Comparing Frontline vs. Revolution for Cats: Which is Better?
When it comes to choosing the best parasite protection for your feline friend, two major products often stand out: Frontline and Revolution (including Revolution Plus). Both are topical treatments applied monthly, but they differ significantly in terms of ingredient makeup, parasite coverage, and effectiveness. Understanding these differences is key to making an informed decision that will best support your cat's health.
Key Differences: Revolution vs. Frontline
Revolution and
Revolution Plus are prescription-only medications that provide comprehensive internal and external parasite control. They use
selamectin as the primary active ingredient, with Revolution Plus adding
sarolaner for broader protection.
Frontline, on the other hand, typically contains
fipronil, and sometimes a second ingredient like (S)-methoprene. Frontline mainly focuses on fleas and ticks and is available without a prescription.
Parasites Covered
- Revolution (Selamectin):
- Kills adult fleas and prevents egg hatching
- Prevents heartworm disease
- Treats and controls ear mites, hookworms, and roundworms
- Revolution Plus (Selamectin + Sarolaner):
- All Revolution benefits plus tick control
- Kills lone star, Gulf Coast, black-legged (deer), and American dog ticks
- Only cat product FDA-approved to prevent flea tapeworm infections
- Frontline:
- Kills fleas, flea eggs, and ticks
- May also help control lice and mites
- No activity on internal parasites or heartworms
Application and Dosage
Both Revolution and Frontline are
topical, once-monthly treatments. Revolution is applied at the base of the neck, and comes in specific dosages based on weight:
- Up to 5 lbs: 15 mg selamectin
- 5.1–15 lbs: 45 mg selamectin
- 15.1–22 lbs: 60 mg selamectin
Revolution Plus includes sarolaner for enhanced tick protection:
- For cats 5.6–11 lbs: 30 mg selamectin and 5 mg sarolaner
Effectiveness and Protection Duration
Revolution Plus is distinguished by its
6-in-1 parasite protection. Research has shown it:
- Kills fleas within 6 hours of reinfestation
- Kills 100% of fleas for up to 5 weeks
- Remains effective against ticks for a full month
Frontline acts within 12–24 hours but doesn't offer protection against internal parasites.
Safety and Side Effects
Revolution and Revolution Plus are generally well-tolerated in cats over 8 weeks of age and over 2.8 lbs. Side effects are rare but can include:
- Hair loss at the application site
- Drowsiness or temporary loss of appetite
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or redness at the application site
Caution is advised with Revolution Plus for cats with a history of neurologic disorders due to its sarolaner ingredient.
Frontline is also safe for most cats but may cause skin irritation or localized reactions in some.
Convenience and Availability
Frontline's non-prescription status makes it
more accessible, but that convenience comes at the cost of a narrower protection range. Revolution products require a prescription but provide extensive coverage, making them more suitable for cats exposed to a broad range of parasites.
Veterinary Recommendations
Many veterinarians prefer Revolution or Revolution Plus for indoor and outdoor cats alike due to its ability to prevent serious diseases like heartworm and tapeworm infections. The added tick protection in Revolution Plus is especially useful in regions with high tick prevalence.
When to Choose Revolution or Revolution Plus
Choose Revolution or Revolution Plus if:
- Your cat is at risk for heartworms or intestinal parasites
- You want a single monthly application for broad-spectrum protection
- Your location has tick infestations and you want tick prevention
Choose Frontline if:
- You only need flea and tick protection
- You prefer over-the-counter solutions
- Your vet has ruled out heartworm and internal parasites
Conclusion
While Frontline remains a popular and effective flea and tick treatment, Revolution and especially Revolution Plus stand out for their
comprehensive protection against a range of internal and external parasites. If your cat lives in a high-risk area or spends time outdoors, investing in a prescription option like Revolution Plus could offer more robust and lasting protection for your pet’s health.
