Revolution Plus For Cats
Protecting your cat from parasites is essential for their health and comfort. Revolution Plus is a leading topical solution that combines two active ingredients to prevent heartworm disease, kill fleas and ticks, treat ear mites, and control intestinal worms. This article explains how it works, how to apply it, and what to expect when using this veterinary product.
Quick Q&A: Common Questions
Question: Can Revolution Plus be used on pregnant or nursing cats?
Answer: Yes. Clinical studies have shown that Revolution Plus is safe for use in breeding, pregnant, and lactating cats. However, always consult your veterinarian before starting any new parasite prevention product, especially during these sensitive life stages.
What is Revolution Plus for Cats?
Revolution Plus is a prescription topical parasiticide for cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older, weighing at least 2.8 pounds. It is applied to the skin at the base of the neck once a month. The product contains two active ingredients:
- Selamectin – a macrocyclic lactone that prevents heartworm disease, kills adult fleas, treats ear mites, and controls roundworms and hookworms.
- Sarolaner – an isoxazoline that rapidly kills fleas and ticks (including black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, and Lone Star ticks) and enhances the speed of flea control.
Together, these ingredients provide broad-spectrum protection against the most common feline parasites.
How Does Revolution Plus Work?
After application, selamectin and sarolaner are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. Selamectin disrupts the nervous system of parasites, leading to paralysis and death. Sarolaner acts on the GABA and glutamate chloride channels in insects and acarines, offering rapid flea kill (within 6 hours) and persistent tick control for a full month.
Both ingredients are safe for cats because they have a high margin of safety for mammalian nervous systems when used as directed.
When and How to Apply Revolution Plus
Dosage and Administration
Revolution Plus is available in different tube sizes based on your cat’s weight. Your veterinarian will prescribe the correct strength. To apply:
- Part the hair at the base of the cat’s neck, in front of the shoulder blades.
- Place the tip of the tube directly on the skin.
- Squeeze the tube to empty its entire contents onto one spot.
- Avoid petting the application area for 2-3 hours to allow absorption.
Do not bathe your cat or allow swimming for 24 hours after application. Monthly reapplication is necessary to maintain continuous protection.
What to Expect at the Vet
Before prescribing Revolution Plus, your veterinarian will likely perform a physical exam and may recommend a heartworm test. This is important because starting a heartworm preventive in a cat with an existing adult heartworm infection can cause serious complications. The product is by prescription only, so you will need to obtain it from your vet or a licensed pharmacy.
Your vet will also weigh your cat to select the correct tube size. They may discuss any other medications your cat is taking, though Revolution Plus has a low risk of drug interactions.
Safety and Side Effects
Revolution Plus has been extensively tested and is considered very safe. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as:
- Temporary hair loss or irritation at the application site
- Mild digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea) in rare cases
- Lethargy or hyperactivity (uncommon)
Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare. If your cat shows signs of an allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing, hives), seek veterinary care immediately.
Cats with a history of seizures or neurological disorders should be evaluated by a vet before using any isoxazoline product, including Revolution Plus. However, sarolaner has a favorable safety profile compared to some older products.
Prevention and Home Care Tips
- Maintain a monthly schedule: Set a reminder to apply Revolution Plus on the same day each month. Consistency is key for heartworm prevention.
- Keep your cat indoors when possible: While Revolution Plus kills ticks and fleas, reducing exposure to infested environments lowers the parasite burden.
- Treat all pets in the household: If you have dogs, ensure they are also on a parasite prevention program. Fleas can move between pets.
- Monitor for signs of parasites: Even with prevention, check your cat’s coat for fleas, ticks, or signs of ear mites (head shaking, dark debris in ears).
- Store properly: Keep tubes in their original packaging away from heat and direct sunlight, and out of reach of children and pets.
Home Care After Application
After applying Revolution Plus, it’s normal to see a small amount of solution on the fur. Do not massage it in. If you have multiple cats, keep them separated for a few hours to prevent grooming off the product. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the tube.
If your cat licks the application site, they may experience temporary drooling or mild vomiting due to the taste. This is not dangerous, but contact your vet if symptoms persist.
Summary
Revolution Plus for cats offers convenient, once-a-month protection against heartworms, fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms. Its dual-active formula provides rapid and lasting efficacy with a high safety margin. Always follow your veterinarian’s guidance regarding dosing, administration, and timing. With proper use, Revolution Plus is an excellent choice for comprehensive feline parasite control.