Understanding Revolution for Cats: Uses and Benefits
Revolution is a prescription spot-on medication designed specifically for cats, offering broad protection against some of the most common—and troublesome—parasites. If you're a cat owner looking to keep your feline friend healthy and comfortable, it's worth knowing exactly what Revolution does and how it works.
What Is Revolution?
Revolution contains selamectin as its primary active ingredient. It's applied directly to your cat's skin at the base of the neck once every month. There's also Revolution Plus, which combines selamectin with sarolaner, expanding its spectrum of protection to include ticks.
Parasites Targeted by Revolution
This medication doesn't just target one pest—it covers a range of both internal and external parasites that can affect your cat’s health:
- Fleas: Kills adult fleas, prevents flea eggs from hatching, and controls infestations.
- Heartworm Disease: Prevents heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis.
- Ear Mites: Treats and controls infestations by Otodectes cynotis.
- Hookworms: Controls hookworm infections (Ancylostoma tubaeforme).
- Roundworms: Treats roundworm infections (Toxocara cati).
If you opt for Revolution Plus, you get additional protection against several tick species (lone star, Gulf Coast, American dog, black-legged), as well as added defense against flea tapeworm transmission.
Dosing Guidelines
The dosage of Revolution depends on your cat’s weight. Here are typical doses:
- Cats up to 5 lbs: 15 mg selamectin
- Cats 5.1–15 lbs: 45 mg selamectin
- Cats 15.1–22 lbs: 60 mg selamectin
Your veterinarian will prescribe the correct dose based on your pet's current weight. For kittens or smaller cats (at least eight weeks old and over 2.8 lbs), lower doses are available.
How to Apply Revolution Correctly
- Puncture the tube seal using the underside of the cap.
- Part the fur at the base of your cat’s neck until you see skin.
- Squeeze out all contents in one spot directly onto the skin—don’t massage it in.
- Avoid touching the medication with your fingers; wash hands thoroughly after use.
- Bathe your cat only after at least 24 hours have passed since application—the product is waterproof after that point.
Efficacy: How Well Does It Work?
Revolution acts quickly and lasts long enough to cover an entire month between applications.
- Kills most fleas within just over a day (36 hours) after application.
- Keeps killing new fleas within six hours of reinfestation—maintaining effectiveness for five weeks or more.
- Dramatically reduces roundworm and hookworm burdens (over 99% reduction after one dose with Revolution Plus).
- Keeps ticks off your cat for a full month (with Revolution Plus).
This level of protection means fewer worries about itchy skin, allergic reactions, or serious illnesses like heartworm disease or tapeworm infection—all from one monthly treatment.
Safety Information & Side Effects
Most cats tolerate Revolution very well.
- Avoid use in sick, debilitated, or underweight animals.
- The most common side effects are rare but may include temporary hair loss at the application site, drowsiness, or loss of appetite.
- Sarolaner (in Revolution Plus) can cause neurologic side effects such as tremors or rare seizures in sensitive cats—use caution if your pet has a history of neurological issues.
If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive salivation, weakness, itching or redness at the application site—or any other unusual symptoms—contact your veterinarian right away. Sensitive people may also react if they touch the product; wash any exposed skin immediately and avoid eye contact.
If You Miss a Dose...
If you forget an application date, give it as soon as possible and restart monthly dosing from that day. Never double up on doses to make up for one missed month.
Cautions & Precautions
- Avoid use in kittens under eight weeks old or weighing less than 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg).
- Your vet may recommend testing for existing heartworm infection before starting treatment—especially if you've missed previous doses or adopted a stray cat with unknown medical history.
- The product is flammable; store away from heat sources below 30°C (86°F) in original packaging.
The Importance of Parasite Protection for All Cats
You might think indoor cats are safe—but fleas and ticks can hitch rides into homes on other pets or even humans. Parasite infestations lead not only to discomfort but also serious health risks like anemia (from blood loss), allergic reactions, tapeworms (from ingesting infected fleas), or even fatal heartworm disease. Using a comprehensive product like Revolution helps prevent these outcomes with minimal fuss—a single monthly spot-on keeps most threats at bay so your cat stays happy and healthy year-round.
If you have questions about dosing or potential interactions with other medications (like vaccines or antibiotics), always check with your veterinarian before starting treatment!
