Stronghold Plus for Cats
No Prescription Required

Stronghold Plus for Cats is a monthly topical spot-on that combines two active ingredients, selamectin and sarolaner, to cover a broad spectrum of parasites in a single application: fleas, ticks, heartworm, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and lice.

Anipetshop supplies this product under APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) regulations, which classify Stronghold Plus as an over-the-counter veterinary medicine. The active ingredients, concentrations, and dosage standards are identical to those in prescription-dispensed versions sold in the United States.

Can You Buy Stronghold Plus for Cats Without a Vet Prescription?

Yes. Stronghold Plus for Cats is available at Anipetshop without a veterinary prescription. Whether a prescription is required for Stronghold Plus depends on the regulatory classification assigned by the national medicines authority in the country of sale, not on the formulation or the active ingredients themselves.

In the United States, the FDA classifies Stronghold Plus as a prescription-only veterinary medication, requiring authorization from a licensed veterinarian before each purchase. This classification reflects the FDA’s scheduling criteria for products containing selamectin and sarolaner, not a determination that the compounds are unsafe for over-the-counter use.

The APVMA has assessed Stronghold Plus under a distinct regulatory framework and registered it as an over-the-counter veterinary medicine in Australia. This classification permits sale without a veterinary prescription, based on the APVMA’s own evaluation of the product’s safety profile and clinical data.

As Anipetshop operates under APVMA regulations, it is legally authorized to supply Stronghold Plus for Cats to customers without a U.S. veterinary prescription. All products are manufactured by Zoetis and contain selamectin and sarolaner at the same concentrations as prescription-dispensed versions sold in the United States.

Explore the Topical Solution Formulation

Stronghold Plus for Cats is a monthly topical spot-on supplied in three tube strengths, each calibrated to a specific weight range. The formulation is unflavored and intended exclusively for skin application at the base of the neck. Each tube delivers a single pre-measured dose, so no cutting or partial application is required.

The following product specifications apply across all three strengths:

• Flavoring: None. The solution is applied topically and is not intended for oral administration.
• Key Excipients: Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), Dipropyleneglycol Monomethylether (DPGMME), and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT).
• Physical Form: Clear, colorless solution in polypropylene tubes. Caps are color-coded to distinguish weight ranges: Yellow (2.8 to 5.5 lbs), Orange (5.6 to 11.0 lbs), and Green (11.1 to 22.0 lbs).
• Storage: Keep at or below 30°C (86°F) in a cool, dry location. Do not remove the foil seal until immediately before use, and store out of reach of children.

The table below lists available pack sizes and pricing by weight range. Only 3-dose packs are currently offered for Stronghold Plus for Cats.

Product	Price for 3 Doses	Price for 6 Doses	Price for 12 Doses	Pack Color
Stronghold Plus For Cats Up to 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)	$51.00	$90.00	$178.00	Yellow
Stronghold Plus For Cats 5.5-11 lbs (2.5-5 kg)	$52.00	—	—	Orange
Stronghold Plus For Cats 11-22 lbs (5-10 kg)	$53.00	—	—	Green

Take the Correct Dosage

Stronghold Plus for Cats is dosed by body weight, not by age or breed. Two cats of the same breed will require different tube strengths if their weights fall in separate ranges. Selecting the wrong strength based on age or size assumptions rather than a current weight measurement risks underdosing and incomplete parasite control.

The table below identifies the correct tube by weight range, active ingredient content, and volume:

Weight Range	Selamectin	Sarolaner	Volume	Cap Color
2.8 to 5.5 lbs (1.25 to 2.5 kg)	15 mg	2.5 mg	0.25 ml	Yellow
5.6 to 11.0 lbs (2.6 to 5.0 kg)	30 mg	5.0 mg	0.50 ml	Orange
11.1 to 22.0 lbs (5.1 to 10.0 kg)	60 mg	10.0 mg	1.00 ml	Green

Weight boundaries are strict. A cat weighing 5.4 lbs should receive the yellow cap tube, while a cat weighing 5.7 lbs requires the orange cap tube. Applying the lower-strength tube to a cat at or above the upper boundary of a weight range results in underdosing and may leave the animal without adequate flea, tick, or heartworm coverage.

Cats weighing over 22.0 lbs fall outside the single-tube dosing range. A veterinarian should be consulted to determine the appropriate tube combination for these animals.

Why Cat Owners Choose Stronghold Plus for Cats

Stronghold Plus for Cats combines selamectin and sarolaner in a single monthly topical dose, covering fleas, ticks, heartworm, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and lice. This dual-ingredient formulation addresses a wider parasite range than single-compound spot-ons, which typically target either external or internal parasites, but not both. Cats with outdoor access or exposure to other animals are at risk from multiple parasite classes simultaneously, making combination coverage clinically relevant.

