Bravecto for Cats vs. Bravecto Plus Comparison

Bravecto for Cats

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Bravecto Plus

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Frontline Plus

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Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea eggs and Larvae

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

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

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

How long does it take to work

Kills 100% of fleas within 8 hours of application.

Kills fleas and ticks within 48 hours

Kills Fleas within 12 hours and Ticks within 48 hours

Taste

Applied to skin

Applied to Skin

Active Ingredient(s)

Fluralaner

Fluralaner and Moxidectin

Fipronil/(S)-Methoprene

RX Required

Dosage

Monthly

Usage

Video

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Vet Review

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.

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.

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.