Last updated: May 24, 2026

Revolution Plus for Cats: Flea, Tick & Worm Protection Guide

Parasites are one of the most persistent threats to feline health, and managing them often means juggling multiple products — one for fleas, another for ticks, a third for worms. Revolution Plus for cats was developed to solve that problem. It is a single, prescription topical solution that protects against six different parasites in one monthly application, making it one of the most comprehensive parasite prevention options available for cats today.

Whether you have just adopted your first cat or you are reevaluating your current parasite prevention routine, this guide covers everything you need to know about Revolution Plus — what it protects against, how to apply it, the correct dose for your cat’s weight, how fast it works, potential side effects, safety considerations, cost, and how it compares to other popular products on the market.

What Is Revolution Plus?

Revolution Plus for cats is a prescription-only topical parasiticide manufactured by Zoetis. It combines two active ingredients — selamectin and sarolaner — into a single solution applied to the skin at the base of the cat’s skull once per month. Selamectin, the active ingredient in the original Revolution for over two decades, handles heartworm, roundworms, hookworms, ear mites, and fleas. Sarolaner, an isoxazoline compound, was added to extend protection to ticks — specifically the black-legged tick, Gulf Coast tick, and American dog tick — which the original Revolution did not reliably cover. The result is a broad-spectrum, six-in-one parasite preventive. Revolution Plus is FDA-approved for cats and kittens at least 8 weeks old weighing at least 2.8 pounds (1.25 kg).

What Does Revolution Plus Protect Against?

Revolution Plus for cats provides protection against six parasites. Understanding what each one does and why prevention matters helps explain why broad-spectrum coverage is so valuable.

Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis): The most common external parasite in cats, causing itching, allergic dermatitis, and transmitting tapeworms and bartonella. Revolution Plus kills adult fleas and prevents eggs from hatching, breaking the life cycle before infestations establish.

Ticks (Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma maculatum, Dermacentor variabilis): Ticks transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and cytauxzoonosis — frequently fatal in cats. The sarolaner in Revolution Plus kills black-legged ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, and American dog ticks before they can transmit pathogens.

Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis): Highly contagious parasites that cause intense itching, head shaking, and dark waxy discharge. Common in kittens and shelter cats. A single dose of Revolution Plus treats and controls ear mite infestations.

Roundworms (Toxocara cati): The most common intestinal parasite in cats, causing weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. They are a zoonotic risk to humans, especially children. Revolution Plus treats and controls roundworms with each monthly dose.

Hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme): Blood-feeding intestinal parasites that cause anemia and weight loss. Severe infections in kittens can be life-threatening. Also zoonotic. Revolution Plus provides monthly treatment and control.

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis): Transmitted by mosquitoes and often underdiagnosed in cats. There is no approved treatment for feline heartworm — prevention is the only reliable strategy. Revolution Plus prevents heartworm disease when administered monthly year-round or throughout mosquito season.

How to Apply Revolution Plus

Correct application is essential for Revolution Plus for cats to work effectively. Hold the tube upright, press the cap down firmly until you hear a click to puncture the seal, then remove the cap. Part the fur at the base of your cat’s skull, directly in front of the shoulder blades, to expose the skin — this spot is chosen because cats cannot easily lick it. Place the tube tip against the skin and squeeze the entire contents onto a single point. Confirm the tube is empty, then dispose of it safely.

Do not bathe your cat or allow them to get wet for at least two hours after application. The solution needs time to absorb and distribute through the sebaceous glands. Revolution Plus is waterproof once dry, so routine bathing afterward does not affect efficacy.

Revolution Plus Dosing by Weight

Revolution Plus for cats is available in three weight-based formulations. Using the correct dose for your cat’s weight is critical — underdosing reduces protection, and using the wrong product can cause problems. Your veterinarian will prescribe the correct formulation based on your cat’s current weight.

Gold tube — 2.8 to 5.5 lbs (1.25 to 2.5 kg): Contains 15 mg selamectin and 2.5 mg sarolaner per tube. This is the dose for small kittens and small adult cats.

Orange tube — 5.6 to 11 lbs (2.6 to 5.0 kg): Contains 30 mg selamectin and 5 mg sarolaner per tube. This covers the majority of average-sized adult cats.

Green tube — 11.1 to 22 lbs (5.1 to 10.0 kg): Contains 60 mg selamectin and 10 mg sarolaner per tube. This is for larger breed cats such as Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and other large breeds.

