Advocate drops for cats

Advocate is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication used in cats for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. Its components target external parasites and nematodes. This effective medication was developed by Bayer, a renowned German company that produces medications for animals and humans.

General description

Advocate (Bayer) is an easy-to-use product. It comes in the form of drops for external use. The spot-on drops are applied to the withers. To get rid of parasitic insects or prevent their reappearance, you don't need to try to feed your pet pills or administer a suspension; simply drop the solution onto the skin. The procedure is painless and takes only a couple of minutes.

The medicinal liquid is packaged in disposable polymer pipettes, making it easy to squeeze out. The manufacturer produces pipettes for cats in two versions:

• 0.4 ml each is intended for pets weighing up to 4 kg;
• 0.8 ml each is intended for animals weighing from 4 to 8 kg.

When purchasing, be sure to pay attention to the pipette volume and the information on the packaging. If used improperly, the medication can cause toxic poisoning, so exercise caution.

Store the antiparasitic medication at a temperature no higher than 30°C (86°F), but avoid freezing. Store in a dark place away from direct sunlight. Remember that the medication contains toxic components. Therefore, keep it away from feed and other food products.

Composition and properties

The broad spectrum of action of Advocate drops is due to the combination of two active ingredients: moxidectin and imidacloprid. Although their chemical properties differ, both substances negatively affect arthropod receptors. This disrupts nerve impulse transmission, inevitably leading to paralysis and death of the parasites.

When administered in high doses, the active ingredients may partially accumulate in the animal's body. If the dose is not exceeded, Advocate does not cause mutations or suppress the immune system.

When used

According to the instructions for use, Advocate drops are used for cats with the following parasites:

• fleas;
• scabies mites;
• Vlas-eaters.

The drug can be effectively used to protect animals from the above-mentioned parasitic insects, i.e., to prevent infection. This antiparasitic drug is used to treat and prevent helminthic infestations caused by nematodes. The active ingredients do not affect tapeworms, so the drug can only be used for treatment after testing and identification of the helminth species. If the medication is used prophylactically, additional medications against cestodes may be required.

Advocate drops are also used to prevent a dangerous disease – dirofilariasisIn this condition, worms parasitize the heart and pose a mortal threat to the animal. The medication only targets the microfilariae larvae, the causative agent of the disease. It is ineffective against adult worms and is therefore used only for prophylactic purposes. It is not suitable for the treatment of dirofilariasis.

Please note! Advocate can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment for allergic dermatitis caused by fleas.

Dosage and administration

To correctly calculate the dosage, you need to know your pet's weight. The instructions indicate the following dosage of Advocate for cats:

• for animals weighing up to 4 kg, a 0.4 ml pipette is required;
• For pets weighing from 4 to 8 kg, use a 0.8 ml pipette at a time.

If the medication is used on small kittens, it is permissible to apply less than the entire pipette, but the minimum dose should not be less than 0.1 ml per 1 kg of body weight. If the cat weighs over 8 kg, a combination of pipettes must be used. To calculate the required amount of medicinal solution in this case, use 0.1 ml per kilogram of body weight.

If Advocate drops are used for therapeutic purposes, they are applied once. If the primary purpose is prevention, then the procedure should be repeated monthly. The same dosage regimen is used in cases where there is a high risk of developing dirofilariasis. To ensure reliable protection, the medication should be used while mosquitoes are flying.

Please note! If Advocate is used to treat ear mites, it should be applied to the withers. Do not apply drops to the ears. If the condition is accompanied by inflammation, antibacterial agents should be used in addition.

The product is easy to apply. Follow a simple procedure:

1. Unscrew the cap on the pipette.
2. Turn the lid over and pierce the protective membrane with the back side.
3. Gently part the fur at the withers and apply the medication. It's important that the drops land on the skin, not the fur.

If Advocate is used to kill fleas, the animal's habitat should be treated with special products. Otherwise, re-infestation may occur.

Rules of use and precautions

To ensure that the use of drops is effective and safe, the following rules should be followed:

1. Do not apply the product to wet or damaged skin.
2. After treatment, do not bathe your pet for 4 days, even with special shampoos, as the active ingredients will be washed off and will not affect the parasites.
3. It is strictly forbidden to combine the application of the medicine with other antiparasitic agents.
4. Drops should be applied in places that your pet cannot reach.
5. If treating multiple animals at the same time, isolate them from each other until the solution dries. Otherwise, they may lick the medication off each other, and the medication should not be allowed to ingest.

After applying Advocate drops, avoid petting your pet for 24 hours. Keep your pet away from small children during this period. If the medication comes into contact with skin or mucous membranes, rinse immediately with clean water. If an allergic reaction occurs, consult a doctor.

Limitations and side effects

Advocate drops should not be used for cats in the following cases:

• if the age is less than 9 weeks;
• during the recovery period after serious illnesses and operations;
• in infectious pathologies;
• if there is intolerance to the components (allergic reactions occur).

It is best not to use this product on pregnant or lactating females. If an urgent need arises, the procedure should be performed under the supervision of a veterinarian. If the animal has acute or chronic heart, liver, or kidney disease, consult a veterinarian.

Animals generally tolerate the medication well. Occasionally, vomiting, skin irritation, loss of appetite, or depression may occur. If the medication is accidentally ingested, vomiting or stomach upset may occur. The drug can cause disruptions in the nervous system, manifested by impaired coordination, apathy, and mood swings.

Price

If you plan to buy Advocate drops for cats, the price of one pipette depends on the volume:

• 0.4 ml (up to 4 kg) – 390-440 rubles;
• 0.8 ml (4-8 kg) – 430-480 rubles.

Although the drug is imported, it is sold in many veterinary pharmacies, including online pharmacies.

Owner reviews

Larisa, owner of a 5-year-old cat:

"They used Advocate for the treatment of ear mites. Although the price is high, it's well spent. We were able to get rid of ear mites and prevent further infestation in a young cat we had in foster care. Among the advantages, I'd like to point out the ease of use. There's no need to torture the animal or apply drops to injured ears."

Tatyana, owner of 4 cats:

"I used to have three cats in my house, two females and a male cat. I regularly treat them for external and internal parasites, so I never had any problems. I recently adopted another cat from a shelter. Once home, I noticed she was constantly scratching herself. I bought Advocate drops from the pharmacy. By the second day, she had stopped scratching intensely. The medication has a strong, pungent odor, and after applying it, Lucy was very lethargic for the first two hours, but she recovered on her own after a while."

Veterinarian Reviews

Roman, a veterinarian with 12 years of experience:

"This is comprehensive protection against internal and external parasites. However, owners should remember that the medication is very strong, so if used incorrectly, side effects can occur. The price is high, but its effectiveness fully justifies it."

Lyudmila, a veterinarian with 9 years of experience:

"To be honest, I don't use these drops in my practice. Opinions about the medication are mixed. Some people report its high effectiveness, while others report health problems after use (vomiting, diarrhea, apathy, etc.). I suspect that due to the high price, counterfeit products are often found in pharmacies, which is what causes the side effects."

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