Advantage for cats - drops against fleas and lice

Composition Advantage

"Advantage" contains:

1. Imidacloprid is the main component that has a therapeutic effect.

Imiacloprid disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses in insects, causing the death of parasites. The substance kills both adult insects (insecticidal action) and parasite larvae (larvicidal action of the drug).

1. Benzyl alcohol. Added to the drug as a preservative. Prevents contamination of the drug during the shelf life.
2. Propylene carbonate. Acts as a solvent.
3. Butylated hydroxytoluene. An auxiliary substance that inhibits the oxidation of the drug.

Release form

"Advantage" is available in the form of a solution for external use. The solution should be transparent, from yellow to light brown.

The drug is packaged in plastic pipettes of different volumes: 0.4 and 0.8 ml. The package may contain 1 or 4 pipettes.

"Advantage" is easy to find in large chain stores and small veterinary pharmacies.

Average price for a package of 4 pipettes:

• 0.4 ml. – 800 rub.;
• 0.8 ml. – 980 rub.

Buy Advantage for cats

Average cost of 1 pipette:

• 0.4 ml. – 200 rub.;
• 0.8 ml. – 220 rub.

Composition and forms of the drug

The antiparasitic drug “Advantage” contains a substance with a difficult to pronounce name: 1-(6-chloro-3-pyredylmethyl)-N-nitro-imidazoline-2. Veterinarians and pharmacists call it imidacloprid. Additional components of the product are benzyl alcohol, propylene carbonate, and butylated hydroxytoluene. The drops are transparent and slightly thick, yellowish-brown in color. It does not have a very pronounced specific odor.

After application, the product is distributed throughout the body, is not absorbed into the systemic bloodstream, but accumulates in the structure of the epidermis, sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Each drop is healing for a pet, the death of parasites occurs within 12 hours, the drug is valid for up to 1 month.

Available in dense polymer sachets of 0.4, 0.8, 1.0, 2.5 and 4.0 ml, closed with caps. The solution for external use should be stored in a dry and dark place, away from food, children and animals, for no more than 5 years from the date of production.

Indications for use

"Advantage" is used to treat cats against external parasites: lice, fleas, lice. The product has a high safety class and can be used independently, without consulting a veterinarian.

The drug begins to act after 5 minutes: fleas bite your cat less. Within 12 hours the insects die. The medicine accumulates in the fur and skin and acts for another 4 weeks, protecting the pet from parasites from the external environment.

Repeated treatments against parasites can be carried out no more than once every 28 days.

The drug can be used to prevent infection. Application schedule: once every 4 weeks.

"Advantage" is a low-toxic drug, so it can be used by kittens from 10 weeks of age . The instructions indicate that the drug does not have a toxic effect on the formation of the fetus in pregnant cats. However, before use in pregnant females, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.

It is not recommended to combine the drug with other remedies for external parasites.

Application and dosage

If the animal itches, its fur falls out in pieces, it becomes dull, appetite disappears, the pet is agitated, a one-time use of the medicine is recommended. For prevention, it is used once a month. If your pet does not walk outside and avoids contact with other animals, you can treat it once every 3 months.

For cats weighing up to 4 kg, you will need 1 pipette with a volume of 0.4 ml. If the pet weighs between 4–8 kg, use a pipette with a dosage of 0.8 ml. When you have a large animal weighing more than 8 kg, pipettes with different volumes are purchased and combined. But the calculation of the amount of active substance is carried out at the rate of 0.1 ml per 1 kg of weight.

Treatment is carried out outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. A person should not drink, smoke or eat; it is better to protect your hands with gloves and wash them with soap and water after the process.

Before processing, the cap of the pipette is unscrewed and the protective membrane is broken through. Next, the cat is picked up, the fur is carefully parted and the product is dripped. If your pet is small, it is better to apply it in several places. It is recommended to drip near the neck and on the back of the head.

