Bravecto for cats

Bravecto is a modern flea and tick treatment developed specifically for cats. This effective medication is simple and easy to use. It provides reliable and long-lasting protection against ectoparasites when used following simple instructions. Available in several sizes, it's easy to find the perfect option for pets of different breeds and sizes.

General description

Bravecto is available for cats as topical drops. The medication is available in three different formulations:

• for small breeds – 0.4 ml;
• for medium breeds – 0.89 ml;
• for large breeds – 1.79 ml.

The drops differ in their active ingredient content: 112.5 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg, respectively. The clear solution is usually colorless, although a yellowish tint may occasionally be present. A specific odor may be present.

The medicinal solution is packaged in laminated disposable pipettes with screw-on caps. The pipettes are also packaged in cardboard boxes of 1 or 2.

There are no special storage requirements for this medication; simply follow a few simple rules. Choose a storage location out of reach of sunlight and children, and ensure the temperature remains between 2 and 30˚C. Do not freeze the solution in the pipettes.

Please note! Bravecto is also available in tablet form, but this dosage form is not generally used for cats, as it has not been tested on them, and the instructions do not specify dosage.

Operating principle

The main active ingredient of Bravecto is fluralaner. This substance has pronounced acaricidal (kills ticks) and insecticidal properties (stops the vital activity of fleas, Vlas-eaters and other insects parasitizing animals). It has a very strong effect on the nervous system of arthropods.

After application, the active ingredient accumulates in the hair coat and epidermis. Fluralaner then enters the bloodstream and is distributed throughout the body. This is what makes the product effective. It targets parasites not only at the site of application but also throughout the entire hair coat.

The active ingredient is eliminated from the body slowly, so the medication provides long-term protection for animals—up to 3 months. Most of the medication is excreted in feces, with some being excreted in urine. The medication begins to work against fleas within 12 hours, and against ticks within 48 hours, as shown in the photo below.

Important! If you plan to travel to the countryside or take your pet for a walk in a potentially dangerous area (where you could pick up external parasites), it's best to complete the treatment two days in advance, as the medication doesn't work immediately.

When and how to apply

Bravecto for cats is used to kill the following types of ticks:

• ixodid;
• sarcoptoid;
• otodecoccal.

The drug also effectively kills fleas, lice, chewing lice, and other external parasites. If an animal has allergic dermatitis caused by fleas, the medication is used in combination with other medications. These are typically medications that help relieve unpleasant symptoms such as itching, redness, and rashes.

The medication is also excellent for preventing tick and flea infestations. Pets that go outside should be treated regularly, as the risk of contracting parasites is quite high.

Since Bravecto comes in spot-on drops, using it on cats is simple and convenient. Just follow a few simple steps:

1. Hold the pipette vertically with the cap at the top.
2. Turn the cap counterclockwise. Note that the cap does not unscrew completely, but you can administer the medication after you hear the characteristic opening sound.
3. Part the fur on the neck and apply drops of the preparation onto the skin.

Important! The area where the medication is applied must be kept out of the reach of the animal. Avoid licking or ingestion of the medication.

Calculating the dosage is quite simple. Simply select a pipette of the required volume:

• for animals weighing 1.2-2.8 kg – 0.4 ml;
• for pets weighing 2.8 – 6.2 kg – 0.89 ml;
• for cats weighing over 6 kg – 1.79 ml.

Before heading to the pharmacy for medication, be sure to weigh your animal and then select pipettes of the appropriate volume.

How often should I administer Bravecto? If Bravecto is used for treatment, one treatment is sufficient. However, if the primary purpose is prevention, the following regimen should be followed: one treatment every three months. To prevent ectoparasite infestations, the product is used throughout the entire period of their activity—from early spring to late fall.

Special instructions and contraindications

When using Bravecto, you need to follow simple rules:

1. When applying the medicine, do not allow it to come into contact with the pet’s eyes.
2. Do not come into contact with the treated areas until the applied solution has completely dried.
3. For the first 1-2 days after treatment, avoid contact between your pet and small children. Adults are also advised not to pet the animal during this period.
4. After treatment, it is not recommended to bathe the cat for 3 days, as this may negatively affect the effectiveness of the drug.
5. Do not use the medicine if there are wounds or damage on the animal’s skin.

Contraindications for the use of the drug are:

• age up to 11 weeks;
• weight up to 1.2 kg;
• intolerance to components.

The instructions for use do not specify the use of Bravecto in pregnant or nursing cats. This is because no trials have been conducted during pregnancy or lactation, so it's best to avoid risking your pet's health and, if necessary, choose a licensed product.

Treatment is generally not performed on weakened or emaciated pets, during exacerbations of chronic illnesses, or in the presence of infectious pathologies. In such cases, a veterinarian consultation is essential.

