What Is Bravecto for Cats?
Bravecto for cats is a spot-on (topical) parasite treatment made by MSD Animal Health. Unlike monthly treatments, a single application protects cats for 12 weeks from fleas and ticks. There's also Bravecto Plus for cats, which adds heartworm prevention and intestinal worm treatment for a broader coverage profile.
Bravecto vs Bravecto Plus: Which Does Your Cat Need?
Bravecto for cats (standard) contains fluralaner only, which kills fleas and ticks. 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. Bravecto Plus is applied every 2 months rather than every 3 months.
For most US cat owners, Bravecto Plus is the better choice because it covers the broader parasite spectrum. Indoor-only cats with no tick exposure may be fine with standard Bravecto for fleas alone.
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 monthly and includes ear mite coverage; Bravecto Plus is every 2 months but doesn't cover ear mites. For more on Revolution Plus specifically, see buying Revolution Plus without a prescription.
What Does Bravecto for Cats Treat?
Standard Bravecto (12 weeks):
- Fleas (kills existing fleas and prevents re-infestation)
- Black-legged ticks
- American dog ticks
Bravecto Plus (every 2 months):
- Fleas
- Black-legged ticks
- American dog ticks
- Heartworm disease (prevention)
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
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 48 hours of application.
Choosing the Right Bravecto Size for Your Cat
Bravecto for cats is available in two weight ranges:
- Small-medium cats: 2.6–6.2 lbs (1.2–2.8 kg) — Yellow
- Medium-large cats: 6.2–13.8 lbs (2.8–6.25 kg) — Blue
Always base your choice on your cat's current body weight. Do not use dog Bravecto on cats — the canine formulation contains different concentrations that can be harmful to cats.
Is Bravecto Safe for Cats?
Bravecto is well tolerated by healthy adult cats. The most commonly reported side effects include vomiting, hair loss at the application site, and lethargy — typically mild and self-resolving.
Do not use standard Bravecto on kittens under 6 months of age or weighing less than 2.6 lbs. Bravecto Plus requires cats to be at least 6 months old. For kittens, Revolution Plus (approved from 8 weeks) is a more appropriate starting option — see our article on Revolution Plus for cats.
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 legal explanation, see 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.
Where to Buy Bravecto for Cats
Smartway Pet Supplies stocks both standard Bravecto and Bravecto Plus for cats in both weight sizes. Genuine MSD Animal Health product, no prescription required, shipped directly from Melbourne to the USA and Canada.
Smartway Pet Supplies
Pet Care Specialist — Smartway Pet Supplies
A member of the Smartway team, writing practical guides to help US and Canadian pet owners choose the right parasite prevention products for their pets.
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