Fleas are a nuisance for our feline companions. They lead to discomfort and skin irritations and cause more severe health issues if left untreated.
As an owner, you’re constantly on the lookout for the most effective and reliable solutions to safeguard your beloved pets from those fleas. But with so many options available, how do we discern the genuinely exceptional ones?
Among the popular choices in the market, Revolution and Advantage II emerged as the leading contenders, offering comprehensive protection against these pesky parasites.
Join us in this analysis of Revolution vs Advantage II, where we will explore the features, effectiveness, pros, and cons of each product, to decide which treatment is better for your pets and ensure a flea-free environment for them.
| Revolution | Advantage II | |
| Parasites killed | fleas, ear mites, heartworm, roundworm, hookworm | fleas as well as their larvae and eggs |
| Active ingredients | Selamectin | Imidocloprid and pyriproxyfen |
| Waterproof | yes (after two hours of administering) | yes |
| Safe for use in pregnancy and nursing period | yes | need vet’s advice |
| How long does it take to work? | majority killed within 24 hours | within 12 hours |
| Frequency | monthly | monthly |
| Availability | veterinary prescription required | over-the-counter |
| Age | 8 weeks and older | 8 weeks and older |
| Price | higher than Advantage II (about 25%) | lower than Revolution |
Table of Contents
What is It? How Does It Work?
1. Overview of Revolution
Revolution is a widely used and trusted brand of topical medication. It’s designed to provide comprehensive protection against several parasitic infestations in cats and dogs such as fleas and heartworms.
For felines, it also kill ear mites and works on roundworms and hookworms, but not ticks (which will be killed by Revolution for dogs).
With selamectin as the active ingredient, this medication works by interfering with the nervous system of parasites, leading to their paralysis and subsequent death.
The Revolution Plus is an advanced version of Revolution, containing another pharmaceutical ingredient in sarolaner, which enhances its efficacy against ticks.
Revolution is known for its efficacy, ease of use, and long-lasting effects. However, it’s worth noting that this is a prescription medication. You need to ask for your vet’s advice and permission before administering it to your pets.
Coming in the form of a topical solution, Revolution will be applied directly to the skin, usually on the back of the cats’ neck between the shoulder blades – the most obscure place where they could hardly reach towards and lick.
Once applied, Revolution spreads across the skin and is absorbed into the bloodstream. Then it circulates throughout the cat’s body and provides systemic protection against parasites.
2. Overview of Advantage II
Advantage II is another popular brand of flea treatment for cats. It’s a topical solution that helps protect your feline companions by killing fleas on contact and providing continuous protection against re-infestation for up to four weeks.
Questioning how does Advantage 2 work?
This treatment comes in small tubes containing the topical solution. To apply it to your cats, you need to part the fur on the back of their neck, near the base of the skull, to expose the skin. Then, squeeze the tube to apply the solution directly onto the skin.
The product then spreads throughout the cat’s body, offering protection against fleas.
It’s important to avoid applying it on areas cats can lick or their eyes. Plus, you need to separate your newly treated feline from other pets to prevent them from grooming each other and potentially ingesting the product.
If you need another Advantage product that can cover more parasites, Advantage Multi is a good option. But ask for your vet’s permission before using it on your pets.
Similarities & Differences Between These Two Treatments
Revolution and Advantage II are both popular topical flea treatments for cats. They are applied monthly to the cat’s skin and will kill fleas and prevent reinfestation for a certain period.
While both of them are designed to safeguard our cats, there are several key differences to consider when deciding which one is best suited for your furry companion.
- 1. They differ in their active ingredients and the spectrum of parasites they target.
Revolution contains the primary ingredient selamectin, offering broader protection against multiple parasites such as fleas, ear mites, and certain intestinal worms.
Advantage II, with its two main ingredients – imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen, provides protection against fleas only.
- 2. Their modes of action are quite diverse.
When Advantage II is applied to the cat’s skin, it’ll spread through the skin’s oils and start its protection.
Meanwhile, Revolution works by entering the cat’s bloodstream so that it not only eliminates external parasites but also combats internal parasites like heartworms, which Advantage II does not address.
- While Advantage is available at any retailer, you’ll need a veterinary prescription to use Revolution.
- Both products are safe for cats. However, those in pregnancy or lactation are likely to use Revolution without any severe concerns. But usage of Advantage II must be accepted by a vet.
Pros and Cons of Revolution
- The broad spectrum of protection makes Revolution an ideal choice for cat owners. From fleas to ear mites to heartworm (a potentially life-threatening disease), this product will cover them all.
- Some people prefer products that are easy to administer, and this topical treatment will help pet owners feel less stressed.
- This treatment is typically used once a month, eliminating the need for frequent applications or remembering complicated schedules.
- Revolution products are designed for different ranges of each cat’s weight to ensure the best efficacy. Plus, they’re safe to use for pregnant and lactating cats.
- After two hours of administering, the content remains waterproof and is resistant to washing, ensuring its effectiveness in a month.
