Bravecto for Cats
This page contains information on Bravecto® (fluralaner topical solution) for cats.
What is Bravecto?
Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats is a 12-week flea and tick preventative medicine. Effectively breaks the 3-month flea life cycle.
Active Ingredients
The active ingredient is Fluralaner. Bravecto for Cats requires a prescription from your veterinarian. Bravecto for Cats is available in three strengths for use in cats (112.5 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg fluralaner per tube).
The full chemical name of fluralaner is (±)-4-[5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydroisoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-N-[2-oxo-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylamino) ethyl]benzamide.
Inactive ingredients: dimethylacetamide, glycofurol, diethyltoluamide, acetone
How does it work?
After applying Bravecto for Cats, the medication reaches tissue fluids under your cat’s skin. When fleas and ticks feed on your cat, they ingest the Bravecto for Cats and die.
As Bravecto will kill fleas before they can lay eggs, over time the immature flea population will diminish and your household will be flea-free. In most conditions this takes approximately 3 months. To help speed up this process, you can wash pet’s bedding in hot water and vacuum areas that pets frequent to remove some of the eggs and larvae.
How do you use Bravecto?
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.
Squeeze the tube and gently apply the entire contents of Bravecto directly to the skin at the base of the skull of the cat. Avoid applying an excessive amount of solution that could cause some of the solution to run and drip off of the cat. If a second spot is needed to avoid run off, then apply the second spot slightly behind the first spot.
How to Properly Apply Bravecto?
Separate the hair and apply to the skin on the back of the head. Do not use directly on any skin lesions. As cats are fastidious groomers, applying to this location is important to prevent your cat from licking the wet application site. To make application easier, have your cat standing during application.
Warnings and Cautions
The safety of BRAVECTO 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.
Bravecto Indications & Contraindications
Bravecto is not effective against American dog ticks beyond 8 weeks of dosing.
Effectiveness
Bravecto kills ticks (black-legged tick) for 12 weeks and American dog ticks for 8 weeks. Used for cats and kittens (6+ months of age, weighing at least 2.6+ lbs )
It is very important that all pets in the household are treated consistently – to prevent the flea life cycle from continuing.
Adverse Reactions
In a controlled U.S. field study, there were no serious adverse reactions. However, the most commonly reported adverse reactions include:
- vomiting
- itching
- diarrhea
- hair loss
- decreased appetite
- lethargy
- scabs/ulcerated lesions
Dosage & Safety Information
Bravecto for Cats should be administered topically as a single dose every 12 weeks according to the dosage schedule to provide a minimum dose of 18.2 mg/lb (40 mg/kg) body weight.
Treatment with Bravecto 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 12 weeks.
Can it be used on kittens?
It is safe to use in kittens 6 months of age and older, and weighing 2.6 lbs or greater.
Can it be used on pregnant cats?
No, the safety of BRAVECTO has not been established in breeding, pregnant and lactating cats.
Bravecto Reviews
Bravecto® for Cats in the US Reviews
Bravecto for Cats reviews from owners in the US are similar, with nearly perfect ratings across the board on Allivet and 1-800-PetMeds.
One Bravecto for Cats reviewer on Allivet claims that it is:
“the best flea and tick control around. All the other types had stopped working on our cats, but this stuff works and lasts for 3 months.”
However, some reviews come with a caution, for example:
“Bravecto worked great for my cat! The fleas were totally gone in about 6 hours. The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because it made my cat extremely lethargic. At one point I had the make sure he was still breathing. I would not recommend this flea medication for elderly pets or pets with a lot of health problems.”
More Questions about Bravecto…
How soon can I touch my cat after applying Bravecto?
Let the application dry before petting your cat. This is about 24 hours.
How long does it start to work after application?
Kills 100% of fleas within 8 hours of application.
Is there a chewable version of Brevecto for cats?
The chewable version of Brevecto is only for dogs.
Can my cat get wet/ how long does the cat need to stay dry?
While the product should be dry within 24 hours it is not recommended to bathe or allow the cat to get very wet within 3 days after treatment.
My pet is on medication for another condition right now. Is it still safe to give Bravecto?
Studies with Bravecto 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 Bravecto Cost?
Typically one round of dosage will cost between $60-$120 dollars. Bravecto cost will depend on where the purchase is made, with purchases made from a veterinarian more expensive than is purchased online.
Where to Purchase Bravecto?
Bravecto is available from veterinarians and pet retail outlets, either in store or online.