Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance for our feline friends; they can transmit diseases and cause significant discomfort. As a responsible cat owner, protecting your pet from these parasites is a top priority. Bravecto for Cats has emerged as a popular choice for long-lasting flea and tick control. This guide provides essential information about Bravecto for Cats, helping you make informed decisions about your cat’s health.
What is Bravecto for Cats?
Bravecto for Cats is a medication containing fluralaner, an isoxazoline class insecticide and acaricide. It is available as a topical solution and is designed to provide long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks in cats. Bravecto is known for its extended duration of effectiveness, offering protection for up to 12 weeks against fleas and up to 8 weeks against black-legged ticks and American dog ticks.
How Bravecto for Cats Works
Fluralaner, the active ingredient in Bravecto, works by disrupting the nervous system of fleas and ticks. When fleas and ticks ingest fluralaner through feeding on a treated cat, it leads to hyperexcitation of their nerves and muscles, resulting in paralysis and death of the parasites. This mechanism of action ensures effective and sustained control of flea and tick infestations.
Bravecto for Cats: Safety and Important Information
While Bravecto for Cats is an effective parasiticide, it’s crucial to be aware of the safety information associated with its use. Like all medications, Bravecto has potential side effects and warnings that cat owners should consider.
Commonly Reported Adverse Reactions:
According to the prescribing information, the most commonly reported adverse reactions in cats treated with Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats include:
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Scabs and ulcerated lesions
It’s important to monitor your cat for these signs after administering Bravecto. If any of these reactions are observed or worsen, consult your veterinarian.
Neurological Reactions:
Fluralaner belongs to the isoxazoline class of drugs, which has been associated with neurological adverse reactions. These reactions, including tremors, ataxia (uncoordinated movement), and seizures, have been reported in cats, even in those without a prior history of neurological disorders. Caution should be used when administering Bravecto to cats with a known history of neurologic disorders.
Use in Specific Cat Populations:
The safety of Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats has not been fully established in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats. If your cat falls into one of these categories, discuss the risks and benefits of using Bravecto with your veterinarian. Additionally, Bravecto has not been shown to be effective for a 12-week duration in kittens younger than 6 months of age.
Important Usage Information:
- Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats is for topical use only. It should be applied externally to the cat’s skin as directed by the product label or your veterinarian.
- Oral ingestion of Bravecto Topical Solution should be avoided.
- Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats is not effective against American dog ticks for the full 12-week duration of dosing; its effectiveness against these ticks is limited to 8 weeks. Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats is not effective against American dog ticks beyond 8 weeks of dosing.
Bravecto for Cats vs. Other Flea Treatments
When choosing flea and tick protection for your cat, you might consider other options like Frontline Plus for Cats. Frontline Plus, containing fipronil and (S)-methoprene, is a monthly topical treatment. While Frontline Plus is also effective against fleas and ticks, Bravecto offers a significant advantage in terms of duration of action. Bravecto provides protection for up to 12 weeks against fleas, whereas Frontline Plus requires monthly applications. This extended duration can be more convenient for pet owners and may reduce the frequency of treatment administration to their cats.
It’s important to note that Frontline Plus and Bravecto have different active ingredients and mechanisms of action. Some cats may respond better to one treatment over the other. Consulting with your veterinarian is crucial to determine the most appropriate and effective flea and tick control product for your individual cat, considering their lifestyle, health status, and potential risk factors.
Conclusion
Bravecto for Cats offers a convenient and long-lasting solution for flea and tick prevention in cats. Its extended duration of action is a significant benefit for many cat owners. However, it’s essential to be fully informed about the potential side effects and safety information associated with Bravecto. Always discuss flea and tick prevention strategies with your veterinarian to choose the best option for your cat’s specific needs and ensure their health and well-being.
References
- Dryden MW, Canfield MS, Bocon C, et al. Parasit Vectors. 2018;11:422.
- BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats [prescribing information]. Madison, NJ: Merck Animal Health; 2016.
- FRONTLINE Plus for Cats [prescribing information]. Duluth, GA: Merial Limited; 2013.