After this, the animal should not be allowed to lick itself. In the first days he is not bathed and is not allowed to walk on wet grass. If there are several animals in the house, the treated pet is isolated so that its fur is not licked. In case of severe parasite infestation, bedding and household items are subject to additional treatment. For treatment and prevention, the drug is used in the same amount. You should use it only in the dosage specified in the instructions so as not to harm the health of your pet.

How to calculate the dose of the drug

The dose of the medicine is selected individually, depending on the weight of the pet.

• kittens from 10 weeks and cats weighing up to 4 kg receive 1 pipette of 0.4 ml ;
• cats weighing 4-8 kg – 1 pipette 0.8 ml .

Important! For animals that weigh more than 8 kg, personal calculations are applied.

The manufacturer's official website contains detailed guidelines for dose selection:

• adult cats 8-12 kg – 1 pipette 0.8 ml + 1 pipette 0.4 ml;
• cats weighing 12-16 kg - 2 pipettes of 0.8 ml.

Application

Before using the product, you must read the instructions. According to the description of the medicine, it should be used monthly.

Attention ! The dosage is calculated according to the weight of the animal. A cat weighing less than 4 kilograms will need a dosage of 0.4 ml. More than 4 kg - respectively, 0.8 ml.

1. Before processing, the protective cap must be removed from the pipette.
2. It is put on the other side, after which it pierces a thin protective membrane. Then the cap is removed again.
3. The animal is placed in a standing position, the hair at the withers is carefully parted, exposing the skin, and drops are squeezed out there when pressing on the pipette.
4. The drops should be placed in places where the medicine is inaccessible to the pet. There is no need to rub in the substance.
5. The skin must be intact. There should be no wounds or abrasions on it.
6. Within half a day after treatment, the insects will die. Usually one application of the medication is enough.
7. But, if it is necessary to carry out the procedure for entomological purposes again, it is recommended to use drops for this purpose no more than once a month.

Accordingly, one package of medication is enough for 4 months to rid your pet of parasites.

Step-by-step application instructions

It happens that the owner is no less worried about the manipulation than the animal. In such conditions, it is easy to apply the drug incorrectly or mix up the dose. Step-by-step instructions will help minimize the possibility of error.

1. The animal must be weighed immediately before the procedure.
2. The next step is to calculate the dose (see point above).
3. Before using, you need to put on gloves. The drug may cause an allergy if it comes into contact with human skin.
   

   Important! Do not start the procedure if the cat is irritated or frightened. The restless animal spins around and does not allow the drug to be applied correctly. If applied incorrectly, the medication may not work or may end up in an area where your cat can lick it off.

4. Remove the cap from the pipette and hold the pipette vertically. Use the back of the cap to pierce the tip of the pipette. After this you can start applying.
5. Before applying, make sure that the cat’s skin is not damaged: there are no scratches or scratches. If you apply the solution to damaged skin, the drug will enter the bloodstream and cause symptoms of poisoning.
6. The drug is applied to the area where the cat cannot lick the drug: between the shoulder blades or at the base of the neck.

   
   

7. Before starting the procedure, spread the fur and apply the solution only to the cat's skin.
   

   Helpful advice! If the pet resists, hold the cat behind its back with your left hand.

8. After completing the procedure, move the fur. Do not massage or pet your cat until the product is completely dry.
9. It is advisable not to wash the animal for 48 hours after application.
10. It is not recommended to play with the cat or pick it up until the drug has completely dried. Residues of the drug in contact with human skin may cause an allergic reaction or irritation.

Important! The child can put the remaining drug into his mouth with his hands. If you have children, explain that they cannot play with the cat today.

Basic properties and composition

The main active ingredient is imidacloprid. After contact with the skin, the product quickly penetrates the sebaceous glands and hair follicles and accumulates in the deep layers of the skin. Long-term presence of the substance in the skin provides a long-lasting insecticidal effect - up to 4 weeks. For this reason, “Advantage” (like “Advantix”) is sufficient to apply once a month.

The death of the parasite occurs within 12 hours after application. The drug rids your pet not only of adult insects, but also of larvae and laid eggs.

Contraindications and side effects

The drug is contraindicated in:

• individual intolerance;
• kittens up to 10 weeks.

