack | 3-Dose Pack | 6-Dose Pack | 12-Dose Pack | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chewy | $31.59 | $84.99 | $154.89 | ❌ Not listed | Chewy NexGard COMBO |
| CanadaPetCare | ❌ Not listed | $49.24 | $94.39 | $181.54 | International retailer, often offers free shipping |
| BestVetCare | ❌ Not listed | $46.42 | $88.99 | $171.16 | Lower-cost online pharmacy |
| PetMart Pharmacy | $33.49 | $95.49 | $174.00 | ❌ Not listed | Vet-approved online pharmacy |
| Sierra Pet Meds | ❌ Not listed | $44.01 | $84.06 | ❌ Not listed | Offers discounts on larger orders |
| Petco / PetSmart | ❌ Not listed | ❌ Not listed | ❌ Not listed | ❌ Not listed | Prices available in-store with a vet prescription |
📌 Note: Prices can change due to promotions, location, and prescription processing fees. Always check for the latest discounts!
📦 What Pack Sizes Are Available?
NexGard COMBO comes in different pack sizes, giving cat owners flexibility depending on their needs.
| Pack Size | Average Price (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Dose Pack | $25 – $35 | Testing the product or occasional use. |
| 3-Dose Pack | $50 – $90 | Short-term protection (3 months). |
| 6-Dose Pack | $85 – $120 | Mid-term use, saving up to 20% per dose. |
| 12-Dose Pack | $160 – $250 | Best long-term value, with the lowest per-dose cost. |
💡 Buying in bulk can save you $5 – $10 per dose!
🛒 Where Can I Buy NexGard COMBO?
Because NexGard COMBO is a prescription-only product, you must get it from licensed retailers or vet-approved online pharmacies.
💊 Top Places to Buy NexGard COMBO
| Purchase Location | Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Clinics | Immediate availability, expert guidance. | Often the most expensive option. |
| Online Pet Pharmacies (Chewy, 1800PetMeds, BudgetPetCare) | Competitive prices, home delivery, discounts available. | Requires a prescription, shipping wait times. |
| Big-Box Pet Stores (Petco, PetSmart) | Can bundle with in-store vet services. | Not always available without an in-store vet visit. |
📌 Pro Tip: Online pet pharmacies (Chewy, BudgetPetCare) often offer 10-20% off first-time orders, making them the best choice for affordability.
📉 How to Save Money on NexGard COMBO
💡 Want to get the best deal? Try these cost-saving strategies:
| Money-Saving Tip | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Buy in Bulk 🏷️ | A 6-pack or 12-pack lowers the per-dose cost. |
| Look for Rebates 🎟️ | Boehringer Ingelheim offers manufacturer rebates—check their official website. |
| Use Online Discounts 💻 | Sites like BudgetPetCare and CanadaPetCare frequently have 10-20% discounts. |
| Subscribe & Save 🔄 | Some online retailers offer auto-ship savings of 5-10%. |
| Compare Prices 📊 | Use price comparison tools or check multiple retailers. |
📌 Example Savings: If you buy a 6-month pack instead of a single dose, you could save $30 – $50 per year—which adds up for multi-cat households!
🩺 Why Is NexGard COMBO Prescription-Only?
NexGard COMBO contains potent ingredients that treat multiple parasites, including heartworms, which require proper veterinary oversight. Heartworm preventatives should only be given to cats that test negative for existing infections, as improper use could lead to health complications.
🛑 What Happens If You Skip a Vet Visit?
Without a prescription:
- You can’t legally purchase NexGard COMBO from reputable sources.
- You risk counterfeit products from unregulated sellers.
- Your cat may not be protected against heartworms if not properly tested.
📌 Bottom Line: A vet check-up ensures safe and effective use of NexGard COMBO.
🧐 Is NexGard COMBO Worth the Price?
Yes, for most cats, NexGard COMBO is worth the investment because it eliminates the need for multiple parasite treatments. Instead of buying separate flea, tick, and worm medications, you get everything in one product, which simplifies treatment and often reduces costs in the long run.
| Feature | NexGard COMBO | Buying Separate Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Fleas & Ticks | ✅ Included | 🚫 Requires separate flea/tick treatment |
| Heartworm Prevention | ✅ Included | 🚫 Requires a second medication |
| Intestinal Worms | ✅ Included (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms) | 🚫 Usually requires a third medication |
| Total Monthly Cost | $25 – $35 per dose | $30 – $50 for multiple products |
💡 Final Verdict: If your cat needs broad-spectrum protection, NexGard COMBO saves money and hassle over buying separate treatments.
