Side Effects of Advantage For Cats

Advantage is a flea prevention medication for cats and dogs made by the Bayer Animal Health Division. It is widely distributed by veterinarians and can also be purchased from pet medication retailers online. While considered a gentle product that can be used on kittens as early as eight weeks old, consumers should be aware of some possible side effects experienced after the use of Advantage.

Function

Advantage is a monthly-use treatment that prevents flea bites on cats and dogs. It is intended to stop flea biting almost immediately after application of the product and to kill adult fleas within one hour.

The medication comes in a small liquid vial and is applied onto the skin surface between a cat or dog's shoulder blades. The medication is not introduced into the animal's circulatory system; rather, it is spread by oils in the pet's hair follicles and skin.

Benefits

According to the Advantage informational web page (see Resources below), flea bites can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions and discomfort, as well as spread other disease-causing organisms, such as tapeworm. Eradicating fleas will not only make your cat happy, but free you and your home from an irritating invader. Advantage provides quick relief to your cats and claims to eliminate 98 to 100 percent of fleas within the first twelve hours. Advantage also kills re-infesting fleas, that a cat might pick up from another animal, and lasts for an entire month.

Types

Bayer makes two types of Advantage for cats based on the animal's size; one type for kittens and cats nine pounds and under, and another for cats weighing more than nine pounds. Bayer sells four dosage types for dogs, which are also based on weight: dogs 10 pounds and under; 11 to 20 pounds; 21 to 55 pounds; and over 55 pounds. Advantage comes in packs of four and six doses for both cats and dogs.

Advantage Multi is a comprehensive product for cats that controls not only fleas, but roundworm, hookworm, heartworm disease and whipworm.

Effects

Side effects of Advantage are rare, but may include mild skin irritation, depending on the sensibility of the animal's skin. Some consumers have noted topical hair loss on cats and slight fur discoloration.

Side effects of Advantage Multi can include dehydration, oil build-up on fur, extreme thirst, gagging and salivation.

In humans, Advantage can cause eye irritation.

Warning

A veterinarian should be consulted before using this product, especially if the cat is already prescribed other medications (especially pesticides), or is pregnant, nursing or aged. It is important to place the medication where indicated (between the shoulder blades) so that the cat is not able to groom the area and lick the product. If possible, separate multiple cats from each other when applying so they do not lick the medicated area on the other animal.

Be sure to apply the correct dosage to your cat according to its weight, and check that the medication has not expired before applying. Monitor your pet for several hours after administering the medication, especially if the cat has not previously taken Advantage.

Resources

• Advantage information and products.