Cat parents want to make their kitties as healthy and happy as possible. This includes making sure they are free of fleas, which can cause illness. With a number of flea-protection options, however, this can be confusing. Whether to get your furkid Revolution or Advantage depends on his individual needs.
Similarities
Both Revolution and Advantage are topical means of flea protection. They are applied to the skin at the base of your cat's neck instead of a pill. Both work by being absorbed into the skin and spreading through the body. Both break the flea life cycle by killing adult fleas and preventing their eggs from hatching. Both are given monthly, as each dose lasts about 30 days.
Revolution
Revolution does more than just kill adult fleas and prevent their eggs from hatching. It also prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls ear mites, roundworms and hookworms in cats. It is the only product on the market that controls all of these parasites. For this reason, it is a good option for cats who spend any time at all outside. It is also a good option for those who have or previously had issues with the other parasites it controls.
Advantage
Advantage for Cats kills fleas within minutes of application, meaning they do not have to bite the cat to be killed by the product. It stops the biting of fleas in three to five minutes and kills their larvae in 20 minutes. It is also waterproof. It will remain effective for a month even after soap-free shampoo treatment and bathing or otherwise getting wet. It can safely be used on pregnant and nursing mothers and kittens as young as 1 day old. For these reasons, Advantage is a good option for indoor cats, pregnant or nursing mothers and kittens.
Differences
Revolution is available by prescription only. You can only buy it from a veterinarian or a pet supply business that must contact the vet for approval. Most vets want to see your cat before selling or approving it. Advantage for Cats can be bought in pet supply and farm supply stores without the need for a veterinarian's approval. Revolution typically costs more than Advantage regardless of where you buy it.
Writer Bio
Leslie Carver has been a professional author since 2009. Her work appears on multiple websites. She has an associate's degree in English with progress toward her bachelor's at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She has been awarded an Outstanding Student Award in English and twice nominated for creative writing awards.