Frontline Plus vs. Revolution Plus for Cats Comparison

Frontline Plus

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Revolution Plus for Cats

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Simparica

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Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea eggs and Larvae

Kills fleas before they lay eggs

Kills Ticks

Repels Ticks

Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes

Prevents Heartworm

Other Parasites Information

Eliminates infestations with chewing lice, aids in the control of sarcoptic mange infestation

Treats and controls ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms.

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

N/A

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

The safe use of Revolution Plus in pregnant, breeding or lactating cats has not been evaluated.

The safe use of Simparica has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.

How long does it take to work

Kills Fleas within 12 hours and Ticks within 48 hours

Starts killing fleas within 6 hours

Begins to kill adult fleas within 3 hours and ticks within 8 hours of administration.

Taste

Applied to Skin

Applied to skin

Liver flavor

Active Ingredient(s)

Fipronil/(S)-Methoprene

Selamectin, Sarolaner

sarolaner

RX Required

Dosage

Monthly

Usage

Video

Coming soon

Vet Review

I find that the effective combination of an ingredient like fipronil, along with the insect growth regulator methoprene, provides the best spectrum of activity and protection against all stages of the flea life cycle from egg through larval stage on to adult. Because of these two main ingredients and their method of action, I find that clients don't have to treat the environment as much. I find that this product tends to be safer in smaller breed animals when compared to its competition. I find its tick efficacy quite good. The fact that it is waterproof also allows clients, whose pets swim frequently, to confidently use this product during the swimming months. I also find that this product works the longest for fleas, while some of the competitive products have to be reapplied before the end of the month. The lack of label efficacy against mosquitoes and flies, as well as the fact that this product does not repel fleas or ticks are the two main disadvantages. As with any insecticidal products, I find that every pet is an individual, in terms of which of the products works best on them. When I am dealing with more of a flea issue in a patient, this is the product I will likely reach for first.

A significant limitation of the original revolution product for cats is that it did not cover any species of ticks, which is especially important in those cats who go outside and/or live with dogs where there is increased chance of tick borne infections such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichia and Anaplasmosis in dogs, not to mention the risk of tick born disease exposure in people whose cats bring ticks in to the home. With this new formulation clients get protection against 3 species of ticks. The American Heartworm Society has published that one in 4 cats diagnosed with heartworm disease are indoor only cats, so that especially in Southern, warmer clients, heartworm disease prevention may become as important in cats as dogs. And it takes only a few heartworms to cause significant disease in cats, who seem much more sensitive on exposure to this parasite than even dogs are. This versatile product not only kills fleas before they eggs, but gives additional 6 in 1 protection again ticks, round worms, hookworms, as well as ear mites. THe product is quite quick drying, easy to apply, and not messy or greasy like many other topical formulations. The only down side as to efficacy is in those cases where there is a severe flea infestation affecting multiple animals in a household, where I have found some of the other products a bit more effective in those cases in both dogs and cats, however the vast majority of flea infestations are easily taken care of with this product. Because of the addition of the Sarolamer ingredient for tick control, I would not use this product if there is any history of neurological disease or seizures in the cat. The only other rare side effect I have seen is lethargy and because of its easy to use formulation, only very rare contact sensitivity. With all this being said, I give this product an overall rating of a 4 out of 5 with an ease of application of 5.

Within the past few years, we have seen a surge of new flea and tick parasiticides for dogs and cats, especially important as we are discovering increased transmission of health-threatening disease to our animal companions. In the past year, the very trustworthy and reliable pharmaceutical company Zoetis has come out with a revolutionary liver flavored chewable tablet, Simparica, that is highly effective against fleas and multiple species of ticks. Compared to similar oral tablets, as well as other topical products, I find that Simparica works even more quickly than competitor products, starting to kill fleas within 3 hours, and ticks within 8 hours. Unlike other products labeled for monthly use, studies and my clinical experience show that Simparica is actually effective up to 35 days, not dropping off in efficacy as many other products do in killing fleas and ticks toward the end of the month. I also find that the many flexible dosing packages offer convenience to canine guardians, even in small dogs who weigh under 5 pounds. In addition to the efficacy against fleas and ticks, the product is also labeled effective against scabies mites. Many veterinarians and dermatologists are also now reaching for Simparica as a quick, safe and effective off-label treatment of demodex mange mites, which have long been very difficult to manage in veterinary medicine. I have found that in many cases one dose of Simparica will clear up many demodex mange cases within one month of the first pill. I have found that most dogs tolerate this product very well, especially when given with food. I have occasionally seen mild digestive upset in some sensitive pets, as well as rare neurological reactions. If a dog has a history of seizures, I would probably be cautious in using this product or ones of a similar class. Most dogs readily take this chewable tablet. I give this product an overall rating of a 4.5, with an efficacy of 4.5, and ease of use a 4.5.

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.