Advantage for cats is an antiparasitic veterinary medication that helps combat fleas, lice, chewing lice, and other parasites. This medication is manufactured by the renowned German pharmaceutical company Bayer. Before using it, pet owners are advised to read the instructions and consult a veterinarian.
Composition and release form
Advantage for cats is available as drops for topical use. They are packaged in small pipettes. Depending on the intended use (for large or small cats), the volumes are 0.8 and 0.4 ml. Each cardboard package contains four pipettes, sealed with a special protective cap. The drops are a yellow or brownish liquid with a faint, distinctive odor.
The active ingredient in this drug is imidacloprid, which causes paralysis in parasitic insects, resulting in their death within a short period of time. It is evenly distributed over the entire skin of the animal and accumulates in the fur, hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
The drug also contains the following auxiliary components:
- benzyl alcohol;
- butylated hydroxytoluene;
- propylene carbonate.
Prescription of the drug
Advantage for cats is used to eliminate and prevent the reappearance of insects that parasitize animals. These parasites include:
- fleas,
- lice,
- lice eaters.
These drops prevent insect infestations in adult cats and kittens, working actively even before the first bites and maintaining their effectiveness for up to a month. The product is harmless to the animal and prevents insect reproduction, affecting not only the insects but also their eggs.
It is recommended to use this medicine if the following signs of infection are detected in a cat:
- severe itching,
- restless behavior,
- profuse hair loss,
- general malaise,
- loss or absence of appetite.
Regular treatment with this product is recommended for cats that have free access to the outdoors and come into contact with other pets. It is highly recommended not to use Advantage without first consulting a veterinarian.
Contraindications
This drug has a number of contraindications, as follows:
- individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
- age up to 2 months;
- pregnancy and lactation period.
It is not recommended to use the drug if the cat has mechanical damage on its body (abrasions, scratches, wounds).
Possible side effects
Typically, when used correctly, pets experience no side effects. In rare cases, cats may experience skin redness and irritation. However, these symptoms usually resolve on their own within 1–2 days. If the irritation worsens and begins to cause discomfort, take your cat to the veterinarian.
Side effects from this drug also occur with overdose. In such cases, the animal exhibits the following symptoms:
- profuse salivation,
- weakness,
- muscle tremors,
- dilated pupils.
If such signs appear, you should immediately wash your cat using a specialized shampoo and show it to a veterinarian.
A pet's condition often worsens if the drops are ingested. The cat will experience nausea, vomiting, and general malaise. In this case, take it to the veterinarian immediately.
Instructions for use
According to the instructions for use, Advantage is safe for humans and animals, but certain precautions should be observed when using it:
- wear rubber gloves when applying drops,
- wash your hands thoroughly after the procedure,
- apply drops in a well-ventilated area or in the fresh air,
- dispose of empty pipettes with household waste,
- If drops accidentally enter the body, consult a doctor.
The instructions state that the drops should be applied to clean, dry, unbroken skin, so it's recommended to wash the cat with a specialized disinfectant shampoo before applying the drops. The medication should be applied to a location where the pet won't be able to lick it off. Veterinarians recommend the area between the shoulder blades, close to the base of the skull.
The procedure must be carried out as follows:
- Open the pipette and pierce the protective film of the tube with the back of the cap.
- Secure the pet in your arms.
- Part the fur at the withers to facilitate the penetration of drops onto the skin.
- Apply the required amount of the product gradually onto the skin, one drop at a time.
After the procedure, it is recommended to avoid bathing or getting the cat wet for a while, as well as petting the pet until the product has completely dried. It is advisable to avoid contact with small children for the first two days. Keep the cat away from other pets to prevent licking of the product.
The duration of treatment with this medication is determined by your veterinarian on an individual basis. The dosage is based on your cat's weight. Typically, the same dose of drops is used for both prevention and treatment. In severe infestations, additional treatment of your pet's bedding and other household items may be necessary.
Advantage for cats is a safe and effective treatment. The medication kills parasites within 12 hours of application and is effective at any stage of the infestation. It kills insects not only on the cat but also in the parasite's habitat, significantly reducing the risk of re-infestation. When used correctly, Advantage causes no side effects.
