Can You Use Credelio on Cats? Everything You Need to Know
Credelio for cats is a veterinary-approved prescription medication designed to combat fleas and ticks. With its active ingredient lotilaner, it offers a monthly oral solution to protect your feline companion from parasitic pests. This article explores Credelio's effectiveness, safety, dosing instructions, and potential side effects to help cat owners make informed decisions.
What is Credelio for Cats?
Credelio is a small, flavored chewable tablet given once a month. It is approved by veterinary regulators for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations and also for the control of black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) infestations.
- Effective against adult fleas within 6 hours
- Kills 98%+ of fleas within 12 hours
- Provides flea control for a full month
- Prevents flea reproduction by killing before egg-laying
- Over 97% effective against black-legged ticks for up to 31 days
When Can You Start Using Credelio?
- For flea treatment: Cats and kittens 8 weeks and older, weighing at least 2 pounds
- For tick control: Cats and kittens 6 months and older, weighing at least 2 pounds
Kittens should be weighed monthly to ensure appropriate dosing as they grow.
How Does Credelio Work?
Credelio contains the insecticide lotilaner, which belongs to the isoxazoline class. It works by inhibiting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the nervous systems of fleas and ticks, leading to their paralysis and death. These receptors differ in mammals, making Credelio generally safe for cats when used properly.
Dosage Guidelines
Credelio comes in two dosage strengths for cats:
- 12 mg: for cats weighing 2–4 pounds
- 48 mg: for cats weighing 4.1–17 pounds
- Cats over 17 pounds should receive the appropriate combination of tablets
Tablets must be given with food or within 30 minutes of feeding to maximize absorption.
Effectiveness and Results
- Starts eliminating fleas within 6 hours of administration
- Fully eliminates all fleas within 24 hours
- Consistent protection for one month without decline
- Prevents future infestations by disrupting the flea life cycle
- Maintains >97% tick control for up to 31 days
Safety Profile: Side Effects and Warnings
While Credelio is generally well-tolerated, some cats may experience side effects:
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Increased breathing rate (tachypnea)
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
These effects are typically mild and more common with higher doses. Though rare, neurological symptoms like tremors, incoordination, or seizures have been reported. Cats with a history of seizures or epilepsy should use Credelio with caution.
Side effects usually resolve once the medication leaves the cat’s system due to its limited duration of action. Always monitor your cat and consult a vet if any adverse signs appear.
Drug Interactions and Special Considerations
Credelio showed no significant drug interactions when used with vaccines, antibiotics, NSAIDs, anesthetics, or dewormers. However, do not use it in combination with other isoxazoline products to avoid overexposure.
It is not recommended for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats due to the lack of safety data in these populations.
Proper Storage and Administration
- Store in original blister packaging
- Keep temperature between 59–77°F (15–25°C)
- Sustained exposure between 41–104°F (5–40°C) is acceptable
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
If a dose is missed, administer it with food as soon as possible and resume monthly dosing from that point. Never double-dose.
What If My Cat Overdoses?
Overdoses are rare, but if you suspect one or adverse effects occur, contact:
- Your veterinarian
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
Conclusion: Is Credelio Right for Your Cat?
Credelio is a convenient and effective monthly oral treatment for fleas and black-legged ticks in cats. It acts quickly, is easy to administer, and has a favorable safety profile when used under veterinary guidance. Always consult your vet before starting new medications, especially if your cat has underlying health issues.
Keeping your feline friend protected year-round is key to their health and comfort. With proper use, Credelio can be a powerful tool in your parasite prevention arsenal.
