Using Dog Advantage on Cats

Flea control can be an uphill battle; fortunately, the vet-prescribed topical treatments are generally safe and very effective. They can also be expensive, especially in a multi-cat household. One way to save money is to use dog Advantage on cats. This applies to the original formula and not to Advantix, which is for canines only and can kill cats. Always consult with your vet before using any prescription medication, especially for "off label" use.

Function

Topical flea preventives are applied to the animal's skin, usually between the shoulder blades or the back of the neck, where they cannot lick it off. It is quickly absorbed through the skin. There are different formulations, and none will prevent a flea from actually jumping on your cat, but all will kill the flea shortly after it encounters the pet's skin. Some kill larvae and eggs and prevent ticks as well. The topicals available without a prescription in pet stores have not been shown to be very effective and may contain chemicals that harm very small or young animals, or those in poor health. The safer and more effective topicals are available only with a vet's prescription, and may be purchased online in some cases for a little lower cost.

Types

Some brands, like Frontline and Revolution, have different formulas for dogs and cats. Using the canine formula on cats can cause organ failure and death, sometimes within hours of application. Canine and feline Advantix are formulated specifically for canines and felines and must never be used on any animal it's not intended for. However, the original formula Advantage uses the same chemical (imidacloprid) for both dogs and cats, and the only difference is the size of the dose.

Considerations

Talk to your vet about the dosage needed for a cat. You will need to weigh your cat first. The most economical way to buy it is the four-vial size sold for large dogs. Ask your vet if she will give you a measuring syringe (without the needle) so you can draw up the correct amount.

Misconceptions

If you have cats that never go outside, and are not exposed to fleas by other possibly flea-ridden animals entering the house, you may not need flea medication at all. Not every pet will need flea treatment. This depends largely on your geographic area and how prevalent the little critters are. Many people go decades with indoor cats and never see a single flea, without treatment. To check for fleas, look at your cat's belly and inner thighs where the fur is usually thinner and fleas will be more visible. Tiny black specks in the fur may be dried blood left behind from flea activity. If there is nothing visible, your cat isn't scratching and nobody in the house is being bitten, you probably already have a flea-free environment.

Expert Insight

Apply Advantage to your cat using either a measured amount in a needle-less syringe, or straight from the vial as directed on the packaging. It should go on any single spot from between the shoulder blades to the back of the neck. Putting it anywhere on the back below the shoulder blades may allow the cat to twist around and lick it. While not poisonous when ingested, the Advantage is very bitter and may irritate a cat's mouth. Part the hair to expose a patch of bare skin and squeeze the entire dose onto that area. There may be a small oily spot where the product was applied. This is normal; do not wash it off. It will disappear within a few days.