For cats weighing more than 22 lbs, your veterinarian may prescribe a combination of tubes to achieve the correct dose. Never split a tube between two cats or use a dog formulation of any selamectin or sarolaner product on a cat — the concentrations and inactive ingredients differ and can be dangerous.

How Fast Does Revolution Plus Work?

Speed matters when your cat is already dealing with parasites. Revolution Plus for cats begins working quickly after application.

Fleas: Revolution Plus starts killing fleas within 6 hours of application and achieves greater than 98% efficacy within 12 hours. It continues to kill new fleas that jump onto your cat for a full 35 days, which means there is a small buffer beyond the standard 30-day dosing interval.

Ticks: The sarolaner component begins killing ticks within 8 hours of application. Ticks are killed before they can feed long enough to transmit most tick-borne diseases, which typically requires 24 to 48 hours of attachment.

Ear mites: A single dose of Revolution Plus eliminates ear mite infestations. Most cats show significant improvement in symptoms within the first week, though it may take two to three weeks for inflammation and secondary irritation to fully resolve.

Roundworms and hookworms: Intestinal worms are killed within days of application. Monthly dosing prevents reinfection and clears any new worm burdens acquired between doses.

Heartworm prevention: Revolution Plus prevents heartworm by killing the larval stage (L3 and L4 larvae) that mosquitoes deposit in the skin. It does not kill adult heartworms. This is why continuous, year-round (or season-long) monthly dosing without gaps is essential — a single missed dose during mosquito season can allow larvae to mature beyond the stage that selamectin can eliminate.

Side Effects of Revolution Plus

Revolution Plus for cats is generally well tolerated. In clinical trials conducted for FDA approval, the most commonly reported side effects were mild and temporary.

Common side effects include: Temporary hair loss or mild skin irritation at the application site, lethargy or decreased appetite for one to two days after application, and occasional vomiting within the first 24 hours. These effects were observed in a small percentage of cats during clinical trials and resolved without treatment.

Less common side effects: Some cats may experience increased salivation if they manage to lick the application site before it dries. Mild itching or redness at the application site has been reported. In very rare cases, neurological signs such as tremors or incoordination have been associated with isoxazoline-class drugs (the class to which sarolaner belongs), particularly in cats with pre-existing neurological conditions.

If your cat shows any concerning signs after application — persistent vomiting, seizures, severe lethargy, loss of coordination, or difficulty breathing — contact your veterinarian immediately. While serious adverse reactions are rare, they warrant prompt veterinary evaluation.

Safety: Kittens and Pregnant Cats

Understanding which cats can safely receive Revolution Plus for cats is an important part of responsible parasite prevention.

Kittens: Revolution Plus is FDA-approved for use in kittens that are at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2.8 lbs (1.25 kg). Both criteria must be met — a kitten that is 8 weeks old but underweight should not receive the product until it reaches the minimum weight. The gold tube formulation is specifically designed for kittens and small cats in the 2.8 to 5.5 lb range.

Pregnant and lactating cats: Revolution Plus has not been evaluated for safety in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats. The original Revolution (selamectin alone) has been used in pregnant and lactating cats with a favorable safety profile, but the addition of sarolaner means that Revolution Plus carries a different risk profile. If you have a pregnant or nursing cat that needs parasite prevention, discuss alternatives with your veterinarian. They may recommend the original Revolution or another product with established safety data in breeding animals.

Cats with seizure disorders: Because sarolaner belongs to the isoxazoline class of drugs, which have been associated with neurological events in rare cases, veterinarians may exercise additional caution when prescribing Revolution Plus to cats with a history of seizures or other neurological conditions. This does not mean the product is contraindicated in these cats, but it is a conversation worth having with your vet.

How Much Does Revolution Plus Cost?

Revolution Plus for cats is a prescription product, which means it cannot be purchased over the counter. Pricing varies depending on your location, your veterinary clinic, and whether you purchase through your vet’s office or an authorized online pharmacy.

Typical price range: A six-month supply of Revolution Plus generally costs between $90 and $160, depending on the weight formulation and the retailer. This works out to roughly $15 to $27 per monthly dose. Single-dose or three-month packages are available and are slightly more expensive per dose than buying in bulk.