🔎 Final Thoughts
- ✔ Best for: Cat owners seeking all-in-one parasite protection with monthly application.
- ✔ Cost-effective? Yes, especially when purchased in bulk or with online discounts.
- ✔ Where to buy: Vet-approved online pharmacies, pet retailers, and veterinary clinics.
💡 Before purchasing, consult your vet to ensure NexGard COMBO is the best option for your cat’s needs. 🐱💙
FAQs
💬 Comment 1: “Why is NexGard COMBO so expensive compared to other flea treatments?”
💡 Expert Response: NexGard COMBO isn’t just a flea treatment—it’s a broad-spectrum parasiticide that protects against fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms in a single topical dose. The higher cost reflects its multi-purpose coverage, which eliminates the need to buy separate medications for each type of parasite.
📊 Cost Comparison: NexGard COMBO vs. Buying Individual Treatments
| Parasite Protection | NexGard COMBO (One Product) | Separate Medications (Multiple Products) |
|---|---|---|
| Fleas & Ticks 🐜 | ✅ Included | $15 – $30/month |
| Heartworm 💓 | ✅ Included | $10 – $20/month |
| Roundworms & Hookworms 🦠 | ✅ Included | $5 – $15/month |
| Tapeworms 🪱 | ✅ Included | $5 – $10 per treatment |
| Total Monthly Cost 💰 | $25 – $35 per dose | $35 – $75 if purchased separately |
📌 Bottom Line: Although NexGard COMBO costs more upfront, it saves money over time by eliminating the need for multiple medications while ensuring comprehensive parasite protection.
💬 Comment 2: “Can I use NexGard COMBO for kittens under 8 weeks?”
💡 Expert Response: No. NexGard COMBO is only approved for kittens 8 weeks or older and weighing at least 1.8 lbs. Using it on younger kittens can pose serious risks, including neurological side effects, liver strain, or overdose-related toxicity because their bodies are not yet fully developed to metabolize the active ingredients.
🔍 Safer Alternatives for Young Kittens:
- Capstar (Nitenpyram) – Can be used for kittens as young as 4 weeks (kills fleas quickly but doesn’t prevent future infestations).
- Dawn Dish Soap Bath (temporary solution) – Gently removes fleas but does not provide lasting protection.
- Flea Combs & Manual Removal – Safe and effective but labor-intensive.
📌 Recommendation: If your kitten is under 8 weeks, consult a vet for alternative options before starting prescription flea treatments.
💬 Comment 3: “How long does it take for NexGard COMBO to start working?”
💡 Expert Response: NexGard COMBO begins killing fleas within 6 hours of application and ticks within 24 hours.
⏳ Timelines for Effectiveness:
| Parasite | When NexGard COMBO Starts Working ⏳ |
|---|---|
| Fleas 🐜 | Kills 100% within 24 hours |
| Ticks 🕷️ | Kills within 24 hours |
| Heartworms 💓 | Prevents infection with monthly use |
| Roundworms & Hookworms 🦠 | Starts eliminating parasites within 24-48 hours |
| Tapeworms 🪱 | Expelled from the body within a few days |
📌 Note: If your cat has an active flea infestation, you may see fleas jumping off or appearing more active before dying—this is normal as the treatment disrupts their nervous system.
💬 Comment 4: “Can my cat still get fleas after using NexGard COMBO?”
💡 Expert Response: Yes, but only briefly if new fleas jump onto your cat before dying. NexGard COMBO does not repel fleas—it kills them when they come into contact with your cat’s skin.
🔎 Why Fleas May Still Appear:
- 1️⃣ New Fleas from the Environment – If your home has an active flea infestation, new fleas may continue hatching for several weeks.
- 2️⃣ Exposure from Other Pets or Outdoors – Cats that go outside or live with untreated pets can pick up fleas again.
- 3️⃣ Flea Resistance to Older Products – Some flea populations have developed resistance to older treatments like Frontline Plus, but NexGard COMBO remains highly effective.
