Ceva Vectra Felis, 3 pipettes of 0.9 ml are spot-on flea drops for cats. The product acts on adult fleas and their immature stages — eggs, larvae and pupae — and is used in the combined treatment and prevention of flea allergy dermatitis. Active ingredients per pipette: dinotefuran 423 mg and pyriproxyfen 42.3 mg. The pipettes have a long rounded applicator and come three to a box. According to the instructions, one treatment kills fleas on the cat for a month and prevents them appearing where the animal lives for three months.
How the ingredients work
Dinotefuran is a neonicotinoid: it acts on the acetylcholine receptors of the insect nervous system and kills the insects. Pyriproxyfen is an insect juvenile hormone analogue: it disrupts the "egg — larva — pupa — adult" cycle, so no new fleas grow from eggs that have been laid. After application the substances accumulate in the epidermis, hair follicles and sebaceous glands, are practically not absorbed into the blood and start acting on contact within 5 minutes.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | spot-on drops |
| For | cats from 7 weeks and 0.6 kg |
| Active ingredients | dinotefuran 423 mg, pyriproxyfen 42.3 mg per pipette |
| Against | fleas at every stage of development |
| Protection on the cat | 1 month |
| Protection of the home | up to 3 months |
| Onset | within 5 minutes |
| Pack | 3 pipettes of 0.9 ml |
Pros
- Two modes of action. Kills adult fleas and stops their development.
- Fast. Starts working within 5 minutes.
- Protects the home. Up to 3 months against fleas appearing where the cat lives.
- Barely absorbed into the blood. Works in the skin.
- Helps with flea allergy. As part of dermatitis treatment.
- Three-month course. Three pipettes per box.
Cons and what to watch
- Fleas only. It is not claimed to work against ticks or worms.
- No upper weight given. The card states only the minimum of 0.6 kg.
- Not with other insecticides. Do not use collars or other drops at the same time.
- Possible drooling and redness. If the cat licks the product or the skin is sensitive.
How to apply
The product is applied once, externally, to dry undamaged skin. Part the fur at the base of the neck, where the cat cannot reach with its tongue, and squeeze the contents of the pipette directly onto the skin. Repeat after 30 days. With heavy infestation, treatment can be repeated after 14 days on a vet's advice. Before applying, read the enclosed leaflet and check your cat's weight.
Who must not use it and precautions
Do not use on kittens under 7 weeks or under 0.6 kg, or in case of individual hypersensitivity. Weak, sick and pregnant cats should be treated with caution and only after consulting a vet. Vectra Felis is not used together with other ectoparasite products. If an allergic reaction occurs, wash the product off with soap and plenty of water, and if needed the vet will prescribe antihistamines.
Side effects
When used correctly, side effects are usually not seen. Occasionally increased salivation and slight skin redness at the application site may occur — according to the leaflet, they pass on their own within a few hours. To stop the cat licking the drops, do not let it groom other pets until the product has been absorbed.
Fleas in the home
Adult fleas on the cat are only a small part of the population: most eggs and larvae are in bedding, carpets and cracks. Pyriproxyfen helps stop their development, but you should also vacuum, wash pet beds and treat every animal in the household. A detailed plan is in fleas on a cat: how to get rid of them. Fleas carry tapeworms, so deworming is worth doing after dealing with fleas — see worms in cats and dogs: prevention.
Storage
Store the product in the manufacturer's sealed pack in a dry place away from light, out of reach of children and animals, separately from food and feed, at 0 to +25 °C. Shelf life is 3 years.
Who it suits
The drops suit cats from 7 weeks and 0.6 kg for killing and preventing fleas, including with flea allergy dermatitis. Ceva has a separate product for dogs, Vectra 3D. Other products are in our flea drops for cats and flea and worm treatments for cats collections.
Verdict
Ceva Vectra Felis are flea drops for cats with dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen: they kill fleas at every stage, work within 5 minutes and protect the cat for a month and the home for up to three months. The downsides are no effect on ticks or worms, no upper weight limit in the card and the ban on combining them with other ectoparasite products.
FAQ
What are the active ingredients?
Dinotefuran 423 mg and pyriproxyfen 42.3 mg per pipette.
How long does it work?
A month on the cat; it prevents fleas appearing in the home for up to 3 months.
From what age can it be used?
From 7 weeks and a weight of 0.6 kg.
Does it protect against ticks?
No, it is claimed against fleas only.
How often should I treat?
Every 30 days; with heavy infestation, after 14 days on a vet's advice.
Can it be used with a flea collar?
No, it is not used together with other insecticides or acaricides.
How many pipettes are in the pack?
Three of 0.9 ml.
