How to Apply Advantage to Cats

Reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM

Last Updated: February 8, 2024 Approved

During a flea infestation, your cat may become unbearably itchy and develop a condition called flea allergy dermatitis (also known as flea allergy hypersensitivity).^{[1]
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Research source} Moreover, their fleas can jump onto you and even make you itchy!^{[2]
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Research source} Learning how to apply a flea preventative such as Advantage properly will help keep your cat free of fleas.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Opening the Tube of Advantage

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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). Advantage for kittens is available in packs of four, and Advantage for small and large cats is available in packs of four or six.
- If you are unsure of cat’s weight, weigh them or look at the medical report from their most recent veterinary visit.
- Advantage should not be applied to kittens under two pounds, or cats less than eight weeks old.
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.
- Use only one tube per application of Advantage.
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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.
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.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Applying Advantage to Your Cat

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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 them still. Use both hands to part the fur at the base of their neck until you can see their skin. The base of their neck is the preferred application site because it is unlikely that your cat will be able to reach that area with their tongue.^{[3]
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- Make sure your cat’s skin is clean and dry before applying the Advantage.^{[4]
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- 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 them 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 their body and onto the floor. If any product lands on another part of their 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 their mouth, they will probably start to salivate due to Advantage's bitter taste. If it gets into their eyes, do your best to rinse their eyes with cold water.^{[5]
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- Call your veterinarian if Advantage gets into their mouth or eyes.^{[6]
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- Wearing gloves is not necessary to apply Advantage.^{[7]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Following the Application of Advantage

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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.^{[8]
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- Do not allow your children to touch the application site for at least several hours after Advantage application.^{[10]
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- Keep other pets away from your cat until the application site is dry.^{[11]
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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. ^{[12]
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- Vigorous shampooing can also disrupt the oily layer.^{[13]
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- Your cat probably does not want a bath anyway, so you will likely have no problem waiting two days to shampoo them.
- Advantage is waterproof and will remain effective after a bath.
3
Monitor your cat for side effects. Fortunately, side effects of Advantage are uncommon.^{[14]
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Research source} 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, they will probably start to salivate due to the bitter taste.^{[15]
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- The bitter taste is meant to dissuade cats from licking the application site.^{[16]
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Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Storing and Disposing of Advantage

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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.^{[17]
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- You can also call 1-800-422-9874 for instructions on disposing Advantage.^{[18]
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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).^{[19]
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- Advantage should be stored in a cool and dry place that pets and children cannot access.^{[20]
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- Also, store Advantage in an area away from direct sunlight.^{[21]
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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.^{[22]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What does Advantage treat in cats?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Advantage in cats is a flea treatment. It's licensed as effective against adult flea infestations, with one application being active for three to four weeks in cats.

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What are the side effects of Advantage for cats?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Advantage is very safe, and the side effects are mostly those of skin irritation. This is down to the alcohol carrier in which the active ingredient is suspended. This can evaporate quickly from the skin, causing a super-cooling effect, which some cats find irritating. If the cat licks the product while it's still wet, they may salivate heavily, but this usually passes without treatment being needed in most cases.

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Question

How fast does Advantage II work on cats?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Advantage II kills adult fleas within 24 hours. The great thing about Advantage II is that it also has an active ingredient that kills flea larvae. This helps stop the next generation of fleas from growing up and causing an itchy nuisance.

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Tips

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.^{[23]
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Apply Advantage to your cat once every four weeks. They may need more frequent application if they have a severe flea infestation. Your veterinarian will advise you on how frequently you will need to apply Advantage to your cat.

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Advantage should not be applied more frequently than every 14 days in kittens and every 7 days in small and large cats.

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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.^{[24]
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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.^{[25]
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