What Is the Difference Between Frontline Plus & Advantage for Kittens & Cats?

Fipronil is the active ingredient in Frontline Plus for cats; imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen are the active ingredients in Advantage II. Unlike many other insecticides, fipronil works by attacking the nerves in the fleas' spinal cords and brains. The fleas die as a result of uncontrolled activity. Imidacloprid works by attacking the central nervous system of those pesky fleas. Imidacloprid attacks certain receptors in the fleas. The neuron then is unable to make any signals, eventually resulting in death. Pyriproxyfen is an insect growth regulator that kills fleas in all stages of life. Advantage Multi, another Advantage product from Bayer, also contains the active ingredient moxidectin. Moxidectin in Advantage Multi attacks the nervous system of heartworms and intestinal parasites, making Advantage Multi an ideal product to protect your kitty from various parasites. (SEE REFS 2, 3, 5)

Both of these products primarily target fleas, although ticks and certain other parasites are also affected by the active ingredients. Fleas may only live for 2 to 3 months, but that doesn't stop them from reproducing at incredible rates. A female can lay up to 2,000 eggs during her adulthood, so controlling them may be your best bet against a large army of biting insects. Each flea can bite up to 400 times a day, so imaging your kitty's discomfort if she has only 5 fleas -- she could be getting bit 2,000 times per day. (SEE REF 1) Advantage Multi also treats heartworm, intestinal parasites and ear mites. (See REF 3)

You can apply Frontline Plus to your healthy kitten at 8 weeks old; Advantage is safe for kittens 9 weeks or older. You apply both products in the same fashion: Spread the fur on the back of the neck and apply the liquid to this spot. Each lasts for one month. Both Advantage and Frontline products are waterproof. Advantage Multi kills several types of parasites.

Both Frontline Plus and Advantage II are similarly priced across the market, although you may be able to find one significantly more inexpensive while shopping around. A word of caution: Do not purchase flea medications from untrusted or unknown sources. This includes online shopping. Many of these products aren't real and aren't safe for your pets.(SEE REF 6) Both of these products are considered safe, although all pesticides can be toxic, especially when used incorrectly.