Advantage II vs. Bravecto for Cats Comparison

Advantage II

Learn More

Bravecto for Cats

Learn More

Bravecto Plus

Learn More

Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea eggs and Larvae

Kills Ticks

Repels Ticks

Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes

Prevents Heartworm

Other Parasites Information

Treats, Prevents, and Controls Lice Infestations

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

Consult your veterinarian

The safety of Bravecto has not been established in breeding, pregnant and lactating cats.

How long does it take to work

Kills fleas in 12 hours

Kills 100% of fleas within 8 hours of application.

Kills fleas and ticks within 48 hours

Taste

Applied to Skin

Applied to skin

Applied to Skin

Active Ingredient(s)

Imidacloprid/Pyriproxyfen

Fluralaner

Fluralaner and Moxidectin

RX Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

Coming soon

Vet Review

The non-greasy, non-odor formulation is a definite plus when used on sensitive patients, especially cats.I find that advantage kills fleas and larvae more quickly than some of the other products out there, often resulting in quicker relief of flea allergy dermatitis symptoms in dogs and cats. Overall I have found it quite safe and have seen the fewest topical or rare systemic reactions in my practice over the years. The main disadvantage I have found is that in heavy flea infestations that the efficacy may wear off in less than one month, necessitating some vets to recommend more frequent off label use of this product every few weeks. It also does not control ticks as well on dogs and cats. I find that advantage works most effectively when combined with good environmental flea control at home.

Flea control in cats is always challenging, not only in terms of safe products, but also in ease of application, and ultimately performance. Over the past several years the oral products like Bravecto and Nexguard have been highly effective for flea and tick control in dogs, as well as surprisingly other, unforeseen benefits such as treating, controlling and often curing previously frustrating Demodex mite infestations, and for much longer periods of time; 3 months of protection after one tablet. While the drug company has not come out with a similar oral formulation for cats, they have come out with a topical formulation, which also is labeled as effective for up to 3 months after one application. Obviously, handling one's kitty only once for a flea/tick treatment over 3 months is certainly welcome to most feline guardians. While I don't have lots of clinical experience with this product, reports from the field have found it highly effective in treated patients. As with many other products, it is also often important to treat the home environment, where 90 percent of the flea life cycle occurs. While the product is being reported as highly effective, I am concerned about using a product labeled for 3 months in cats after one use, especially if a sensitive feline patient suffers a reaction. Occasional reactions reported include transient irritation at the site of the product application, as well as occasional digestive and neurological reactions, which may be significant. While the product is highly effective for an extended period and easy to use, I would tend to reach for products that are shorter acting, although they will, of course, have to be applied or given more frequently.

Because of the difficulties in client compliance in using multiple preventatives in cats for internal and external parasites, a new and comprehensive topical has been developed for kitties. Like the Bravecto Topical product for dogs, this topical for cats is labeled to work selectively on the nervous system of the fleas/ticks rather than mammalian species like the cat. However, on rare occasions even in cats with no prior history of neurological reactions, very rare neurological reactions have been observed in the field, which highlights the cat's unique sensitivity to any pesticide and drug. With the addition of moxidectin to this formulation, this particular product offers additional protection against both roundworm and hookworm intestinal parasites and heartworms, which is an important feature, particularly for outside kitties. While this product rapidly kills adult fleas and ticks who bite the cat, unlike the sister product, Bravecto for Dogs, this product does not repel these external parasites. Another important difference is that the Bravecto Plus product should not be used in pregnant or nursing kitties. The only other issue I have seen with this product is the occasional irritation at the site of application with even rarer digestive tract upset. With all that being said, the product offers excellent coverage against most major internal and external parasites in the cat. I give this product an overall rating of 4 with ease of application of a 5.

Our expert panel consists of licensed veterinarians and the knowledgeable staff of PetMed Express, Inc. d/b/a 1-800-PetMeds. Neither the Company nor any of its employees or consultants make any warranties, expressed or implied, or representations about the accuracy or completeness of the content or the content of any site or external sites. Likewise, no legal liability or responsibility is assumed for the accuracy or completeness of any information, or usefulness of products discussed. While every effort has been made to accurately represent the qualities and characteristics of each product, which for the most part were taken directly from the websites of the manufacturers, we are not responsible for any errors. The information presented is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.