Apply Advantage to Cats

A flea infestation is no fun for your cat. She may become unbearably itchy and develop a condition called flea allergy dermatitis (also known as flea allergy hypersensitivity).[1] Moreover, her fleas can jump onto you and even make you itchy![2] Applying a flea preventative such as Advantage is a very important aspect of being a responsible cat owner. Learning how to apply it properly will help keep your cat free of fleas.

Steps

Opening the Tube of Advantage

  1. Select the appropriate pack of Advantage for cats. Advantage for cats comes in packs of four or six, and is divided into three weight categories: under 5 pounds (kittens), five to nine pounds (small cats), and over nine pounds (large cats).[3] Advantage for kittens is available in packs of four, and Advantage for small and large cats is available in packs of four or six.[3]
    • If you are unsure of cat’s weight, weigh her or look at the medical report from her most recent veterinary visit.
    • Advantage should not be applied to kittens under two pounds, or cats less than eight weeks old.[3]
  2. Remove the tube from the pouch. Slide the tube down to the bottom of the pouch, if it is not already there. Next, use scissors to open the top of the pouch. Remove one tube from the pouch.[4]
    • Use only one tube per application of Advantage.[4]
  3. Remove the cap. Opening the tube of Advantage is not as simple as just untwisting the cap. First, using the thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand, hold the tube upright and away from you and your cat’s eyes and face. Then, use your dominant hand to untwist the cap.[4]
  4. Open the tube. Invert the cap and push it back on top of the tube. To break the seal on the tube, twist the cap. After the seal is broken, remove the cap and place it to the side.[4]

Applying Advantage to Your Cat

  1. Part the fur at the base of your cat’s neck. To apply the Advantage, your cat can be lying down or standing up—just make you can keep her still. Use both hands to part the fur at the base of her neck until you can see her skin.[4] The base of her neck is the preferred application site because it is unlikely that your cat will be able to reach that area with her tongue.[5]
    • Make sure your cat’s skin is clean and dry before applying the Advantage.[6]
    • Hold the parted fur with your non-dominant hand so that you can apply the Advantage with your dominant hand.
    • Have someone else hold your cat if you do not think you are able to hold her and apply the Advantage on your own.
  2. Apply the Advantage. With your dominant hand, press the tube directly onto your cat’s skin at the application site. Apply the entire tube of Advantage, without letting it run off her body and onto the floor.[4] If any product lands on another part of her body or on the floor, quickly clean it up with a paper towel or absorbent towel.
    • You do not need to apply pressure when touching your cat’s skin with the tube.
    • Make sure the Advantage does not get into your cat’s mouth or eyes. If it gets into her mouth, she will probably start to salivate due to Advantage's bitter taste. If it gets into her eyes, do your best to rinse her eyes with cold water.[6]
    • Call your veterinarian if Advantage gets into her mouth or eyes.[6]
    • Wearing gloves is not necessary to apply Advantage.[6]

Following the Application of Advantage

  1. Do not touch the application site. The application site may be sticky for up to several hours after you have applied the Advantage. If you touch the area within these first few hours, you may end up getting Advantage on your skin.[7] If this happens, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and do not place your fingers near your eyes or mouth.[6]
    • Do not allow your children to touch the application site for at least several hours after Advantage application.[1]
    • Keep other pets away from your cat until the application site is dry.[5]
  2. Do not shampoo your cat for at least two days. This will give Advantage the opportunity to absorb fully into your cat’s skin. If you decide to shampoo your cat after two days, make sure to use a soap- or detergent-free shampoo. Shampoos with soap or detergent can strip away the oily layer of your cat’s fur through which the Advantage is absorbed. [6]
    • Vigorous shampooing can also disrupt the oily layer.[7]
    • Your cat probably does not want a bath anyway, so you will likely have no problem waiting two days to shampoo her.
    • Advantage is waterproof and will remain effective after a bath.[4]
  3. Monitor your cat for side effects. Fortunately, side effects of Advantage are uncommon.[8] One potential side effect is hair loss at the application site. In addition, if your cat manages to lick at the application site immediately after you apply the Advantage, she will probably start to salivate due to the bitter taste.[9]
    • The bitter taste is meant to dissuade cats from licking the application site.[9]

Storing and Disposing of Advantage

  1. Dispose of the Advantage tube properly. If the tube is empty, throw it away or recycle it. If, for some reason, you were not able to empty all of the tube’s contents onto your cat’s skin, contact your local waste and disposal agency for disposal guidance. Do not empty the tube’s contents into an indoor or outdoor drain.[1]
    • You can also call 1-800-422-9874 for instructions on disposing Advantage.[1]
  2. Store Advantage away from food and drink products. Advantage may leak from its packaging and contaminate its surrounding area. To avoid food and beverage contamination, store the Advantage in a separate area (preferably not in the kitchen).[9]
    • Advantage should be stored in a cool and dry place that pets and children cannot access.[1]
    • Also, store Advantage in an area away from direct sunlight.[6]
  3. Wash your hands. Even if you did not get any Advantage on your hands, it is still a good idea to wash your hands following application. It is especially important to wash your hands before eating, drinking, chewing gum, or going to the bathroom.[1]

Tips

  • Apply Advantage to your cat once every four weeks. She may need more frequent application if she has a severe flea infestation.[4] Your veterinarian will advise you on how frequently you will need to apply Advantage to your cat.
  • Advantage should not be applied more frequently than every 14 days in kittens and every 7 days in small and large cats.[4]
  • If you have multiple cats/pets, apply a flea preventative to all of them at the same time. One untreated pet can become infested with fleas and infect your other pets.[6]
  • Do not stop applying Advantage in the winter. Owners can sometimes forget to start applying it again when it warms up, which can put your cat at risk for a flea infestation.
  • Consult with your veterinarian if you are having trouble applying Advantage to your cat.

Warnings

  • Advantage can be irritating to your eyes. If you get Advantage in your eyes, keep them open and rinse them gently with water for 15 to 20 minutes. Call a poison control center or your doctor for more medical advice.[1]
  • Advantage can be harmful if swallowed. If you swallow Advantage by accident, call the poison control center or your doctor immediately for further assistance. Sip a glass of water if you are able, but do not induce vomiting.[1]

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 http://www.drugs.com/vet/advantage-ii-large-cat.html
  2. ↑ http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/flea-prevention
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://www.bayerdvm.com/show.aspx/productdetail/advantage-ii-for-cats
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 https://bayer.naccvp.com/?e=LSdew7K4HnVeeL2EuzyjnfL5DhrACqQQ&m=product_section_view&id=1040063&findSection=DIRECTIONS+FOR+USE%7CHOW+TO+APPLY
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.petparents.com/products.aspx/about/advantage-multi-for-cats?subId=howto
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 http://www.pet-informed-veterinary-advice-online.com/advantage-flea-control.html#advantage-pregnant
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 http://www.midhudsonvet.com/page3.html
  8. ↑ http://www.pet-informed-veterinary-advice-online.com/advantage-flea-control.html#advantage-waterproof
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 http://www.pet-informed-veterinary-advice-online.com/advantage-flea-control.html#advantage-safety
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