The following points outline the mechanism behind each coverage area:

• Tick control: Sarolaner, an isoxazoline, blocks GABA and glutamate receptors in tick nervous systems, causing spastic paralysis and death. This mechanism is effective against several tick species that commonly affect cats with outdoor access.
• Flea control: Selamectin kills adult fleas and carries ovicidal and larvicidal activity, disrupting flea development at multiple life stages and reducing reinfestation from the environment.
• Heartworm prevention: Selamectin eliminates larval stages of Dirofilaria immitis before they reach adulthood, preventing heartworm disease in cats exposed to mosquitoes.
• Intestinal worms: The selamectin component treats roundworm and hookworm infections by causing flaccid paralysis in the worm’s nerve and muscle cells through glutamate-gated chloride channel disruption.
• Ear mites and lice: Selamectin reaches sufficient systemic concentrations to eliminate Otodectes cynotis (ear mites) and biting lice, both of which cause pruritus and skin lesion progression if left untreated.
• Topical application: The formulation is applied in a small volume to the skin at the base of the neck, removing the compliance challenge of oral administration in cats that resist pilling.

How Pet Owners Review Stronghold Plus for Cats Online

Pet owners frequently compare Stronghold Plus to Revolution Plus, its U.S.-market counterpart, as both share the same active ingredients: selamectin and sarolaner. Discussions on platforms such as Reddit and Quora report positive outcomes for flea elimination and heartworm prevention, with most reviewers noting that Stronghold Plus performs equivalently to the prescription version available in the United States.

Order Stronghold Plus for Cats Without a Vet Prescription at Anipetshop

Stronghold Plus for Cats is available at Anipetshop without a U.S. veterinary prescription, supplied under APVMA regulations that classify the product as over-the-counter in Australia. All products are sourced from Zoetis and carry English-language labeling with full dosing instructions.

Key product supply details are as follows:

• Authenticity: Each unit is manufactured by Zoetis and matches the active ingredient profile, concentration, and dosage standards of Revolution Plus sold in the United States.
• Sourcing: Products are sourced from licensed manufacturers and distributors across Australia and Europe.
• Shelf life: Stock is supplied with sufficient remaining shelf life to ensure full potency at the time of administration.
• No generics: No generic substitutes are stocked. All units are original Stronghold Plus manufactured by Zoetis.
• Labeling: Products carry clear English labeling, including active ingredient details, weight-range dosing, and application instructions.

How Stronghold Plus for Cats Works

Stronghold Plus combines selamectin and sarolaner, two active ingredients that target distinct binding sites in parasite nervous systems. After topical application, both compounds are absorbed through the skin into systemic circulation, reaching internal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms as well as external parasites such as fleas, ticks, ear mites, and lice.

Selamectin: mechanism of action against fleas, mites, lice, and worms

Selamectin binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels present exclusively in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. Binding holds these channels in an open state, producing a sustained influx of chloride ions that results in flaccid paralysis and parasite death. Selamectin also carries ovicidal and larvicidal activity, killing flea eggs and larvae and interrupting reinfestation from the environment.

Sarolaner: mechanism of action against ticks and fleas

Sarolaner is an isoxazoline that blocks GABA-gated and glutamate-gated chloride channels in the central nervous system of insects and arachnids. Receptor blockade prevents normal chloride ion uptake, producing hyperexcitation and spastic paralysis. Sarolaner is effective against multiple tick species, with lethal activity occurring within 24 hours of attachment.

How to Administer Stronghold Plus for Cats

Stronghold Plus is applied as a topical spot-on to the skin at the base of the neck, directly in front of the shoulder blades. This location reduces the cat’s ability to reach the site during grooming, which lowers the risk of ingestion. The American Heartworm Society recommends testing cats for existing heartworm infection before initiating any preventive medication.

Apply Stronghold Plus using the following steps:

1. Prepare the pipette: Remove it from packaging immediately before use. Hold upright, press the cap down firmly until the seal punctures, then remove the cap.
2. Position the cat: Identify the skin at the base of the neck, just in front of the shoulder blades.
3. Expose the skin: Part the fur completely until the skin surface is clearly visible.
4. Apply the solution: Place the pipette tip directly on the exposed skin and squeeze firmly three to four times to empty the full contents into one spot. Do not massage the product into the skin, as this impedes absorption.
5. Post-application care: Wash hands immediately with soap and water. Keep the application site undisturbed until fully dry, approximately four hours. Do not allow children to handle the cat during this period, and keep the cat out of shared sleeping areas on the night of treatment.

Several precautions apply after application. The cat’s coat must be dry before applying; applying to wet fur reduces dermal absorption and may affect efficacy. Bathing or shampooing should be avoided for at least 24 hours post-application. Some manufacturer data indicate efficacy is maintained after bathing at two hours, but 24 hours remains the standard used in clinical practice.

The formulation contains Isopropyl Alcohol and is flammable while wet; keep the cat away from open flames and heat sources for at least 30 minutes or until the coat is dry. If multiple pets are present, keep them separated from the treated cat until the application site is fully dry to prevent one animal from grooming the product off another.

Are There Any Side Effects of Stronghold Plus For Cats to Consider?

Stronghold Plus is well-tolerated in most cats, but local and systemic reactions have been documented. The following sections organize reported side effects by location and severity to help owners identify what requires monitoring versus what warrants immediate veterinary attention.