Side effects and consequences of overdose

Bravecto usually does not cause side effects, but sometimes the following symptoms may occur:

• skin irritation at the site of application of the medication;
• itching and other allergic reactions due to intolerance to the components;
• lethargy;
• poor appetite or lack of appetite;
• increased salivation;
• nausea and vomiting.

If side effects are severe, symptomatic treatment may be required. If the dose is exceeded 5 times, the following symptoms may occur:

• vomit;
• stool with mucus or blood;
• convulsions;
• anorexia, etc.

If such problems occur, the animal should be thoroughly bathed with shampoo. Supportive therapy may be necessary.

What is the price

Although anti-tick and anti-flea drops have been available in Russia for several years, they haven't gained widespread popularity among pet owners. Therefore, they aren't always available in pharmacies. This doesn't apply to the tablets, but they aren't typically used for cats. The price of Bravecto drops for cats ranges from 1,500 to 1,900 rubles per dropper.

Bravecto analogues

Bravecto is an effective medication, but it's quite expensive. Moreover, finding it in Russian pharmacies can be challenging these days, so if possible, consider Bravecto alternatives, which are equally effective but slightly less expensive.

Advantage

A product from the German company Elanco based on imidacloprid (effective against fleas, lice, and biting lice). It can be used not only on adult cats and male cats weighing [unclear text] but also on kittens from 10 weeks of age. Available in dosages for female cats up to 4 kg (8.8 lbs) and kittens, as well as for male cats weighing over 4 kg (8.8 lbs).

The price of a package (4 pipettes) is from 1050 to 1150 ₽, but in some stores you can find the drug with a discount of up to 40% (for 630 ₽).

Advocate

Advocate — Bayer's product is prescribed for the prevention of demodicosis, nematodes, entomoses, and sarcoptic mange. The main active ingredients are imidacloprid and moxidectin. Two dosages are available: 0.4 ml (up to 4 kg), 0.8 ml (4-8 kg), and a combination for animals over 8 kg.

The price of a package (3 pipettes) is 1,500 rubles (you can purchase 1 dose separately for 500 rubles).

Leopard

Leopard — a domestic analogue of Bravecto, designed to treat fleas, ticks, and other parasites in cats of all breeds. Its insecticidal and acaricidal activity is due to the active ingredients fipronil, diflubenzuron, and dicarboximide.

This Bravecto analogue can be found in pharmacies in two variations:

• Classic packaging (for scabies and ixodid mites, fleas, lice, and biting lice). Price per package (3 pipettes) – 390-420₽.
• Bars Forte with an improved formula. Price per pack (3 pipettes) – 500₽.

BlokhNet max

Another affordable domestic alternative to Bravecto for cats is the effective BlokhNet topical drops from Astrapharm. The active ingredients listed are fipronil, benzyl benzoate, diethyltoluamide, and juvemon. The product comes in a plastic bottle with a dropper.

The price of the dropper is 160₽.

Selafort

Veterinarians recommend Selafort drops for cats from the Slovenian brand KAKA as another good alternative to Bravecto. The medication can be used on kittens from 6 weeks of age. The active ingredient, selamectin, helps get rid of not only fleas and ticks but also helminths, as it also has nematicidal and ascaricidal properties.

This analogue of Bravecto drops can be purchased for 520₽ per dropper (1 dose).

Important! Before purchasing any medication from the list of Bravecto drops alternatives, be sure to consult your veterinarian!

Owner reviews

Anton, owner of several animals:

"We have three dogs and two cats in our house. Every summer we move to our dacha, so we always treat them for ticks and fleas. There's a forest nearby, so the risk of parasites is very high. Last year, on the advice of a veterinarian friend, we bought Bravecto. We've treated all our pets with it. It works great, but it's already very expensive. We've switched to cheaper options."

Lyudmila, owner of a Persian cat:

"We couldn't get rid of the fleas for a long time. The cat was constantly scratching. It was unbearable to watch. Medications didn't help, or only helped briefly, until we treated him with Bravecto. There were no side effects, but fleas started falling off the cat on the second day, and they haven't returned yet. It's been two months now. Despite its high effectiveness, I wouldn't use it regularly due to the price, but it's a good option for emergencies."

Veterinarian Reviews

Diana, a veterinarian with 16 years of experience:

"I have quite a lot of experience using Bravecto tablets, but I rarely prescribe the drops, so it's difficult to assess their effectiveness and tolerability. Of course, I haven't had any failures in my practice, but that doesn't mean anything. Incidentally, I do use the tablets for cats. I prescribe the lowest dosage. There's no information about them in the instructions, as no trials have been conducted, but the animals tolerate the medication well."

Kirill, a veterinarian with 12 years of experience:

"I don't use Bravecto in my practice. I consider tablets unacceptable, even for dogs. External parasites need to be treated from the outside, not from the inside. In my opinion, poisoning an animal to protect it from ticks is a bad idea. As for the drops, yes, they are effective, but they are also very expensive. There are more affordable options that are equally effective. Of course, the decision to purchase the product is yours."

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