Description
Bravecto Plus Topical Solution for Cats 6.2-13.8 lbs (2.8-6.25 kg) delivers fluralaner (isoxazoline class) and moxidectin (milbemycin class) in a single bi-monthly spot-on application, addressing ectoparasite infestations and endoparasite infections simultaneously. Each tube contains 250 mg fluralaner and 12.5 mg moxidectin, manufactured by Merck Animal Health and approved by FDA under NADA #141-518.
Recommended for
Cats and kittens weighing 6.2–13.8 lbs (2.8–6.25 kg) from 6 months of age and older.
Indication/Coverage
For cats suffering from, or at risk from, mixed parasitic infections, the labeled indications for Bravecto Plus Topical Solution (6.2–13.8 lbs) are as follows:
- Heartworm prevention: Prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis larvae via systemic moxidectin activity, administered at 2-month intervals.
- Flea treatment and prevention: Treatment and prevention of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis); kills adult fleas; laboratory data confirm 100% flea kill within 12 hours and greater than 99% reduction in live flea counts maintained throughout the 2-month dosing window.
- Black-legged tick control: Treatment and control of Ixodes scapularis infestations for 2 months; laboratory studies demonstrate 98.1% or greater effectiveness at 48 hours post-treatment or infestation.
- American dog tick control: Treatment and control of Dermacentor variabilis infestations for 2 months; effectiveness exceeds 90% at 48 hours, with efficacy not demonstrated beyond the 2-month labeled period.
- Asian longhorned tick control: Treatment and control of Haemaphysalis longicornis infestations for 2 months; 98.1% or greater effectiveness confirmed at 48 hours in controlled laboratory studies.
- Gulf Coast tick control: Treatment and control of Amblyomma maculatum infestations for 2 months; 100% effectiveness demonstrated at 72 hours, with no data supporting efficacy beyond the 2-month interval.
- Intestinal roundworm treatment: Treatment of Toxocara cati infections targeting 4th-stage larvae, immature adults, and adults.
- Intestinal hookworm treatment: Treatment of Ancylostoma tubaeforme infections targeting 4th-stage larvae, immature adults, and adults.
Key Benefits
The points below are drawn from Merck Animal Health’s prescribing information and controlled laboratory study data for this specific variant.
- Weight band accuracy: The 6.2 – 13.8 lbs (2.8 – 6.25 kg) tube delivers a minimum dose of 40 mg/kg fluralaner and 2 mg/kg moxidectin at the lower weight boundary, consistent with the labeled minimum therapeutic threshold across the full range.
- Concurrent parasite coverage: One application targets fleas, four tick species, heartworm larvae, intestinal roundworm, and intestinal hookworm, eliminating the need to administer a separate monthly oral endoparasite preventative.
- Transdermal systemic absorption: Both active compounds absorb through the skin and act systemically; fluralaner reaches peak plasma concentration between 3 and 21 days post-application, while moxidectin peaks between 1 and 5 days.
- Rapid flea kill onset: In controlled laboratory studies, Bravecto Plus killed 100% of fleas within 12 hours of treatment and sustained greater than 99% reduction in live flea counts for the full 2-month period.
- Extended 8-week dosing interval: A single tube provides labeled coverage for 2 months across all indicated parasites, which is distinct from the monthly administration schedule required by most oral and topical combination products.
- Multi-stage worm coverage: Moxidectin acts against Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme at larval, immature adult, and adult stages, reducing the timeframe during which re-established worm burdens can mature.
- Topical route for resistant cats: Spot-on administration bypasses the compliance barrier presented by oral chewables in cats that refuse or expectorate tablets.
- No absolute contraindications on label: The FDA-approved prescribing information states there are no known contraindications for this product; however, cats with neurologic history require veterinary assessment before administration due to the isoxazoline class association with tremors, ataxia, and seizures.
Caution
Hazards to Humans
Not for human use. Keep out of children’s reach; do not allow children to contact the application site for 2 hours post-application. Avoid skin and eye contact; flush eyes with water if exposure occurs and seek medical attention if contact lenses are worn. Wash hands with soap and water immediately after handling. The formulation is highly flammable.
Hazards to Domestic Animals
Bravecto Plus is for topical use in cats only and must not be ingested. This variant is formulated for cats weighing 6.2 – 13.8 lbs (2.8 – 6.25 kg) that are at least 6 months of age; cats outside these parameters should not receive this tube. Safety has not been established in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats; use in these animals requires veterinary assessment. Fluralaner, an isoxazoline-class compound, has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures in cats, including those with no prior neurologic history. Cats confirmed or suspected heartworm-positive require veterinary evaluation before treatment.
Possible Side Effects
Monitor your cat after each application, particularly within the first 48 hours, as the majority of adverse events documented in post-approval experience reports occurred within this window.
The following reactions are drawn from the controlled U.S. field study (135 cats, 120-day observation period) and post-approval adverse drug experience reporting to FDA/CVM, presented in decreasing order of reporting frequency:
- Application site alopecia: Localized hair loss at the dosing site; documented in both the field study and post-approval reports; self-limiting in most cases.
- Hypersalivation: Occurs when cats groom the application site before the solution has fully absorbed; driven by the formulation’s taste rather than systemic toxicity, and resolves once grooming access is interrupted.
- Vomiting: Reported in 5.9% of cats in the Bravecto Plus group during the field study, compared to 12.2% in the active control group; generally transient.
- Lethargy: Observed in 3.7% of treated cats in the field study; the active control group showed a higher incidence of 9.8%, suggesting the reaction is not product-specific in most cases.
- Diarrhea: Occurred in 3.7% of Bravecto Plus-treated cats versus 7.3% in the control group over the 120-day period.
- Elevated ALT: Alanine aminotransferase values greater than twice the upper reference range (100 IU/L) were recorded in 3.0% of treated cats, with concurrent mild AST elevation; no associated clinical signs of liver disease were noted in affected animals.
- Neurologic signs (rare): Tremors, ataxia, and seizures have been reported with isoxazoline-class medications in cats, including animals without a documented neurologic history. Discontinue use and contact a veterinarian immediately if any of these signs develop.
- Post-approval foreign market reports (within 48 hours): Periorbital swelling, erythema, behavioral changes including aggression and hyperactivity, mydriasis, excessive grooming, pyrexia, and alopecia have been reported voluntarily.












Excellent customer service, ordered for the UK as this is a vet prescribed medication only, same cost as a UK vet, shipped straight away and arrived within 1 week – very please with the product and the service and shipping
Since using this product, my cat has been free from fleas, ticks, and ear mites.
I appreciate how easy it is to apply this medication to my cat every month.
This topical solution has kept my cat safe from heartworms and other parasites without any fuss.
I was impressed by how effective this topical solution is against both fleas and ticks. My cat has been parasite-free since we started using it, and the application is so straightforward. It’s a relief to know she’s protected from heartworms as well.