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Revolution Plus for cats is a monthly topical medication designed to protect cats against several common parasites. It combines two active ingredients, selamectin and sarolaner, and is used for protection against fleas, certain ticks, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworm disease.
Because parasites can affect cats even revolution plus for cats when they spend most of their time indoors, regular parasite prevention can be an important part of overall pet wellness. However, Revolution Plus is a prescription veterinary medication, so cat owners should use it according to a veterinarian’s instructions and the revolution plus for cats product label.
What Is Revolution Plus for Cats?
Revolution Plus is a revolution plus for cats topical parasite-control treatment manufactured by Zoetis. It is applied directly to the skin, generally once every month. The medication is approved for cats and kittens 8 weeks of age or older and revolution plus for cats weighing at least 2.8 pounds under the U.S. labeling.
Unlike some parasite products revolution plus for cats that target only fleas or worms, Revolution Plus is formulated to provide protection against multiple parasites with a single monthly application. This makes it a broad-spectrum option for parasite prevention.
The medication contains:
- Selamectin
- Sarolaner
Selamectin is a macrocyclic lactone that helps control several parasites, while sarolaner belongs to the isoxazoline class and revolution plus for catsprovides activity against fleas and certain ticks.
What Does Revolution Plus Treat and Prevent?
Revolution Plus has revolution plus for cats several labeled uses for cats. According to the FDA and product labeling, it helps prevent heartworm disease and treats or controls several external and internal parasites.
Fleas
Revolution Plus revolution plus for cats kills adult fleas and is used for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations. Fleas can cause persistent itching and skin irritation and may also contribute to flea allergy dermatitis revolution plus for cats in susceptible cats.
Controlling fleas is particularly important because an infestation can affect both pets and the home environment.
Ticks
The medication provides treatment and control of certain tick species, including black-legged ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, and revolution plus for catsAmerican dog ticks under the U.S. label.
Tick protection can be useful for cats that spend time outdoors, although the specific parasites covered can vary according to local conditions and product labeling.
Ear Mites
Revolution Plus is also indicated for the treatment and control of ear mites (Otodectes cynotis). Ear mites can cause scratching, head revolution plus for cats shaking, irritation, and dark debris in the ears.
A veterinarian should revolution plus for cats confirm the cause of ear problems because several conditions can produce similar symptoms.
Roundworms and Hookworms
Revolution Plus treats and controls certain intestinal worms, including roundworms (Toxocara cati) and intestinal hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme).
Intestinal parasites can be especially important in kittens, although adult cats can also become infected.
Heartworm Prevention
One of the important uses of Revolution Plus is the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. Heartworm is transmitted revolution plus for cats by mosquitoes, meaning even indoor cats can potentially be exposed.
Monthly administration is important when the medication is being used as part of a heartworm-prevention program.
How Does Revolution Plus Work?
Revolution Plus works through its two active ingredients.
Selamectin targets several parasites by interfering with their nervous system, while sarolaner targets flea and tick nervous-system pathways.
Together, these ingredients provide broad parasite protection in a topical formulation. The medication is absorbed and distributed through the cat’s body after application, allowing it to act against the parasites covered by its label.
Because the product is prescription revolution plus for cats medication, the veterinarian should determine whether it is appropriate for a particular cat.
Revolution Plus Dosage for Cats
The correct Revolution Plus dosage depends on the cat’s body weight. The U.S. label provides different tube sizes for different weight ranges.
| Cat’s weight | Tube designation |
|---|---|
| 2.8–5.5 lb | Gold |
| 5.6–11 lb | Orange |
| 11.1–22 lb | Green |
| Over 22 lb | Appropriate combination of tubes |
The product should be used according to the cat’s current weight and the veterinarian’s instructions. Owners should not divide one tube between multiple cats, substitute a dog product, or estimate the dose themselves.
For cats weighing more than 22 pounds, the prescribing information specifies using an appropriate combination of tubes.
How to Apply Revolution Plus to a Cat
Revolution Plus is applied topically rather than given by mouth. The label recommends that a veterinarian or veterinary technician demonstrate the application technique before the first use.
In general, the application involves revolution plus for cats separating the hair so the medication can be placed directly on the skin according to the product instructions.
Important precautions include:
- Apply the correct tube for the cat’s weight.
- Apply the medication to the skin rather than simply placing it on the hair.
- Do not massage the product into the skin.
- Do not apply it to broken skin.
- Do not apply it when the cat’s coat is wet.
- Keep children and people away from the application site for the specified period.
The FDA labeling advises avoiding contact with the application site for 4 hours after application.
How Often Should Revolution Plus Be Used?
Revolution Plus is designed for monthly use. Consistent monthly administration is important when the product is being used to provide ongoing parasite prevention.