📌 Solution: To completely eliminate fleas, use NexGard COMBO monthly AND treat the environment (vacuum, wash bedding, and use home flea sprays).
💬 Comment 5: “Can I apply NexGard COMBO to a wet cat?”
💡 Expert Response: No, NexGard COMBO should be applied to dry skin. Water can dilute the medication, reducing its effectiveness.
📌 Best Practices for Application:
- Do NOT bathe your cat for at least 48 hours before or after applying NexGard COMBO.
- Ensure the skin is dry before application to maximize absorption.
- Apply at the base of the skull where your cat can’t lick it off.
💬 Comment 6: “Are there any side effects I should watch for?”
💡 Expert Response: NexGard COMBO is generally well-tolerated, but some cats may experience mild or rare side effects.
📋 Possible Side Effects & What to Do
| Side Effect | How Common? | What to Do? |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation 🩹 | Occasionally reported | Monitor for redness, hair loss, or scabbing at the application site. Usually resolves in 24-48 hours. |
| Lethargy 😴 | Rare | Ensure your cat is eating and drinking normally. If lethargy persists beyond 48 hours, consult a vet. |
| Vomiting 🤮 | Uncommon | Give your cat small meals and monitor hydration. If vomiting is frequent, call a vet. |
| Neurological reactions (tremors, seizures) ⚠️ | VERY RARE | STOP using NexGard COMBO and seek emergency veterinary care immediately. |
📌 Note: NexGard COMBO belongs to the isoxazoline class, which, in very rare cases, has been linked to neurological effects. If your cat has a history of seizures or neurological issues, consult your vet before using it.
💬 Comment 7: “Is NexGard COMBO safe for multi-cat households?”
💡 Expert Response: Yes, but precautions are needed to prevent accidental ingestion if cats groom each other.
🐱 Multi-Cat Safety Tips:
- Apply NexGard COMBO to each cat separately.
- Keep treated cats apart for at least 4 hours to allow full absorption.
- Monitor for licking behavior—if one cat grooms another’s application site, they may ingest it and develop mild side effects like drooling or vomiting.
📌 Alternative: If grooming is a concern, discuss an oral flea preventive like Comfortis (Spinosad) with your vet.
💬 Comment 8: “Is NexGard COMBO better than Revolution Plus?”
💡 Expert Response: Both NexGard COMBO and Revolution Plus are highly effective prescription flea and parasite treatments, but they differ in their spectrum of protection. Which one is better depends on your cat’s needs.
📊 NexGard COMBO vs. Revolution Plus: Key Differences
| Feature | NexGard COMBO 🏆 | Revolution Plus 🏆 |
|---|---|---|
| Fleas & Ticks 🐜 | ✅ Yes (kills all flea life stages & ticks) | ✅ Yes (kills fleas & ticks, but NexGard COMBO kills faster) |
| Heartworm Prevention 💓 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Intestinal Parasites 🦠 | ✅ Yes (Roundworms, Hookworms, Tapeworms) | ✅ Yes (Roundworms, Hookworms, No Tapeworm Protection) |
| Ear Mites 🎧 | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Active Ingredients 🔬 | Esafoxolaner, Eprinomectin, Praziquantel | Selamectin, Sarolaner |
| Age Requirement 🐱 | 8 weeks & 1.8 lbs+ | 8 weeks & 2.8 lbs+ |
| Application Frequency 📅 | Monthly | Monthly |
| Waterproof 🚿 | Yes (but wait 24 hours after application) | Yes (but wait 24 hours after application) |
| Safety in Neurological Cases ⚠️ | Use caution if seizure history | Use caution if seizure history |
| Cost per Dose 💰 | $20-$35 | $18-$30 |
📌 Bottom Line:
- If you need TAPEWORM protection, NexGard COMBO is the better choice.
- If ear mites are a concern, Revolution Plus is better suited.
- Both protect against fleas, ticks, and heartworms, so it comes down to your cat’s specific health risks and needs.
💬 Comment 9: “Can I use NexGard COMBO and another flea treatment together?”
💡 Expert Response: No, it is NOT recommended to combine NexGard COMBO with other flea treatments unless specifically instructed by a vet. Overlapping medications can increase toxicity risks and lead to side effects.
