Advantage II for Cats
This page contains information on Advantage® II, flea prevention for cats.
What is Advantage II?
Bayer Advantage II topical flea treatment and prevention for cats is a vet-recommended, monthly application that kills fleas through contact, so they don’t have to bite your cat to die.
Advantage II for cats kills fleas in multiple life stages, effectively breaking the flea life cycle in your pet to control existing flea infestations on your cat and prevent further infestations. This cat flea treatment comes in a convenient topical liquid that’s easy to apply, fragrance-free and waterproof after 24 hours. A single application of Advantage II flea prevention and treatment for cats starts working in 12 hours and kills fleas for up to 30 days.
There are three dosage sizes:
- Kittens (2-5 pounds)
- Small Cats (5 and 9 pounds)
- Large Cats (9+ lbs)
Active Ingredients
The active ingredients in Advantage II are Imidacloprid (9.1%) and Pyriproxyfen (0.46%).
How does it work?
The first active ingredient is imidacloprid, which acts on the nervous system of the flea to cause paralysis and subsequent death. Within 12 hours of application on cats, 98-100% of fleas will have died. Advantage II Small Cat kills the existing fleas on ferrets within 24 hours.
The second active ingredient, pyriproxyfen, is an insect growth regulator. Once a female flea lays her eggs, pyriproxyfen works to prevent the eggs from hatching, ending the flea life cycle.
The active ingredient in Advantage II kills through contact, which means that fleas don’t have to bite your pet to die. Reinfesting fleas are killed with protection against further flea infestation lasting for up to 4 weeks. Pre-existing pupae in the environment may continue to emerge for 6 weeks or longer depending upon the climactic conditions.
How do you use Advantage II?
Open the pouch and remove the tube. Hold the tube at the crimped end with the cap in an upright position (tip up). The cap should be rotated clockwise or counter clockwise one full turn. The cap is designed to stay on the tube for dosing and should not be removed. The tube is open and ready for application when a “click” is heard or felt. This indicates that the seal is broken and product can be applied to the cat.
The cat should be standing or lying with its back horizontal during application. Part the fur at the administration site. Place the tube tip vertically against the skin at the base of the skull of the cat.
Treatment at the base of the skull will minimize the opportunity for the cat to lick the product. Do not allow the product to run off.
How to Properly Apply Advantage II?
Part the hair on the neck at the base of the skull until the skin is visible. Place the tip of the tube on the skin and squeeze the tube to expel the entire contents directly on the skin. To make application easier, have your cat standing during application.
Warnings and Cautions
Do not get this product in your cat’s eyes, or allow your cat to ingest this product. The product is bitter tasting and salivation may occur for a short time if the cat licks the product immediately after treatment.
The safety of Advantage II has not been established in breeding, pregnant and lactating cats. Neurologic adverse reactions have been reported in cats receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in cats without a history of neurologic disorders. Use with caution in cats with a history of neurologic disorders.
Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Do not contact or allow children to contact the application site until dry. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Advantage II Indications & Contraindications
Use only on cats or kittens 8 weeks and older. Do not apply to cats or kittens weighing less than 2 lbs. Do not use on other animals.
● Do not apply more than one (1) tube per treatment, even for large cats.
● Do not have contact or allow children to have contact with treated area until completely dry.
Effectiveness
Advantage II for cats kills the existing fleas on cats within 12 hours. Reinfesting fleas are killed within 2 hours with protection against further flea infestation lasting for up to four weeks. Preexisting pupae in the environment may continue to emerge for six weeks or longer depending upon the climatic conditions.
It is very important that all pets in the household are treated monthly – to prevent the flea life cycle from continuing.
Adverse Reactions
Side effects, although very rare, may include signs of skin irritation such as redness, scratching, or other signs of discomfort. Gastrointestinal signs such as hypersalivation, vomiting or diarrhea have also been reported.
Dosage & Safety Information
Advantage II for Cats should be administered topically as a single dose every 4 weeks.
Treatment with Advantage II for Cats may begin at any time of the year and can continue year round without interruption.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Give the dose when you remember and resume the normal application schedule of one application every 4 weeks.
Can it be used on kittens?
It is safe to use in kittens 2 months of age and older, and weighing 2.0 lbs or greater.
Can it be used on pregnant cats?
No, the safety of Advantage II has not been established in breeding, pregnant and lactating cats.
Advantage II Reviews
Advantage II® for Cats in the US Reviews
Advantage II for Cats reviews from owners in the US are similar, with nearly perfect ratings across the board on
One Advantage II for Cats reviewer on claims that it is:
Both of my kitties were covered in fleas with one having an allergic reaction to bites. Her skin was scabby because of all of the scratching and needless to say, fleas were all in the house. It was awful! I called my vet to take them in and she asked if I had tried Advantage yet. I said no, we had tried a different brand that did absolutely nothing. She insisted I try Advantage and see if it helped. I ordered from Amazon and upon arrival gave both cats a bath in flea shampoo, dried and then applied the Advantage. Literally within 24 hours; they were completely without fleas.
However, some reviews from Amazon come with a caution, for example:
After years of using this product (Bayer Advantage II for Large Cats over 9 lbs) on my big kitty, with NO problems, the last application left my baby with a burn mark exactly where I applied the medication – in a long line down the back of his neck, exactly as it’s supposed to be applied.
However, there seems to have been some counterfeit tubes being sold on Amazon and another Amazon user mentions that he/she will only buy directly from a vet from now on.
More Questions about Advantage II…
How soon can I touch my cat after applying Advantage II?
Let the application dry before touching your cat.
How long does it start to work after application?
Kills 100% of fleas within 8 hours of application.
Can my cat get wet/ how long does the cat need to stay dry?
While the product should be dry within 24 hours. Keep in mind that more frequent bathing may keep the product from working for the full 30 days.
My pet is on medication for another condition right now. Is it still safe to give Advantage II?
Studies with Advantage II have shown no interactions with routinely used veterinary medicinal products. However, it is always best to discuss all of your pet’s treatments with your veterinarian as they are your pet’s health care expert.
How much does Advantage II Cost?
Typically one round of dosage will cost between $15-$60 dollars depending of the size of your cat. Advantage II cost will also depend on where the purchase is made, with purchases made from a veterinarian more expensive than is purchased online.
Where to Purchase Advantage II?
Advantage II is available from veterinarians and pet retail outlets, either in store or online.