Advocate for cats 4–8 kg is a spot-on from Elanco (formerly Bayer) with two active ingredients: imidacloprid (10%) and moxidectin (1%). It's used to treat and prevent flea infestation, treat flea allergy dermatitis and ear mites (otodectic mange), prevent heartworm and treat intestinal roundworms (toxocariasis and hookworm). The pack contains 3 pipettes of 0.8 ml for cats weighing 4–8 kg. One treatment kills fleas and protects against reinfestation for 4–6 weeks.
How Advocate works
Imidacloprid kills fleas on the coat, while moxidectin is absorbed through the skin and acts on internal parasites — roundworms and heartworm larvae — as well as ear mites. So one product covers several jobs. The minimum therapeutic dose is 10 mg imidacloprid and 1 mg moxidectin per kg, equivalent to 0.1 ml of product per kg. More in fleas in cats: how to get rid of them.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Form | spot-on |
| Active ingredients | imidacloprid 10%, moxidectin 1% |
| For | cats 4–8 kg, from 9 weeks |
| Pipette | 0.8 ml |
| In the pack | 3 pipettes |
| Flea protection | 4–6 weeks |
| Manufacturer | Elanco (formerly Bayer) |
Pros
- Broad action. Fleas, ear mites, roundworms, heartworm.
- Flea protection for 4–6 weeks.
- Treats ear mites. Usually in one application.
- Heartworm prevention. Monthly during mosquito season.
- A spot-on, not a tablet. No need to coax your cat.
- 3 pipettes. Three treatments.
Cons
- No protection against ticks. Separate protection is needed.
- Doesn't act on tapeworms. They're not in the indications.
- A bitter taste. If licked, drooling may occur.
- Frequent bathing reduces effectiveness.
How to apply it
Take out a pipette, remove the cap and pierce the foil seal. Part the fur on the neck at the base of the skull until the skin is visible, place the tip on the skin and squeeze out the entire contents. At the base of the skull your cat can't lick it off. Apply only to unbroken skin. Don't stroke or brush your cat until the spot is dry, and keep it off furniture — the solvent can stain. Wash your hands afterwards.
Treatment schedules
Against fleas, one treatment lasts 4–6 weeks; for flea allergy dermatitis it's used monthly, and treating your home at the same time is worthwhile. For ear mites, a single treatment is recommended — see a vet after 30 days, as some cats need a second one. For heartworm prevention, apply monthly from a month before mosquito season (April) until 1–2 months after it ends (October). On worms, see worms in cats and dogs: prevention.
Contraindications and precautions
Don't use on kittens under 9 weeks. Sick or weakened cats and those under 1 kg should be treated only on a vet's decision and under supervision. Don't use other macrocyclic lactones during treatment. Keep the product out of the eyes and mouth. Before heartworm prevention, cats over 6 months should be tested. Rarely, brief itching, skin redness or vomiting may occur, usually resolving on their own.
What about ticks
Ixodid ticks aren't among Advocate's indications, so a cat that goes outdoors or to a country house needs additional protection, such as a collar. For guidance, see spot-on, tablets or a tick collar: which to choose and the flea and tick collar collection.
Storage
Keep in the original sealed pack, somewhere dry and out of reach of children and animals, away from food and pet food, at 0–30 °C. Shelf life is 3 years.
Who it suits
Cats weighing 4–8 kg and older than 9 weeks that need regular flea protection and worm and heartworm prevention, and for treating ear mites. There's a separate version for dogs — Advocate for dogs. More products are in the flea drops for cats and flea and tick products for cats collections.
Verdict
Advocate for cats 4–8 kg is a combination spot-on with imidacloprid and moxidectin: it kills fleas for 4–6 weeks, treats ear mites and intestinal roundworms and prevents heartworm. The downsides are no protection against ticks or tapeworms, a bitter taste, and reduced effectiveness with frequent bathing.
FAQ
What weight is this pipette for?
Cats of 4–8 kg; 0.8 ml.
How long does flea protection last?
4–6 weeks after one treatment.
Does it protect against ticks?
No, ixodid ticks aren't among its indications.
From what age can it be used?
From 9 weeks.
Does it treat ear mites?
Yes, usually a single treatment is enough.
Can I bathe my cat after treatment?
Brief contact with water is fine, but frequent shampooing reduces effectiveness.
How many pipettes are in a pack?
3.
