Bravecto for Cats: A Flea Medication to Keep Pests at Bay
Key takeaways:
Bravecto (fluralaner) for cats is FDA-approved for the treatment and/or prevention of fleas and several tick species.
Bravecto requires a prescription from a veterinarian. It’s given to cats once every 8 to 12 weeks using a topical solution applied to the skin at the base of your cat’s skull.
Common side effects include vomiting, itchy skin, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, and hair loss or scabbing at the administration site. Though rare, fluralaner can cause neurologic side effects, such as tremors or seizures, in cats.
Table of contents
Bravecto (fluralaner) for cats offers pet parents a flea and tick prevention medication that only needs to be given every 2 to 3 months. For pet parents who struggle with monthly administration, this may be a great option.
But it’s important for pet parents to familiarize themselves with how to properly apply Bravecto, as well as any associated risks. Read on to find out how to use Bravecto for cats.
Bravecto for cats at a glance
Common names | Bravecto (fluralaner) |
What it treats | Fleas, some varieties of ticks, ear mites, demodectic mange |
How it comes (forms) | Topical solution |
Common side effects | Vomiting, itching, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, hair loss and/or scabbing at administration site |
What is Bravecto for cats, and how does it work?
Bravecto for cats is a parasite treatment and prevention medication. The medication works for 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the parasite.
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Fluralaner is FDA-approved to treat and prevent the following parasites in cats:
Fleas, for 12 weeks
Black-legged ticks, for 12 weeks
American dog ticks, for 8 weeks
Asian longhorned ticks, for 12 weeks
Bravecto has also been used off-label to treat ear mites and demodectic mange in cats.
Fluralaner belongs to the class of antiparasite medications called isoxazolines. These medications selectively inhibit a specific type of nerve channel in the parasites. The parasite’s nerves become hyperactive, eventually leading to paralysis and death.
There are combination products, such as Bravecto Plus, which combine fluralaner with other antiparasitic medications. These products treat and/or prevent a wider range of parasites.
What is the usual dosage of Bravecto for cats?
Bravecto dosing is based on your cat’s weight. The minimum dose is 18.2 mg per pound of body weight. It’s given to cats every 8 to 12 weeks, depending on what your veterinarian recommends.
Other flea preventive options: Bravecto is only one of your flea medication choices for cats. Learn about other flea treatment products you may want to try for your feline friend.
Flea bites: What do flea bites look like? Learn the telltale signs that fleas are the cause of your itching, and what you can do about it.
Is your cat licking a lot? Learn when licking is normal or when overgrooming might be a sign your cat has a health issue.
Bravecto is available in three sizes to make sure your cat gets the right dose based on their weight.
Cats who weigh 2.6 lbs to 6.2 lbs receive a 112.5 mg tube.
Cats who weigh 6.2 lbs to 13.8 lbs receive a 250 mg tube.
Cats who weigh 13.8 lbs to 27.5 lbs receive a 500 mg tube.
Cats who weigh over 27.5 lbs should receive a combination of tubes to match the correct dose for their weight.
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Cats receiving Bravecto should be at least 6 months old and weigh 2.6 lbs or more.
How to use Bravecto topical treatment on cats
Bravecto for cats comes as a topical solution that you apply directly to your cat’s skin. Here’s how to apply the medication:
Wear gloves when applying Bravecto to your cat. Wash your hands after applying the medication.
With the cap on the tube of the medication upright, rotate the lid one full turn. The lid will remain on the tube during application. You will feel a seal break when turning the lid.
The proper administration site is on the cat’s neck at the base of the skull. Part your cat’s fur and place the tube tip vertically (up and down) against the skin.
Squeeze the tube to apply the entire contents of the medication to your cat’s skin. If the solution begins to run and drip off your cat, a second spot on their skin can be used to finish giving the medication directly behind the first spot.
What are the common side effects of Bravecto in cats?
The most common side effects of Bravecto in cats include:
Vomiting
Itchy skin
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Lethargy
Scabs or ulcers at the site of administration
Loss of hair at the site of administration
What are the most serious risks of Bravecto for cats?
The FDA has issued a warning about the potential for Bravecto and similar medications to cause neurological issues in pets. Though rare, these side effects can include:
Muscle tremors
Drunken gait (ataxia)
Seizures
Bravecto should not be given to cats with a history of seizures. If your pet develops any neurologic signs after receiving the medication, contact your veterinarian or seek emergency attention for your cat.
Does Bravecto interact with any other cat medications?
Based on what we know, Bravecto does not appear to have significant interactions with other cat medications. Even so, it’s best to let your cat’s veterinarian know about any other medications your cat takes.
What should you do if your cat misses a dose of Bravecto?
If you forget to give your cat a dose of Bravecto, give them the missed dose as soon as possible. Then adjust medication administration to every 8 to 12 weeks from the date you gave the missed dose, or as recommended by your veterinarian.
If your cat gets fleas, ticks, or other parasites due to missing a dose, contact your veterinarian. Some of these parasites can pass other diseases, such as tapeworms or bobcat fever, to your cat.
The bottom line
Bravecto (fluralaner) is a safe and effective flea and tick prevention for most cats. It’s given once every 2 to 3 months, depending on your cat, as a topical solution. Pet parents interested in using Bravecto will need a veterinarian’s prescription to purchase this medication. Although uncommon, the most serious risk of fluralaner involves neurological side effects such as seizures. Do not give Bravecto to cats with a history of seizures.
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References
Budde, J. A., et al. (2023). Fluralaner. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell.
Merck Animal Health. (n.d.). Bravecto Plus.
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. (2023). Bravecto - fluralaner solution [package insert].
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Freedom of information summary for Bravecto, fluralaner and moxidectin topical solution.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Fact sheet for pet owners and veterinarians about potential adverse events associated with isoxazoline flea and tick products.
Zhou, X., et al. (2021). Current review of isoxazoline ectoparasiticides used in veterinary medicine. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