🚨 Dangers of Using Multiple Flea Treatments Together 🚨
| Combination Attempted | Why It’s Risky? ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| NexGard COMBO + Bravecto Plus | Both contain isoxazolines (risk of overdose & neurological side effects). |
| NexGard COMBO + Capstar | Capstar is for immediate flea killing, but if used excessively with NexGard COMBO, it may irritate the nervous system. |
| NexGard COMBO + Revolution Plus | Both target the same parasites. Unnecessary double dosing increases side effects. |
| NexGard COMBO + Seresto Collar | NexGard COMBO already provides flea & tick protection—adding a collar is redundant and may lead to skin irritation or overdose. |
📌 If your cat still has fleas despite NexGard COMBO, the real issue might be:
- ✅ A flea-infested environment – Treat carpets, furniture, and pet bedding.
- ✅ Another untreated pet – Ensure all pets in the household are protected.
- ✅ Incorrect application – Make sure the product is properly absorbed and applied to the skin (not just the fur).
🚀 Best Solution: If additional flea control is needed, consult a vet for safe alternatives like flea sprays for the home instead of doubling up on treatments.
💬 Comment 10: “Does NexGard COMBO protect against mosquitoes?”
💡 Expert Response: No, NexGard COMBO does not repel or kill mosquitoes. However, it prevents heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquito bites.
🦟 How Heartworm Prevention Works:
- NexGard COMBO kills heartworm larvae (microfilariae) before they can mature into dangerous adult worms.
- It does NOT stop mosquitoes from biting but prevents infection from occurring if a mosquito carries heartworm larvae.
📌 Extra Mosquito Protection for Cats:
- Use mosquito screens on windows & doors.
- Avoid letting cats outdoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Consider cat-safe repellents (ONLY vet-approved options like Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray for Cats).
💬 Comment 11: “What should I do if my cat licks NexGard COMBO?”
💡 Expert Response: If your cat licks NexGard COMBO, don’t panic, but monitor closely for signs of toxicity. The active ingredients taste bitter, so many cats drool, foam at the mouth, or shake their head after licking it—this is a reaction to the taste, not poisoning.
⚠️ Watch for these signs after licking NexGard COMBO:
| Symptom | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Drooling 😛 | Common reaction to bitter taste | Wipe mouth, give water. Should subside in 10-30 min. |
| Vomiting 🤢 | Occasional reaction | Give small amounts of food and monitor. If vomiting continues, call vet. |
| Lethargy or Weakness 💤 | Rare, but possible | Watch for worsening signs. If extreme, contact vet. |
| Seizures, Tremors, or Collapse ⚠️ | Medical emergency! | Go to the vet immediately. |
📌 To Prevent Licking:
- Apply high on the neck (base of skull).
- Separate multi-cat households for at least 4 hours after application.
- Do NOT pet the area until fully dry (4-6 hours).
💬 Comment 12: “How do I store NexGard COMBO safely?”
💡 Expert Response: Proper storage ensures NexGard COMBO remains effective and safe for use.
🏡 Storage Guidelines:
- ✔️ Keep at room temperature (68°F – 77°F / 20°C – 25°C).
- ✔️ Store in the original packaging away from direct sunlight.
- ✔️ Keep away from children & other pets—if ingested by mistake, seek emergency veterinary care.
- ✔️ Do not refrigerate or freeze. Extreme temperatures can alter effectiveness.
📌 Expiration Check: Before applying, ensure the expiration date is valid. Using expired flea medicine reduces its potency and may lead to ineffective parasite control.
💬 Comment 13: “Is NexGard COMBO safe for senior cats?”
💡 Expert Response: Yes, but older cats should be monitored more closely for side effects. Aging felines often have weaker liver or kidney function, which can impact how they process medications.
🧓 Things to Consider for Senior Cats (10+ years old):
- ✅ Vet check-up before starting NexGard COMBO.
- ✅ Monitor for appetite changes or lethargy.
- ✅ If your cat has pre-existing kidney or liver disease, discuss safer alternatives.
🚀 Pro Tip: If your senior cat has a history of sensitivity to medications, discuss Revolution Plus as an alternative, as it has a slightly different active ingredient profile.