Skipping doses can leave a cat without revolution plus for cats protection during the missed period. If you forget a dose, contact your veterinarian or follow the product instructions for guidance rather than automatically giving extra medication.
A monthly parasite-prevention schedule can be particularly useful because parasite exposure may occur throughout the year depending on the cat’s environment and geographic location.
Revolution Plus Side Effects
Like other medications, Revolution Plus can cause adverse reactions in some cats.
In clinical studies, reported reactions included lethargy, skin lesions, decreased appetite, itching, conjunctivitis, and sneezing.
Post-approval reports have also included application-site reactions, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, itching, diarrhea, behavioral changes, tremors, ataxia, and revolution plus for cats seizures. These reports do not establish that every reported event was caused by the medication.
If your cat develops unusual or severe symptoms after receiving Revolution Plus, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Neurologic Safety and Revolution Plus
One important safety consideration involves sarolaner, which belongs to the isoxazoline class of parasite-control medications.
The product label states that isoxazoline-class drugs have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including tremors, ataxia, and revolution plus for cats seizures. Such reactions have been reported in cats with and without a previous history of neurologic disorders.
For this reason, Revolution Plus should be used cautiously in cats with a history of neurologic disorders. Discuss your cat’s medical history with a veterinarian before starting treatment.
Can Kittens Use Revolution Plus?
Revolution Plus is labeled for cats and kittens 8 weeks of age or older and weighing at least 2.8 pounds. Its safe use has not been established in kittens younger than 8 weeks.
Never use an adult cat’s tube on a younger or smaller kitten simply because the medication appears similar. Age and weight are important when revolution plus for cats selecting parasite medication.
Is Revolution Plus Safe for Pregnant or Nursing Cats?
The current U.S. product labeling states that the safe use of Revolution Plus has not been established in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats.
If your cat is pregnant, nursing kittens, or intended for breeding, tell your veterinarian before using the product. The veterinarian can consider the cat’s individual circumstances and recommend an appropriate parasite-control strategy.
Revolution Plus vs. Regular Revolution
Although the names are similar, Revolution and Revolution Plus are not identical products.
Revolution contains selamectin, while Revolution Plus combines selamectin with sarolaner. The addition of sarolaner expands the parasite coverage to include certain ticks.
The appropriate product depends revolution plus for cats on the cat’s age, weight, parasite risks, health history, and geographic location. A veterinarian can help determine which treatment fits the cat’s needs.
What Should Cat Owners Know Before Using It?
Before starting Revolution Plus, make sure your veterinarian knows about:
- Your cat’s current weight
- Age
- Existing medical conditions
- Previous medication reactions
- Neurologic history
- Pregnancy or breeding status
- Other medications or parasite treatments being used
Do not combine parasite-control products without professional guidance. Using multiple products with overlapping ingredients or effects may increase the risk of adverse reactions.
It is also important to purchase prescription revolution plus for cats medications from legitimate veterinary sources. Counterfeit or improperly stored parasite products can create additional safety risks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revolution Plus for Cats
1. What is Revolution Plus used for in cats?
Revolution Plus is used to prevent heartworm disease and to treat or control fleas, certain ticks, ear mites, roundworms, and intestinal hookworms in appropriately aged and weighted cats.
2. How often do cats need Revolution Plus?
The medication is designed for monthly administration. Follow the schedule provided by your veterinarian and the product label.
3. Can Revolution Plus be used on kittens?
Yes, under the U.S. label it is approved for kittens 8 weeks of age or older and weighing at least 2.8 pounds.
4. Can Revolution Plus kill fleas?
Yes. Revolution Plus kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations.
5. Does Revolution Plus protect cats from heartworms?
Yes. It is indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis.
6. What side effects can Revolution Plus cause?
Reported reactions include lethargy, decreased appetite, skin reactions, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, and other reactions. Neurologic reactions such as tremors, ataxia, and seizures have also been reported with isoxazoline-class products.
7. Can I use Revolution Plus on a pregnant cat?
The U.S. label states that safe use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats has not been established. Consult a veterinarian before using it in these cats.
8. Is Revolution Plus available without a prescription?
In the United States, Revolution Plus is a prescription animal drug and should be obtained through a veterinarian or a legitimate prescription-pet-medication source.
Conclusion
Revolution Plus for cats is a broad-spectrum monthly topical parasite medication that combines selamectin and sarolaner. Its labeled uses include prevention of heartworm disease and control of fleas, certain ticks, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms.
For responsible pet wellness, the revolution plus for cats medication should be selected according to a cat’s age, weight, health history, and parasite exposure. Proper application and consistent monthly treatment are also important. Because Revolution Plus is a prescription medication and has specific safety considerations, particularly regarding neurologic reactions and certain cats for which safety has not been established, discussing its use revolution plus for cats with a veterinarian is an important part of keeping your cat protected.
