How Quickly Does Revolution Start Working for Cats?
When it comes to protecting your feline friend from parasites, timing is everything. Revolution and Revolution Plus are two widely prescribed topical solutions known for their quick and effective action against a wide range of internal and external parasites. Understanding how fast these treatments begin working can help cat owners manage infestations and keep their pets healthy and comfortable.
Primary Use and Active Ingredients
Revolution contains the active ingredient selamectin, while Revolution Plus combines selamectin with sarolaner. These topical medications are applied monthly to protect against a variety of pests.
How Fast Does Revolution Work?
Speed is critical when dealing with fleas and other parasites. Here's how Revolution and Revolution Plus perform:
- Revolution Plus starts to kill fleas within 6 hours of reinfestation.
- In both lab and field studies, adult fleas were shown to be eradicated within 36 hours.
- It maintains 100% efficacy against adult fleas for at least 5 weeks after application.
This rapid action is beneficial for stopping the flea lifecycle, reducing discomfort, and preventing related health issues like flea allergy dermatitis and tapeworm infections.
Protection Scope of Revolution and Revolution Plus
- Fleas: Kills adult fleas, prevents flea eggs from hatching.
- Heartworms: Prevents disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis.
- Ear Mites: Controls Otodectes cynotis.
- Intestinal Parasites: Treats and controls hookworms and roundworms.
- Ticks (Revolution Plus only): Effective against Lone Star, Gulf Coast, American Dog, and Black-legged ticks.
- Flea Tapeworm: Revolution Plus helps prevent this by eliminating fleas, the tapeworm's intermediate host.
Application and Dosage
The medication is easy to use and is applied as a spot-on treatment:
- Break the seal using the cap.
- Part the fur at the base of the neck to expose skin.
- Place the tube's tip on the skin and squeeze out the contents.
- Do not massage into the skin; avoid contact with your fingers.
- Wash your hands and avoid bathing your cat for 24 hours after application.
A single application provides 30 days of protection. Revolution and Revolution Plus are prescribed based on the cat’s weight. For example:
- Cats up to 5 lbs: 15 mg selamectin (Revolution).
- Cats 5.1–15 lbs: 45 mg selamectin (Revolution) or 30 mg selamectin + 5 mg sarolaner (Revolution Plus).
Safety Profile
Both medications are generally well tolerated but should not be used in sick, debilitated, or underweight animals. Possible side effects include:
- Hair loss at the application site
- Drowsiness or temporary appetite loss
- Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea
- Neurological signs (from sarolaner): tremors, incoordination, rare seizures
These rare side effects underscore the importance of using these medications under veterinary supervision, especially in cats with a history of neurologic disorders.
Best Practices and Precautions
To ensure maximum efficacy and safety:
- Only use on cats aged 8 weeks or older and weighing at least 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg).
- Store products below 30°C in original packaging away from heat and open flames.
- Test cats for heartworms before starting treatment.
- Avoid contact until the application site is dry.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget a dose, apply it as soon as remembered and resume the monthly schedule from that new date. Never double the dose.
Drug Interactions and Compatibility
Studies have not shown significant drug interactions between Revolution and other common veterinary medications. However, always inform your vet about any other treatments your cat is receiving.
Why Speed Matters in Parasite Control
Fast-acting treatments like Revolution Plus offer immense benefits:
- Interrupts flea life cycle swiftly
- Reduces the spread of flea-borne and tick-borne diseases
- Alleviates symptoms more quickly in affected pets
- Minimizes risk of secondary infections from excessive scratching
A timely application can make a significant difference in your cat’s comfort and health, particularly in multi-pet households or high-risk environments.
Conclusion
Revolution Plus begins killing fleas within 6 hours and reaches 100% effectiveness within 36 hours, making it a powerful ally in the fight against parasites. Along with year-round use and veterinary oversight, it can provide monthly, broad-spectrum protection to keep your cat safe, healthy, and comfortable. Because indoor and outdoor cats alike are vulnerable to parasitic infestations, fast and efficient treatment is essential. Consult your veterinarian to determine which product—Revolution or Revolution Plus—is best suited to your pet's needs.
