It’s time for your cat’s next monthly parasite treatment, and you’re confused between two familiar names: Revolution Plus and Advantage Multi. Which one is the better choice for your cat? Both treatments promise broad parasite protection in one monthly dose, and both are commonly recommended by veterinarians, and yet they’re not interchangeable. The difference comes down to a handful of specifics that actually matter, like parasite coverage, your cat’s eligibility, lifestyle, and medical condition. In this blog, we have given you a detailed breakdown of Revolution Plus and Advantage Multi for cats.
Let’s take a closer look.
What is Revolution Plus for Cats?
Revolution Plus is a monthly topical parasite preventive made by Zoetis. It comes in a quick-drying, small-volume formula, making administration easy and non-greasy. Revolution Plus contains selamectin and sarolaner, which provide an all-in-one parasite solution for cats. One application a month protects your cat against fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, heartworm disease and helps prevent Dipylidium caninum(tapeworm) infections by controlling fleas. It’s approved for cats and kittens at least 8 weeks old and weighing a minimum of 2.8 pounds.
How Does Revolution Plus for Cats Work?
Revolution Plus combines two active ingredients. Selamectin primarily kills parasites by affecting their nerve cells, which causes paralysis and death in them. It provides protection against fleas, flea eggs, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworm disease.
Meanwhile, sarolaner increases nerve stimulation in the target parasites, leading to paralysis and death in them. It is effective against ear mites, fleas, and ticks.
What is Advantage Multi for Cats?
Made by Elanco, Advantage Multi is a once-a-month topical parasite treatment for cats. It contains imidacloprid and moxidectin, which provide comprehensive protection against parasites. It prevents heartworm disease, treats and prevents flea infestations, treats and controls ear mite infestations, and treats hookworms and roundworms. It’s approved for cats and kittens at least 9 weeks old and weighing at least 2 pounds.
How Does Advantage Multi for Cats Work?
The active ingredient imidacloprid spreads over your cat’s body to kill fleas through contact, so they do not have to bite your cat to die. The other active ingredient, moxidectin, kills intestinal parasites, including roundworms and hookworms, as well as provides heartworm prevention.
Similarities Between Revolution Plus and Advantage Multi
Both Revolution Plus and Advantage Multi:
- Are applied topically once each month.
- Prevent heartworm disease.
- Kill adult fleas and help prevent future flea infestations.
- Treat ear mite infestations.
- Treat common feline roundworms.
- Treat hookworm infections.
- Are available in weight-specific dosage strengths.
Differences Between Revolution Plus and Advantage Multi
Though these two parasite treatments offer similar benefits, here are the unique features that set them apart:
Active Ingredients:
Revolution Plus contains selamectin and sarolaner, while Advantage Multi is formulated with imidacloprid and moxidectin.
Parasite Coverage:
- Fleas:
Advantage Multi kills fleas through contact, so they don’t have to bite your cat to die. Revolution Plus kills adult fleas and prevents Dipylidium caninum (tapeworm) infections as a direct result of killing fleas on the treated cat.
- Ticks:
Revolution Plus treats and controls infestations of several tick species, including the lone star tick, American dog tick, black-legged (deer) tick, and Gulf Coast tick. Advantage Multi does not provide tick protection.
Suitability:
The minimum age suitability for Revolution Plus for cats and kittens is at least 8 weeks of age. In comparison, Advantage Multi is suitable for cats and kittens aged 9 weeks and older.
The minimum age suitability for Revolution Plus for cats and kittens is at least 8 weeks of age. In comparison, Advantage Multi is suitable for cats and kittens aged 9 weeks and older.
Quick Comparison of Revolution Plus vs. Advantage Multi
Which is Ideal for Your Cat?
Both products do their core job well. What separates them is the parasite coverage and a few label details around age and weight. From all of the information shared above, you might have gotten an idea about which parasite preventive to choose for your cat.
- If your cat goes outdoors or lives where tick exposure is a real risk, Revolution Plus added tick coverage is hard to ignore.
- If your cat is strictly indoors, weighs less than the minimum requirement for Revolution Plus threshold, and has a flea issue, Advantage Multi may be the more suitable choice.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, you’re not choosing between a “good” and “bad” product. Both Revolution Plus and Advantage Multi are legitimate, vet-recommended options that cover the core parasites most cat parents worry about, including heartworm disease, fleas, ear mites, and common intestinal worms. The deciding factor usually comes down to your cat’s actual condition: where they roam, what they weigh, and what your vet already knows about their health history. You can get these flea and tick treatments and other pet care solutions from BestVetCare at reasonable rates. If you still have any doubts, your veterinarian is best positioned to advice as per your cat’s overall condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I switch between Revolution Plus and Advantage Multi?
While you can, it’s always best to check with your vet first. They can guide you on the right timing and help you avoid any overlap or gaps in protection, as these can increase the risk of side effects.
2. What if my cat misses a dose?
Advantage Multi’s label specifically states you can simply resume the monthly schedule if you go past 30 days. You can give the missed dose as soon as you remember and continue with the regular schedule from that day. If there’s a long gap, ask your vet for advice before administering the dose.
3. What if my cat gets wet or needs a bath after treatment?
Revolution Plus states that bathing or shampooing the cat 24 hours after treatment does not reduce the effectiveness of topical selamectin, one of the ingredients of Revolution Plus, against D. immitis. The manufacturer has not specifically evaluated the effect of bathing or shampooing on the effectiveness of Advantage Multi. It is advisable to bathe the pet first and then allow enough time for the skin to dry prior to dosing. Afterwards, give it time to fully absorb the dose before your cat gets wet.