Advantage XD vs. Bravecto for Cats Comparison

Advantage XD

Learn More

Bravecto for Cats

Learn More

Frontline Gold

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

Advantage XD kills lice, but does not treat any internal parasites like heartworms or intestinal worms.

Eliminates infestations with chewing lice

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

Yes, Advantage XD is waterproof. Do not bathe your cat or allow them to get wet for at least 24 hours after applying Advantage® XD. Frequent shampooing can reduce effectiveness. See product label for more information.

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

Consult your veterinarian for pregnant or nursing cats.

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

How long does it take to work

30 minutes to 4 hours.

Kills 100% of fleas within 8 hours of application.

Starts killing fleas in 30 minutes

Taste

Not applicable (topical treatment).

Applied to skin

Active Ingredient(s)

Spinetoram

Fluralaner

Fipronil, S-methoprene, Pyriproxyfen

RX Required

Dosage

Apply one applicator every 2 months.

Usage

Video

Coming soon

Vet Review

The fast-acting nature of Advantage XD is one of its standout features, as it starts killing fleas within 30 minutes to 4 hours, providing rapid relief for cats. Its long-lasting formula is another major benefit, offering protection for up to two months per application, which is twice the duration of many other flea treatments. The active ingredient, spinetoram, is derived from natural soil microbes, making it a preferred option for veterinarians concerned about using harsh chemicals on sensitive pets. However, as with any topical treatment, some cats may experience mild skin reactions like irritation or hair loss at the application site. Despite this, Advantage XD remains a top choice for its effectiveness and ease of use, though in cases of severe infestations, veterinarians may recommend additional environmental flea control measures.

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.

As most exterminators will tell you, the battle with external parasites and pests is an always evolving battle, as over time, parasites will develop partial resistance to products that had once worked almost perfectly in the past. This has been my experience with some of the older flea/tick formulations and has been reported by my veterinary colleagues and clients alike on occasion. While the older products are mostly still effective, companies are always researching new formulations to stay one step ahead of the development of resistance in the parasites. One of the latest formulations, Frontline Gold takes advantage of newer technologies and now has added an additional insect growth regulator, Pyriproxyfen, to its original formulation, to help enhance the efficacy of the Frontline plus product. The Frontline product is thus able to kill the next generation of flea larvae and eggs even more effectively by breaking the life cycle of the flea. The likelihood of flea immune resistance to this new triple action formula is thus significantly reduced. Given the increasing global warming seen in recent years, the expanding and increasing flea populations in heavily infested areas, however, do require a truly holistic approach by the animal guardian in treating the home, environment and yard for optimal flea control, as it is important to keep in mind that much of the flea life cycle still occurs in the home. While many clients find the more easily applied, self-puncturing tube dispensing method(often only requiring the use of one hand) to the old product, other clients find it difficult to see if all of the product has been dispensed from the colored tube. This new product, however, is quite effective, with only rare topical irritation at the site of the application an only rare complication. With that being said, I give this product an overall rating of a 5, with an ease of application of 4.

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.