Local reactions at the application site are the most frequently reported effects:

• Site irritation: Transient erythema, pruritus, or localized skin inflammation at the base of the neck, typically resolving within 24 to 48 hours without intervention.
• Coat changes: The fur at the application site may appear clumped, greasy, or carry a white powdery residue until the solution fully absorbs or the coat is groomed.
• Localized alopecia: Some cats develop temporary hair thinning or loss at the application site. Hair regrowth occurs without treatment in most cases.

Systemic reactions are uncommon but have been reported, particularly following accidental ingestion of the product during grooming:

• Lethargy: The cat may appear subdued or less active for up to 24 hours post-application.
• Gastrointestinal signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced appetite may occur, most often when the product is ingested rather than absorbed dermally.
• Neurological signs: Tremors, ataxia, or mydriasis require immediate veterinary assessment. These signs are rare but indicate a more significant systemic reaction than typical post-application responses.

If the cat reaches the application site while the solution is still wet, two ingestion-related responses are commonly observed:

• Hypersalivation: Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth following contact with the solution. This response is attributable to the bitter taste of the excipients rather than active ingredient toxicity in most cases, but persistent salivation warrants veterinary evaluation.
• Inappetence: Temporary food refusal linked to taste aversion. This typically resolves within a few hours once the taste clears.

Are There Stronghold Plus For Cats Alternatives That Don’t Require a Vet’s Prescription?

Four prescription-free alternatives to Stronghold Plus are available at Anipetshop, each sourced from Australia where they are classified as over-the-counter veterinary medicines under APVMA regulations. The appropriate product depends on the parasite coverage required and the dosing interval preferred. A veterinarian should be consulted if the cat’s health history affects product selection.

The following alternatives are available without a U.S. veterinary prescription:

• Revolution Plus for Cats: Contains selamectin and sarolaner, the same two active ingredients as Stronghold Plus, applied once monthly. Coverage includes heartworm, fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms.
• Advocate for Cats: Combines imidacloprid and moxidectin in a monthly topical application. Covers heartworm, fleas, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms. Does not provide tick coverage, making it appropriate for cats with no tick exposure.
• Bravecto Plus for Cats: Delivers fluralaner and moxidectin in a single topical dose effective for up to two months. Covers heartworm, fleas, ticks, roundworms, and hookworms, with a reduced application frequency compared to monthly products.
• NexGard Combo for Cats: Combines esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel in a monthly spot-on. Extends coverage to tapeworms in addition to heartworm, fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms, addressing a parasite class that Stronghold Plus does not treat.

FAQs

What is the difference between Stronghold and Stronghold Plus for cats?

Standard Stronghold contains selamectin only, covering fleas, heartworm, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms. Stronghold Plus adds sarolaner, an isoxazoline compound, which extends coverage to include ticks. If tick exposure is a factor for the cat, Stronghold Plus is the clinically appropriate choice between the two formulations.

Does Stronghold Plus for cats treat tapeworms?

No. Stronghold Plus treats roundworms and hookworms via selamectin’s action on glutamate-gated chloride channels in nematode nerve and muscle cells, but it has no activity against cestodes. A separate product containing praziquantel, such as Droncit, is required for tapeworm treatment.

How often should Stronghold Plus be applied?

Stronghold Plus should be applied once every 30 days to maintain continuous parasite coverage. Extending the interval beyond 30 days creates gaps in heartworm prevention and flea control that increase reinfestation risk.

Can Stronghold Plus be used on indoor-only cats?

Yes. Indoor cats remain at risk of flea and parasite exposure through contact with humans, clothing, and other animals that move between indoor and outdoor environments. Heartworm transmission via mosquitoes also occurs indoors.

Can Stronghold Plus be used on pregnant or nursing cats?

The safety of Stronghold Plus in pregnant, lactating, or breeding cats has not been fully established in clinical studies. A veterinarian should assess the risk-benefit profile before use in these animals, particularly for cats that are ill or in a weakened condition.

How quickly does Stronghold Plus take effect?

Selamectin begins killing adult fleas within 12 to 24 hours of application. Sarolaner provides tick control for up to four to five weeks per dose. Heartworm prevention requires monthly dosing maintained without interruption to remain effective.

Can the cat be bathed after applying Stronghold Plus?

Bathing or shampooing should be avoided for at least 24 hours following application. Washing before full dermal absorption has occurred may reduce the efficacy of both selamectin and sarolaner.

What happens if the cat licks the application site?

If the cat reaches the application site while the solution is still wet, transient hypersalivation or vomiting may occur. This response is attributable to the bitter taste of the excipients, primarily Isopropyl Alcohol, rather than active ingredient toxicity. If neurological signs such as tremors or ataxia develop, consult a veterinarian promptly.

Is Stronghold Plus safe for humans to handle?

The application site should not be touched until fully dry. Children should not handle the treated cat for at least four hours post-application. Hands should be washed with soap and water immediately after administering the product.