What Is Bravecto for Cats?

Bravecto for cats is a spot-on (topical) parasite treatment made by MSD Animal Health (Merck). Unlike monthly treatments, a single application of standard Bravecto protects cats for up to 3 months from fleas and paralysis ticks, and also treats ear mites. There's also Bravecto Plus for cats, which adds heartworm prevention and intestinal worm treatment.

Bravecto vs Bravecto Plus: Which Does Your Cat Need?

Bravecto Spot-On (standard) contains fluralaner only. It treats and controls fleas and paralysis ticks for up to 3 months and also treats ear mites. It does not cover heartworm, roundworms, or hookworms.

Bravecto Plus for cats adds moxidectin, extending coverage to include heartworm prevention plus roundworm and hookworm treatment, while still covering fleas, paralysis ticks, and ear mites.

Bravecto Plus is the better choice for cats that need the broadest parasite spectrum, including heartworm and intestinal worms. Bravecto Spot-On suits cats that need long-lasting flea, tick, and ear mite control without heartworm or worming cover.

Bravecto vs Revolution Plus for Cats

Deciding between Bravecto Plus and Revolution Plus? Both are comprehensive spot-on cat treatments with different strengths. See our full Revolution Plus vs Bravecto Plus comparison. Key differences: Revolution Plus is applied monthly, while Bravecto Plus is longer-lasting (up to 3 months for fleas and heartworm). For more on Revolution Plus specifically, see buying Revolution Plus without a prescription.

What Does Bravecto for Cats Treat?

Standard Bravecto Spot-On:

• Fleas — kills within 12 hours and prevents re-infestation for 3 months
• Paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) — up to 3 months
• Bush ticks
• Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis)

Bravecto Plus:

• Fleas — 3 months
• Paralysis ticks — 10 weeks (and bush ticks)
• Heartworm disease (prevention) — 3 months
• Roundworms and hookworms
• Ear mites

Bravecto is also effective against fipronil-resistant strains of fleas. As no product entirely eliminates the risk of tick paralysis, daily tick searching and removal is recommended alongside treatment in paralysis tick areas.

How Is Bravecto Applied to Cats?

Bravecto is a spot-on treatment applied to the skin at the base of the skull, between the shoulder blades. Part the fur to expose the skin and apply the full contents of the applicator in one spot. Do not bathe your cat or allow them to swim within 72 hours of application.

How Often to Apply

Bravecto Spot-On is applied every 3 months. Bravecto Plus is applied every 2 months in paralysis tick areas (to maintain continuous tick cover) or every 3 months in areas without paralysis ticks for flea and heartworm protection.

Choosing the Right Bravecto Size for Your Cat

Bravecto for cats is available in three weight ranges, in both the Spot-On and Plus formulations:

• Small cats: 2.6–6.1 lbs (1.2–2.8 kg) — Green
• Medium cats: 6.1–13.7 lbs (2.8–6.25 kg) — Blue
• Large cats: 13.7–27.5 lbs (6.25–12.5 kg) — Purple

Always base your choice on your cat's current body weight. Do not use dog Bravecto on cats — the canine formulation contains different concentrations and is not appropriate for felines.

Is Bravecto Safe for Cats?

Bravecto is well tolerated by healthy cats. The most commonly reported side effects include application-site hair loss, lethargy, and hypersalivation — typically mild and self-resolving.

Both standard Bravecto and Bravecto Plus can be used in cats and kittens 9 weeks of age and older, weighing at least 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs).

Can You Buy Bravecto for Cats Without a Prescription?

In the USA, Bravecto for cats is prescription-only. However, in Australia it's classified as an OTC product by the APVMA. Australian online retailers like Smartway Pet Supplies can therefore ship genuine Bravecto directly to US and Canadian cat owners without a prescription. For the full details, see can you buy Bravecto without a vet prescription and whether it's legal to import pet medications from Australia. For a breakdown of why Australian prices are lower, see why pet medications are cheaper from Australia.

Shop Bravecto for Cats by Size

Bravecto Plus (all-in-one — fleas, paralysis ticks, heartworm, roundworm, hookworm & ear mites):

• Bravecto Plus Small Cats 2.6–6.1 lbs (Green)
• Bravecto Plus Medium Cats 6.1–13.7 lbs (Blue)
• Bravecto Plus Large Cats 13.7–27.5 lbs (Purple)

Bravecto Spot-On (fleas, paralysis ticks & ear mites — up to 3 months):

• Bravecto Spot-On Small Cats 2.6–6.1 lbs (Green)
• Bravecto Spot-On Medium Cats 6.1–13.7 lbs (Blue)
• Bravecto Spot-On Large Cats 13.7–27.5 lbs (Purple)

Genuine MSD Animal Health product, no prescription required, shipped directly from Melbourne to the USA and Canada. Shop all Bravecto for Cats →