Wondering how to choose between Frontline vs. Advantage for cats? Both medications are effective at stopping flea growth and development, but there are a few key differences that should be addressed:

• Frontline Plus will kill flea growth and inhibit further development within 24 hours of application, and continue working for one month (post application).
• Frontline Plus will also protects against ticks and lice.
• Advantage II begins working within 12 hours of application, and will also continue to kill fleas/eggs for one month post application.
• Advantage II does not kill ticks or lice.

These days, cat owners have more tools than ever to control parasites. Makers of such parasite control products have improved their formulations to be more effective at keeping your cat pest free. However, just because the medication has gotten more effective does not mean that pet parents don’t need to compare flea treatments for cats. There are so many to choose from, like Advantage Multi for cats or Revolution for cats, it is important to know what they all do. Two popular examples are Advantage for Cats and Frontline for Cats, but what exactly is the difference between them? Which medication comes out on top in Frontline vs Advantage?

Below, we outline the particular benefits of these improved products—Advantage II for cats and Frontline Plus for Cats—so you can make an informed decision about which will be best for your cat.

Advantage II for Cats

BayerDVM replaced Advantage for Cats with Advantage II, now including an insect growth regulator (IGR) in the mix. This IGR inhibits the growth of flea eggs, thus interrupting the flea life cycle, stopping fleas before they even start growing.

One great asset of Advantage II is that not only will it start killing adult and larvae fleas within 12 hours of application, one application will keep fleas at bay for a full month. Any re-infestation of adult fleas after the first strike will be killed within 2 additional hours.

Other benefits of Advantage II for Cats is that the formulation is waterproof—so no need for reapplication after baths—and the product kills fleas on contact so the pests don’t have to bite your cat to get killed.

Advantage II should only be used on cats and kittens who are 7 weeks of age or older.

Frontline Plus for Cats

Like Advantage II, Frontline Plus for Cats contains an agent that inhibits flea growth and development. This product replaces Frontline for Cats with a more effective parasite control.

Frontline Plus starts killing fleas within 24 hours of application and then goes on keeping fleas away for one month by stopping the next generation of fleas from being born. What’s more, Frontline Plus is also effective at killing chewing lice and ticks, which can carry Lyme disease.

This parasite control is waterproof, so reapplication after bathing won’t be necessary.

Use of Frontline Plus should start with cats and kittens 8 weeks of age or older.

Which Should You Buy?

When choosing between Frontline vs Advantage for cats, pet owners should consider their cats’ risk of exposure to pests. Those whose cats are exposed to ticks and lice may want to purchase Frontline Plus. Other owners may be less concerned about ticks or lice, in which case Advantage II, which has fewer ingredients, may be better for your cat.

Also, make sure to ask your vet which product they would recommend for your particular cat and their lifestyle. Let your vet know if your cat is an indoor-only pet, as less frequent treatments might make sense. Also be sure to discuss any health conditions your cat may have, and whether a spot on treatment like Advantage II or Frontline Plus might affect them one way or another.

Whichever product you choose—Advantage II or Frontline Plus—your cat will surely be happier for it!

Frontline Plus vs Advantage II

Frontline Plus for Cats:

Advantage II:Effective 1 month; kills fleas within 12 hours. Waterproof against Adult fleas, flea larvae, and eggs. Recommended for 7 weeks and older.

Frontline Plus: Effective 1 month; kills pests within 24 hours. Waterproof against Adult fleas, flea larvae, and eggs; chewing lice; ticks. Recommended for 8 weeks and older.

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.