Zoetis frequently offers rebates on 6- or 12-month supplies, reducing the effective cost by $15 to $50 per package. Some pet insurance wellness plans also cover parasite prevention. When evaluating cost, remember that Revolution Plus replaces what might otherwise be two or three separate products, making the per-month price more reasonable as a combined solution.

Revolution Plus vs Bravecto Plus vs Advantage Multi: How They Compare

Here is how Revolution Plus for cats compares to two other widely used products.

Revolution Plus (selamectin + sarolaner): Monthly topical. Covers fleas, three tick species, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworm. Approved for cats 8 weeks and older, 2.8 lbs minimum. Broadest single-product parasite coverage.

Bravecto Plus (fluralaner + moxidectin): Topical applied every two months. Covers fleas, black-legged ticks, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworm. Approved for cats 6 months and older, 2.6 lbs minimum. Fewer applications per year, but covers fewer tick species and is not approved for young kittens.

Advantage Multi (imidacloprid + moxidectin): Monthly topical. Covers fleas, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworm. Approved for cats 9 weeks and older, 2 lbs minimum. Does not cover ticks, making it less complete in tick-endemic areas.

If tick protection is a priority, Revolution Plus or Bravecto Plus are the clear choices. If your cat is under 6 months, Revolution Plus has the earliest age approval. If fewer applications matter most, Bravecto Plus offers a two-month interval. Your veterinarian can help weigh these factors against the specific parasite risks in your region.

Do Indoor Cats Need Revolution Plus?

This is one of the most common questions cat owners ask, and the answer is almost always yes — indoor cats still benefit from parasite prevention.

Fleas do not need an invitation to enter your home. They hitchhike on clothing, shoes, visiting pets, and even other humans. A single flea that makes it inside can lay up to 50 eggs per day, and a full-blown infestation can establish itself within weeks — all without your cat ever stepping outside. Indoor cats are also at risk for heartworm disease because mosquitoes regularly enter homes through open doors, windows, and even small gaps in screens. The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round heartworm prevention for all cats, regardless of whether they go outdoors.

Ear mites and intestinal worms can be introduced through contact with other animals, contaminated objects, or even potting soil brought indoors. If you have dogs that go outside, they can carry parasites home to your indoor cat. If you have recently adopted a cat from a shelter or rescue, the risk of pre-existing parasites is especially high during the first few months.

The full six-parasite coverage of Revolution Plus for cats is valuable for indoor cats precisely because you cannot predict which threats will find their way inside. A monthly topical application is a small investment in protection against problems that are far more expensive and stressful to treat once they establish.

How to Store Revolution Plus Properly

Proper storage ensures that Revolution Plus for cats remains effective throughout its shelf life.

Temperature: Store at or below 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze.

Packaging: Keep tubes in their original sealed foil pouch until ready to use. Once opened, use immediately — do not store a partially used tube.

Safety and disposal: Store out of reach of children. Dispose of empty tubes in household trash — do not flush, as the active ingredients can be toxic to aquatic organisms. If your supply has been exposed to extreme heat or passed its expiration date, replace it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Revolution Plus on dogs?

No. Revolution Plus is formulated exclusively for cats. The concentrations and inactive ingredients are designed for feline physiology. Using a cat product on a dog or vice versa can cause serious adverse reactions.

What happens if I miss a monthly dose of Revolution Plus?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember and resume your regular monthly schedule from that date. If more than two months have passed, consult your veterinarian — they may recommend a heartworm test before restarting, since Revolution Plus prevents infection but does not treat existing heartworm disease.

Can I touch my cat after applying Revolution Plus?

Avoid touching the application site until fully dry, typically about two hours. If you have multiple cats, keep them separated until the product dries to prevent one cat from grooming the site on another.

Does Revolution Plus kill tapeworms?

No. Revolution Plus for cats does not treat tapeworms. While it kills fleas (which transmit tapeworms), a separate product containing praziquantel is needed for existing tapeworm infections. If you notice rice-like segments near your cat’s tail, contact your veterinarian.

Is Revolution Plus safe for cats with chronic conditions?

Revolution Plus has not been specifically studied in cats with kidney disease, liver disease, or other significant chronic conditions, but it has a broad safety margin. Your veterinarian can evaluate whether it is appropriate given your cat’s health history and current medications.

Where can I buy Revolution Plus for cats?

Revolution Plus requires a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. You can purchase it from your vet’s office or authorized online pet pharmacies that verify prescriptions before dispensing. Be cautious of unauthorized sellers offering it without a prescription.