Description
Advocate For Cats Over 9 lbs (Over 4 kg) is a topical spot-on solution containing imidacloprid (80 mg) and moxidectin (8 mg), manufactured by Elanco. Each 0.8 ml pipette is calibrated for cats in the over 9 lbs weight range. Advocate for cats delivers dual-mechanism parasite control: imidacloprid eliminates fleas on contact without requiring a bite, while moxidectin, a macrocyclic lactone, is absorbed systemically to target heartworm larvae, lungworms, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms.
Recommended for
Cats weigh over 9 lbs (over 4 kg) from 9 weeks of age.
Indication/Coverage
Advocate for Cats Over 9 lbs (Over 4 kg) treats and prevents mixed parasitic infections in cats weighing over 9 lbs from 9 weeks of age. The following indications are covered:
- Flea infestation (treatment and prevention): Kills adult fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) on contact and prevents reinfestation for 4 weeks per application.
- Ear mite infestation (treatment): Eliminates Otodectes cynotis with a single topical dose applied to the base of the skull, not directly into the ear canal.
- Notoedric mange (treatment): A single dose treats Notoedres cati Cats with severe cases require concurrent supportive care, as Advocate alone may not prevent fatal outcomes in advanced infestations.
- Lungworm, Eucoleus aerophilus (treatment): A single dose targets adult stages of Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila).
- Lungworm, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (prevention): Monthly application prevents disease caused by L3/L4 larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus.
- Lungworm, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (treatment): Three consecutive monthly doses are required to treat established adult Aelurostrongylus abstrusus
- Lungworm, Troglostrongylus brevior (treatment): A single dose targets adult Troglostrongylus brevior.
- Eye worm (treatment): A single dose eliminates adult Thelazia callipaeda.
- Heartworm disease (prevention): Monthly application prevents infection by destroying L3 and L4 larvae of Dirofilaria immitis before they mature. Protection requires uninterrupted monthly dosing throughout mosquito season and for one month beyond the last exposure.
- Roundworm and hookworm (treatment): Targets immature adults and adults of Toxocara cati (roundworm) and Ancylostoma tubaeforme (hookworm).
- Flea allergy dermatitis: The product can be incorporated as part of a treatment strategy for flea allergy dermatitis when administered at monthly intervals.
Key Benefits
The following characteristics distinguish Advocate for Cats Over 9 lbs based on its labeled pharmacology and clinical profile:
- Suitable from 9 weeks of age: Kittens that have reached 9 weeks and weigh over 9 lbs (over 4 kg) are eligible for treatment, establishing parasite control early in development.
- Contact-kill flea action: Imidacloprid destroys fleas through direct contact with the treated skin and coat, meaning the flea does not need to bite the cat before the active ingredient takes effect.
- Broad internal parasite coverage: A single monthly application addresses heartworm larvae, lungworms (three species), roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites, reducing the need for separate oral dewormers.
- Topical administration: The spot-on format bypasses the gastrointestinal tract entirely, making it suitable for cats that refuse oral medications or experience vomiting with tablets.
- Monthly dosing schedule: One 0.8 ml pipette applied every 30 days maintains uninterrupted protection across all labeled indications for this weight range.
- 4-week flea prevention duration: Each dose prevents new flea infestations for a full 4 weeks, though pre-existing pupae in the household environment may continue to emerge for 6 weeks or longer depending on climatic conditions.
- Systemic moxidectin distribution: After topical application, moxidectin absorbs through the skin and reaches steady-state serum levels after four consecutive monthly treatments, providing consistent internal parasite suppression once the loading period is complete.
Caution
Hazards to Humans
Hazards to Humans: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and mouth during application. Wash hands thoroughly after use. People with known hypersensitivity to benzyl alcohol, imidacloprid, or moxidectin should administer with caution. If eye contact or accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention immediately. Keep the product out of reach of children.
Hazards to Domestic Animals
Advocate for Cats Over 9 lbs is for external use only. Do not use on kittens under 9 weeks of age, and consult a veterinarian before treating cats under 1 kg, sick, debilitated, pregnant, or lactating animals. Do not administer concurrently with other macrocyclic lactone antiparasitics. Prevent the treated cat from licking the application site, and separate treated animals from untreated housemates until the site is dry. Imidacloprid is toxic to birds, especially canaries.
Possible Side Effects
Monitor your cat after each application of Advocate for Cats Over 9 lbs.
Dermal reactions: Transient pruritus (itching) at the application site is the most commonly reported adverse effect. Occasional erythema (redness) has also been documented. In rare cases, local hypersensitivity reactions develop at the site of application, and very rare reports include skin lesions at the application site.
Gastrointestinal signs: Vomiting has been reported at an uncommon frequency. The product tastes bitter, and salivation may occur if the cat licks the application site immediately after treatment. This oral reaction is not a sign of intoxication and typically resolves within minutes without intervention. Correct application at the base of the skull minimizes the likelihood of ingestion.
Systemic signs: In very rare cases, neurological signs have been observed following treatment, including transient tremors, dilated pupils with reduced pupillary reflex, and nystagmus. Behavioural changes such as lethargy, agitation, and loss of appetite have also been reported at very rare frequency.
If any side effects appear, including reactions not listed above, or if you suspect the product has not achieved the expected result, consult your veterinarian. There is no known specific antidote for Advocate; treatment of adverse reactions is symptomatic. Activated charcoal may be beneficial in the event of accidental oral ingestion.











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