Revolution vs. Revolution Plus

Revolution and Revolution Plus both provide monthly topical protection against fleas, heartworm, and intestinal worms. Revolution contains selamectin alone, while Revolution Plus combines selamectin with sarolaner for added tick protection. Revolution is also approved for dogs, whereas Revolution Plus is formulated specifically for cats.

Depending on your cat’s lifestyle and parasite exposure, differences in labeled coverage, including tick and tapeworm protection, may make one product a better fit than the other.

Here’s how the two products stack up side by side, from active ingredients to which pets they’re approved for.

Features	Revolution	Revolution Plus
Active Ingredients	Selamectin	Selamectin + Sarolaner
Duration of Protection	1 month	1 month
Heartworm Protection	Yes	Yes
Roundworm Protection	Yes	Yes
Hookworm Protection	Yes	Yes
Whipworm Protection	No	No
Tapeworm Protection	No direct action; helps prevent Dipylidium caninum infection indirectly via flea control	Yes
Flea Protection	Yes	Yes
Tick Protection	Yes, only for dogs; it does not kill ticks on cats.	Yes
Form	Topical	Topical
Administration Frequency	Monthly	Monthly
Suitable for Dogs	Yes	No
Broad-Spectrum	Yes	Yes
Additional Parasites	Ear mites: dogs and cats Sarcoptic mange: dogs only	Ear mites
Side effects of Active ingredients	Mild skin reactions	Mild skin reactions
Best fit	Basic parasite protection	Added tick protection
Veterinary Guidance	Recommended	Recommended

When to choose Revolution?

Have a pregnant, breeding, or lactating pet: Revolution is FDA-approved for use in these animals, so if your pet falls into one of these categories, this gives you a labeled option Revolution Plus doesn’t offer.

Prefer a simpler formulation: Revolution contains only selamectin, without sarolaner, so if your pet’s prevention needs don’t call for the added ingredient, this keeps things more focused.

Have a young or small kitten: Revolution is suitable for kittens from 8 weeks old with no minimum weight, and puppies from 6 weeks old, so it can start protecting pets earlier and at lower weights than many other options.

Your cat has little or no tick exposure: Revolution skips the added tick protection, so if ticks aren’t a real concern where you live, this avoids paying for coverage your cat doesn’t need.

Have a dog, not just a cat: Revolution provides protection for both dogs and cats, while Revolution Plus is formulated for cats only, so if you need one product that works across multiple pets in your household, Revolution covers more ground.

When to choose Revolution Plus?

Your cat is exposed to ticks: Revolution Plus protects against four tick species, coverage Revolution doesn’t provide for cats, so if your cat spends time outdoors or in tick-prone areas, this fills a gap Revolution simply can’t.

Want faster flea control: Revolution Plus starts killing fleas within 12 hours, while Revolution kills >98% of fleas within 36 hours, so your cat can get relief sooner.

Worried about tapeworms from flea exposure: Revolution Plus helps prevent Dipylidium caninum infection by killing the fleas that transmit it, adding a layer of protection Revolution’s flea control alone doesn’t extend to.

Want broader protection in one monthly treatment: Revolution Plus combines selamectin and sarolaner to cover fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites, so instead of juggling multiple products, you get comprehensive coverage in a single monthly application.

Have an outdoor cat: with broader tick coverage and faster flea control built in, Revolution Plus tends to be the stronger fit for cats regularly exposed to outdoor parasites.

Which is better for your cat?

The most appropriate option depends on your pet’s specific health needs and level of parasite exposure.

Consider Revolution Plus when:

• Your cat is exposed to ticks, since Revolution doesn’t offer tick protection for cats while Revolution Plus covers four tick species.
• Your cat spends time outdoors and faces broader parasite risks, including tapeworms transmitted through fleas.
• You want faster flea control and more complete protection, including ear mites, in a single monthly treatment.

Revolution may be preferred when:

• Your cat is pregnant, breeding, or lactating, since Revolution is FDA-approved for these animals.
• You have a young or small kitten, as Revolution is suitable from 8 weeks old with no minimum weight requirement.
• Your cat has little or no tick exposure and doesn’t need the added sarolaner ingredient.

Once you’ve matched these scenarios to your cat’s situation, the comparison table below lays out the full differences side by side.

 

Revolution and Revolution Plus both provide monthly parasite protection. Revolution may be a good fit when tick protection isn’t a priority, while Revolution Plus may be more suitable for outdoor cats or those at greater risk of tick exposure and tapeworm infection.

Talk to your veterinarian to determine which option best suits your cat’s health, lifestyle, and local parasite risks.

Whichever product you choose, consistent monthly use helps protect your cat against fleas, heartworm, and intestinal worms.