Revolution, NexGard Combo, Bravecto and More: Cat Flea and Dewormer Products Compared

What a cat needs covered

Even an indoor-only cat usually needs protection against fleas, heartworm, and intestinal worms such as roundworms and hookworms. Cats that go outside may also need tick protection. The most common tapeworm in cats comes from swallowing fleas, so keeping fleas away also cuts down on tapeworm. For the signs of each parasite and how often to deworm, see how often to deworm your cat.

Which parasites each product covers

Revolution Plus kills fleas, so it prevents the tapeworm cats catch from fleas, but it doesn’t clear a tapeworm that’s already there. Other flea products lower the risk the same way, though only Revolution Plus lists it on the label. The tapeworm column only marks products that treat tapeworm directly. None of these US labels list lungworm.

How each product is used

Each product also has a minimum weight, printed on the box.

In the US, two agencies split these products. Anything that treats worms, prevents heartworm, or is absorbed into the body (oral chews, and topicals like Bravecto and Revolution that pass into the bloodstream) is an FDA-approved drug, and every FDA product in this table needs a vet’s prescription. Products that stay on the skin and coat and kill fleas and ticks on contact are registered with the EPA as pesticides and sold over the counter. A few FDA products, like some tapeworm dewormers, are sold without a prescription, so check the box.

Three kinds of products

• All-in-one: Revolution, Revolution Plus, NexGard Combo, Bravecto Plus and Advantage Multi cover fleas, heartworm and intestinal worms in one dose.
• Fleas and ticks only: Bravecto, Credelio CAT, Frontline Plus, Advantage II, Seresto and Cheristin handle fleas, and some handle ticks.
• Worms only: Profender treats intestinal worms, including tapeworm.

A fleas-and-ticks-only product leaves heartworm and intestinal worms uncovered, and Profender leaves fleas and heartworm uncovered.

Most products are given monthly. Bravecto Plus is every 2 months, Bravecto every 12 weeks (8 weeks where American dog ticks are a risk), and the Seresto collar lasts 8 months. Which one fits your cat depends on which parasites they’re exposed to, and your vet can help you decide.

Before you buy

Never use a dog product on a cat. Some dog flea and tick products contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats and can cause seizures or death. Many brands also come in separate dog and cat versions with different ingredients or doses, so check that the box says it’s for cats.

Most products come in several sizes by body weight, so weigh your cat before you buy.

Kittens and pregnant or nursing cats have fewer products to choose from, so check with your vet first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Revolution and Revolution Plus? Revolution Plus adds sarolaner, so it also covers ticks. Both cover fleas, ear mites, heartworm, roundworms and hookworms, and both are applied once a month.

Do I need a prescription for cat flea medicine? It depends on the product. Flea and tick products that only work on the outside of the body, like Frontline Plus, Advantage II, Seresto and Cheristin, are sold over the counter. Anything that prevents heartworm, plus Bravecto and Credelio CAT, which are absorbed into the body, needs a vet’s prescription. Most dewormers do too, though a few tapeworm dewormers are sold over the counter.

Is a topical or an oral product better? Neither is better across the board. It depends on what your cat accepts. A topical goes on the skin at the back of the neck, with no pill to give. An oral chew has to be swallowed, and some cats need it hidden in food or pilled. Most products on this list are topical, and Credelio CAT is the oral option.

Can I use two products together? Only with your vet’s OK. Some combinations are needed: an over-the-counter flea product doesn’t cover worms or heartworm, for example. But many products contain the same or similar drugs, so pairing them yourself can double the dose.

The information in these tables comes from the FDA-approved labels (via DailyMed) and the EPA-registered labels for each product, checked in November 2026. Products and labels change, so always follow the label on the box.