Can advantage ii be used on cats?
If you’ve ever had a flea infested cat, then you know how important it is to have an efficient flea treatment in your furry friend’s arsenal. One of the more popular treatments out there is Advantage II, but can this be used on cats? Read on to find out.
Background Information
Before we dive into whether or not you should use Advantage II on your cat, let’s first discuss what it actually is. Advantage II is a topical medication that claims to kill fleas within 12 hours and prevent them from coming back for up to 30 days. The product also states that it kills flea larvae before they become adults and reduces the likelihood of your pet contracting various diseases carried by fleas.
This all sounds great in theory, but does it hold true when applied to our feline friends?
Is It Safe for Cats?
One of the biggest concerns when using any type of flea prevention medication on cats is safety. Cats are notorious for being sensitive creatures and can have adverse reactions to certain substances- especially if those substances are meant for dogs.
So with this in mind, can we safely apply Advantage II onto our beloved kitties? Yes! According to the manufacturer themselves, Advantage II has been formulated specifically with cats in mind and poses no harm when used according to directions.
However- as with any medication -it’s always best consult with a veterinarian beforehand if possible.
What Are The Active Ingredients In Advantage II?
The active ingredients found within Advantage II include Imidacloprid (which acts as an insecticide) and Pyriproxyfen (an insect growth regulator). These ingredients work together by killing adult fleas while inhibiting the growth of new ones.
It may sound like witchcraft -but trust us- these two components really do pack a punch against pesky fleas!
## How to Apply Advantage II Correctly
Now that we’ve established Advantage II can be safely used on our cat friends, let’s talk about how to apply it correctly.
Here are 5 easy steps:
- Start by removing the applicator tube from packaging but don’t open it yet!
- Hold the cat still (if possible) and part their hair between shoulder blades until skin is visible
- Break off the seal located at tip of the applicator
- Squeeze contents onto exposed skin
- Repeat every 30 days as needed.
And voilà – you’re done!
Possible Side Effects
While rare- some cats may develop side effects after applying Advantage II which could include:
- Mild Skin Irritation
- Vomiting/Diarrhea
- Hyperactivity/lethargy
- Excessive drooling or panting
If your pet starts showing any of these symptoms or worse after treatment, consult with your vet immediately.
## Tips To Consider Before Applying The Medication
Now that you know what this medication does let’s take a closer look at some useful tips you should consider before administering it:
### Groom Your Cat
Give your cat a good brush prior to application so they’re not already in an irritable mood due to matted fur!
Keep Other Pets Separate
Make sure other pets- especially dogs- are kept away during application time; dogs could accidentally ingest some of the medication left behind when grooming themselves afterwards.
Beware Wet Weather!
Avoid giving baths for at least two days before/after application since water can wash away active ingredients and nowhere near as fun as attacking fleas with advantage anyway!
Bonus Advice: Does Size Matter?
Since Advantage is available in different dosages based on weight categories like small, medium, large etc.; always use the correct dosage proportionate to your cat’s weight.
Conclusion
Simply put- Advantage II is safe and fully applicable for cats. Ready to see the results for yourself? Be sure to follow the directions closely, avoid rainy days after treatment, and always use protection she… sorry got carried away-thought I was writing about something else! Finally- if any health concerns arise consult with a veterinarian immediately. Good luck battling those fleas!