When applied correctly, side effects are rare. Local reactions may occur: redness of the skin at the site of application, itching. Symptoms go away without treatment after 1-4 days.

If you incorrectly calculate the required dose or use Advantage for dogs in cats, symptoms of overdose may occur:

• Increased salivation. This symptom is easy to identify: the fur on the chin and chest is wet and can roll into “icicles.” The place where the cat sleeps has wet spots on the bedding.
• Depressed state. The cat is lethargic and less active than usual.
• Muscle tremors. An overdose causes large convulsions throughout the animal's entire body.
• Pupil dilation.

If you notice such symptoms, you need to quickly wash the drug off the skin and contact a veterinarian.

Important! If the solution is applied incorrectly, the cat may lick it off. Due to the bitter taste, increased salivation will begin. This is not a symptom of an overdose and does not require treatment. Observe the animal: if the symptom goes away within 5 minutes, there is no need to worry.

Advantage's analogues

"Advantage" has analogue drugs that have the same properties and indications for use. Below, we will compare products similar in action to “Advantage”.

1. "Foresto" - flea collar. The drug is released. Contains imidacloprid and flumethrin.

Suitable for the treatment and prevention of external parasites: fleas, lice, lice. Due to the combined composition, it also acts on ticks. Provides protection for 8 months. Can be used on cats from 10 weeks of age.

Differences from Advantage:

• Lower safety class: the drug is considered moderately toxic. More often than "Advantage" it causes side effects: depression, increased salivation, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite.
• Cannot be used on sick or convalescent animals.
• It is necessary to control the tightness of the collar. The device should not fit too tightly so as not to rub the animal’s skin. And it should not hang “like a necklace” so that efficiency does not decrease.
• More suitable for animals that spend a lot of time outside. For example, for “country” cats, or free-range pets.
• Use for pregnant and lactating females is possible only as prescribed by a veterinarian.
• Price in stores from 1200 to 1900 rubles.

1. “Stronghold” – drops on the withers. Releases. The active ingredient is selamectin. Helps get rid of external and internal parasites. Effective against fleas, ear mites, lice and intestinal parasites.

Differences:

• Can be used on animals from 6 weeks of age.
• Lower safety class: the drug is considered moderately toxic.
• Average cost depending on dose: from 800 to 1000 rubles. per package.

1. "Bars Forte" is a Russian drug in the form of drops. The main component is the potent substance fipronil. Used to kill lice eaters, fleas, and ticks.

Peculiarities:

• The drug is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating cats.
• The drug should not be administered to infected or weakened animals.
• For animals weighing less than 3 kg, the dose should be calculated in drops. When applying it is easy to make a mistake and exceed the number of drops. Overdose may cause side effects.
• Price "Bars Forte": from 300 rubles. per package.

How it works

Advantage flea drops for cats have proven effective in combating the most common parasites. The insecticide is active against:

• fleas;
• ticks;
• lice and lice.

The effect of the drug is due to the presence of imidacloride in the composition. The substance has a nerve-paralytic and contact effect. Upon contact with the skin, the drops are actively absorbed into the upper layers of the skin through the sebaceous glands. The product has a long-lasting cumulative effect.

Interesting!

After a single application, Advantage retains its antiparasitic properties for a month. The drug belongs to the category of low toxicity and is practically safe for the animal.

Antiparasitic drops begin to act instantly, but all individuals die completely within 12 hours after treatment. The flea remedy Advantage has a detrimental effect not only on adult insects, but also on larvae.

Drops have 3 release forms depending on the weight of the animal:

1. Pet body weight up to 4 kg – 0.4 ml.
2. Over 4 kg – 0.8 ml.
3. Weights over 8 kg: combination of several pipettes with different volumes.

Important!

Advantage drops have high waterproof properties. Therefore, the animal can be bathed without fear of reducing the effectiveness of the product.

The required dosage is determined based on the calculation of 0.1 ml of product per 1 kg of animal weight. The drug is an almost transparent liquid of a yellowish or brown tint. Has a slight odor.