Parasites can make life uncomfortable for your pet, causing constant itching and irritation. Protecting your furry companion from fleas, ticks, worms, and other harmful critters is essential for their overall health and well-being. With advancements in veterinary medicine, numerous effective options exist to manage and prevent parasites. Among these, Revolution and Revolution Plus for cats are highly regarded for their broad-spectrum protection. However, understanding the differences between these two products is key to making the best choice for your cat.
What Is Revolution Used For in Cats and Dogs?
Revolution is a versatile treatment for cats and dogs that uses the active ingredient selamectin to protect against flea infestations and heartworm disease.
- For Cats: Revolution also treats and controls ear mites and infections caused by roundworms and hookworms.
- For Dogs: Revolution helps manage ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and infestations caused by the American dog tick.
This medication suits cats and kittens aged 8 weeks or older and dogs and puppies aged 6 weeks or older.
What Is Revolution Plus Used For in Cats?
Revolution Plus is designed to protect cats from flea infestations and heartworm disease. It is suitable for cats and kittens at least 8 weeks old and weighing 2.8 pounds or more.
Thanks to the inclusion of sarolaner as a second active ingredient, Revolution Plus also treats and controls ear mites and infections caused by roundworms and hookworms.
Additionally, Revolution Plus provides effective control against the Black-legged dog tick, Gulf Coast tick, and American dog tick, offering enhanced protection against fleas and other parasites.
Essential Considerations for Revolution and Revolution Plus in Cats and Dogs
When using Revolution, keep the following in mind:
- It should not be administered to sick, debilitated, or underweight animals.
- Revolution is tested and deemed safe for use in lactating and pregnant cats and dogs and breeding male and female pets.
For Revolution Plus, consider the following:
- Use with caution in cats that have a history of neurological disorders.
- Avoid combining it with other flea or parasite preventatives without veterinary guidance.
- At the time of publication, its safety had not been evaluated for use in pregnant, breeding, or lactating cats.
How Revolution and Revolution Plus Work in Cats and Dogs
Revolution contains the active ingredient selamectin, which disrupts heartworm nerve and muscle cells by causing an electrolyte imbalance. This leads to paralysis and, eventually, death of the parasites.
Revolution Plus combines two active ingredients: selamectin and sarolaner. Sarolaner, part of the isoxazoline class of medications, targets fleas and ticks by overstimulating their nervous systems, resulting in paralysis and death.
Designed specifically for cats, Revolution Plus starts working within hours of application to eliminate fleas already on your pet.
Directions for Using Revolution and Revolution Plus in Cats and Dogs
Always adhere to the guidelines provided on the product label or by your veterinarian to guarantee safe and effective usage.
- Dosage Schedule: Revolution and Revolution Plus should be administered monthly, maintaining an interval between doses as close to 30 days as possible.
- Species and Size Specificity: Use the correct medication based on your pet's species and weight. Using cat-specific medication on dogs or vice versa can result in ineffectiveness or overdose, which may harm your pet.
Tips for Applying Topical Treatments:
- Ensure your pet's fur and skin are dry before application.
- Separate the fur and apply the full dose from the applicator directly to a single spot on the skin.
- For dogs: Apply between the shoulder blades.
- For cats: Apply at the base of the neck.
- After application, you may notice stiff or clumped fur, discoloration, or a powdery residue at the application site—this is normal.
- Bathing:
- Dogs: Wait at least 2 hours after application before bathing.
- Cats: Wait 24 hours before bathing.
- Prevent ingestion by ensuring the medication is not licked off during application.
Proper application ensures your pet gets the full benefit of the treatment while staying safe.
Potential Side Effects of Revolution and Revolution Plus in Cats and Dogs
Side effects from Revolution and Revolution Plus are rare but may occur. Commonly reported side effects include:
- Skin Reactions: Irritation or hair loss at the application site
- Digestive Issues: Vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
- General Symptoms: Lethargy, drooling, increased breathing rate, or fever
- Neurological Signs: Tremors, lack of coordination, or seizures (more commonly reported in dogs)
- Allergic Reactions: Generalized itching, hives
- Other Reactions in Cats: Conjunctivitis, sneezing
Neurological Side Effects of Revolution Plus
Revolution Plus contains sarolaner, an isoxazoline-class ingredient. While uncommon, neurological side effects have been observed in some cats treated with medications in this class. These may include:
- Muscle tremors
- Stumbling or loss of coordination
- Collapse
- Seizures
If your pet shows any of these symptoms after application, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance.