- Since Revolution is a prescription medication, it can only be obtained from a veterinarian. This requirement may involve an additional cost and a visit to the vet’s office.
- Although rare, some cats may experience side effect after using this product. These can include hair loss, digestive upset, drooling, or respiratory problems.
- While Revolution is effective against some types of intestinal worms, it may not provide comprehensive coverage for all species.
- This topical treatment is generally safe for most cats, but it may not be suitable for kittens under eight weeks of age or cats with certain health conditions.
- Revolution can be relatively expensive compared to some other parasite treatments available in the market, including Advantage II.
Pros and Cons of Advantage II
- Advantage II is known for its effectiveness in killing adult fleas and inhibiting the growth of flea eggs and larvae.
- The treatment starts working within 12 hours of application, which helps control flea infestations.
- With continuous protection against fleas for up to 30 days, it is considered long-lasting protection.
- Advantage II is available over-the-counter, so you don’t need to get a prescription from your vet.
- This is also an easy-to-use topical method, yet with a cheaper price.
- Once applied and dried, Advantage II remains effective even if the cat gets wet or is bathed.
- While Advantage II is effective against fleas, it will not kill mites or ticks.
- There are still potential side effects of using Advantage II such as itching, hair loss, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
- For cats weighing less than 2 lbs, this product is not recommended.
- If your cat gets pregnant or is breastfeeding, it’s critical to consult your vet to know whether Advantage II is a safe solution.
Which is Better?
Deciding which treatment is better for your cat depends on several factors, such as your specific needs and your cat’s health condition.
If you need a product that quickly protects them from fleas only without going to the vet, Advantage II might be an ideal choice.
But for broader protection, Resolution is highly recommended. It’s also a good option if your cat’s pregnant.
Still finding it confusing to make the right decision? Talk to your vet for further advice.
Application Guide
1. Tips to Choose The Right One for Your Pet
While Revolution and Advantage II are highly effective and versatile parasiticides, it’s essential to consider some additional tips to determine whether they’re suitable for your cat.
- Consult with your veterinarian to understand your cat’s health history and specific needs. They can recommend the most appropriate product based on your cat’s age, weight, health, allergies, sensitivities, or any other existing medical conditions.
- These products work on some pests, not all. Thus, consider the specific parasites you need protection against and discuss your concerns with your veterinarian.
- Both of them are typically available as a topical solution that is applied directly to the skin. If your cat is particularly resistant to topical applications, alternative options such as medical treatment or flea collars might help.
2. Types of Application
Revolution
The recommended dosage of Revolution depends on the weight of your cat, as different weight categories may require different concentrations of the active ingredients.
- The mauve package: for cats up to 5 lbs
- The blue package: for cats from 5.1-15 lbs
- The taupe package: for cats from 15.1-22 lbs
- If your cat’s weight is over 22 lbs, consult the vet to use a proper number of tubes.
Advantage II
Advantage II is available in several variations based on the weight of the cat. Its specific types include:
- Advantage II Kitten: for cats from 2-5 lbs
- Advantage II Small Cat: for cats from 5-9 lbs
- Advantage II Large Cat: for cats over 9 lbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Revolution and Advantage II be Used on Kittens?
Both Revolution and Advantage II are safe to use on kittens, but with specific restrictions.
Revolution is approved for use in kittens as young as 8 weeks old. The appropriate dosage for each kitten is determined based on their weight.
Advantage II is safe for use in kittens aged 8 weeks or older, and their weight must be at least 2 lbs.
How Often Should You Apply Flea and Tick Treatments to Your Pet?
Many factors decide the frequency of flea tick treatments, including your pet’s health condition and lifestyle, types of parasites, types of treatment methods, and products used.
But generally, the treatment is often applied once a month to ensure its efficacy and safety for your pets.
Can Revolution and Advantage II be Used Together?
It is not recommended to use Revolution and Advantage II together. Each product is designed with a specific dosage and may not interact well with each other.
Using them simultaneously can lead to an overdose, potentially causing adverse reactions in your pet.
Conclusion
Revolution and Advantage II are both reputable and effective parasite treatments for pets.
Some owners would prefer Revolution when they’re seeking an all-in-one solution for their pets’ parasite control needs. Advantage II, on the other hand, makes a suitable option for those primarily concerned with fleas.
To decide which is the optimal choice for your feline friends, Revolution vs Advantage II, carefully consider their needs and requirements, well-being, environment, and more.
Don’t hesitate to consult your vet if you need strong help in finding the best way to maximize flea resistance and provide long-lasting protection for your companions.
I am Amy Sawy, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduate from the University of Kansas. y husband, Dr. Plummer, and I own a veterinary clinic in Phillipsburg, Kansas. In addition to my professional background, I am a devoted pet owner myself, with a household that includes dogs, rodents, and most notably, cats – a total of five felines in my home.
In 2020, I joined an organization as a professional writer, leveraging my experience and collaborating with my team to deliver the most valuable information for your cat’s care.
