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Advantage II for Cats
Written By Kim Rain
Published: 07/30/2021Updated: 10/28/2021

Advantage II for Cats is a topical insecticide used to kill
fleas, flea eggs and larvae that are present on cats, and prevent an
infestation. This fast-acting medication contains two active ingredients,
imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen, which effectively kills adult fleas within 12
hours of application, and actively inhibits younger fleas from maturing. Once
applied, Advantage II continues to kill and repel fleas for a month. While used
effectively for flea control on pet cats, Advantage II can also be used to help
treat flea
allergy dermatitis in cats by preventing fleas from biting and triggering
symptoms of this condition.
Cost
Advantage II for Cats is available in 3 formulations, one
for kittens that are 2 to 5 lbs., one for small cats weighing 5 to 9 lbs., and another
for large cats that weigh over 9 lbs. The kitten formulation is available in a
2-dose packet for 2 months at $26.98. Both the small and large cat formulations
can be purchased in 1-dose to 12-dose packets that range from $15 to $116. All kinds
of Advantage II are available for purchase through your veterinarian, in retail
stores and online.
Dosage
Advantage II for Cats is used only on kittens and cats that
are 8 weeks of age and older, and weigh no less than 2 lbs. When using as a
general flea control, this product is applied once a month. If using to control
an existing severe flea infestation, your veterinarian may prescribe this
treatment several times within the same month. Dosing
is as follows:
- For flea prevention: Apply 1 tube of appropriate formulation to cat, once monthly.
- For treatment of flea infestation: Apply 1 tube of appropriate formulation to cat once. Re-apply within the same month as directed by your veterinarian to eliminate all fleas.
Dosage instructions
Before applying, be sure your cat is at least 8 weeks of age
and weighs 2 lbs. Choose the appropriate formulation based on your cat’s weight,
and never use any formulation that is made for dogs or another animal on your
cat.
To apply, open one tube of Advantage II for Cats by holding
upright and twisting the cap until it detaches. Move the hair at the base of
your cat’s skull on their neck until you see skin, then squeeze the entire tube
of liquid onto the skin. Put hair back into place to cover liquid. When
applying, be careful to not get product into your cat’s eyes or mouth. If
liquid runs off the application spot, try to use applicator to massage into
skin and under the fur so that your cat cannot reach it to lick it off.
Advantage II begins to work within 12 hours, but it may take
an entire 30-day cycle to treat an existing flea infestation. Be sure to also
treat areas that fleas may be living, such as pet beds, carpets and rugs, and
dose every animal in the household at the same time with an appropriate formulation
to prevent re-infestation.
This medication can be toxic to humans if ingested or gets
in the eyes, so be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after application, and
let product dry on cat before touching them in the application area.
Efficacy
Advantage II for Cats is formulated with 9.10% imidacloprid
and 0.46% pyriproxyfen, and has proven to be quite effective in treating and preventing
flea infestations. Imidacloprid attacks fleas by targeting their nervous system
which paralyzes them, then kills them. Pyriproxyfen is an insect growth
regulator that works by preventing immature fleas from evolving into adults. The
most common flea that attacks cats and dogs is the cat flea, or Ctenocephalides
felis.
Several studies have discovered
that imidacloprid kills 95% of adult fleas and flea larvae up to 61 days after
treatment, as well as prevents flea eggs from hatching for up to 7 weeks. Pyriproxyfen
has a lower efficacy of flea fatalities at 49%, but 100% of the eggs that had
been exposed to it for only 3 days failed to hatch. After adult fleas were
exposed for 3 days, 100% of the next 14 days of eggs also failed to hatch. In
fact, a 2-hour exposure also resulted in 100% inhibition. When these two insecticides
work together, they lessen the time it takes to kill adult fleas and prevent
new fleas from developing or hatching.
Side Effects
When used as directed, there are rarely side effects reported
with Advantage II for Cats. Signs of an adverse reaction can include:
- Reddened skin at application site
- Scratching
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Irritability
- Unusual breathing
- Loss of muscle control
If your cat licks the solution, either directly or off their
paw after scratching, the bitter taste will often cause excessive drooling, and
may cause vomiting. If this occurs, offer your cat some wet food or tuna, and water.
The product should only cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort and should pass.
Once dried, the solution should not cause the same issues. If you cannot
prevent your cat from consuming the solution, you can bathe them in dish soap
up to three times to remove it.
If side effects worsen, continue or become severe, speak
with your veterinarian right away.
Considerations
Be sure to never use Advantage II for Cats on kittens and
cats under 8 weeks of age or weighing less than 2 lbs. Do not use more than 1
tube each treatment on a cat, even if they are very large. Always talk with
your veterinarian if your cat is pregnant or lactating before using this
product.
When treating a flea infestation, always treat all animals
and areas of infestation in the household at the same time.
Some cats can experience or develop a sensitivity to any
pesticide, so be sure to discuss any adverse reactions with your veterinarian.
Drug Interactions
While there are no known drug interactions between Advantage
II and any other specific drugs, you should talk with your veterinarian if your
cat is on any medications before using this product.
Allergic Reactions and Sensitivity
Although rare, some cats may be allergic or sensitive to the
ingredients in Advantage II for Cats or other flea
medications. Many of the symptoms of an allergy or sensitivity are similar
to the medication’s side effects, such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, itching
and skin irritation, and lethargy, but it can also cause difficulty breathing,
loss of appetite and seizures. If you suspect your cat is experiencing an
allergy to this product, contact your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Advantage II require a prescription?
Advantage II does not require a prescription from your
veterinarian, and can be purchased from your vet, from retail stores, and
online.
Does Advantage II expire?
Since the EPA does not require expiration dates on packaging
for Advantage II, there is no expiration date listed.
What do I do if I skip a dose?
If you miss a dose of Advantage II, simply apply to your cat
when you remember and then start your 30-day clock for the next monthly dose.
How do I store Advantage II?
Store this product in its original packaging in a cool, dry
place. Keep out of reach of children, and do not freeze. Once used, throw tubes
away. If you need to dispose of liquid, be sure not to pour it down any inside
or outside drains.
Can my cat be bathed after applying Advantage II?
After 24 hours from application, Advantage II for Cats is
waterproof and should not come off of your cat during bathing, just be sure
the solution has dried first. However, it is recommended to bathe your cat before
applying the solution as each bathing session can reduce its effectiveness.
Can I use Advantage II for Cats on dogs?
You should never use Advantage II for Cats on dogs, or a dog formulated product on cats as they contain different amounts of each active
ingredient that is specific to breed and weight. Always follow the label
directions for any flea product.
