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Stronghold Plus For Cats 5.5-11 lbs (2.5-5 kg)
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BASED IN AUSTRALIA
Tracked Delivery 7-14 Days
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Description
Stronghold Plus For Cats 5.5-11 lbs (2.5-5 kg) is a monthly spot-on solution from Zoetis formulated for cats in the mid-weight range. Each orange-capped pipette delivers 30 mg selamectin and 5 mg sarolaner in 0.5 ml, meeting the minimum therapeutic threshold of 6 mg/kg selamectin and 1 mg/kg sarolaner across this weight band. The product is indicated exclusively where tick control is required concurrently with one or more additional parasite targets.
Recommended for
Cats weighing 5.5–11 lbs (2.5–5 kg) from 8 weeks of age.
Indication/Coverage
For cats suffering from, or at risk from, mixed parasitic infections:
- Flea treatment and prevention (Ctenocephalides spp.): adulticidal activity kills fleas within 24 hours of application; ovicidal and larvicidal action sustains flea lifecycle disruption for 5 weeks per dose
- Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD): indicated as a component of a broader treatment strategy where flea infestation is the confirmed trigger
- Tick treatment (Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes hexagonus): persistent acaricidal activity for 5 weeks; efficacy against Dermacentor reticulatus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus extends to 4 weeks
- Ear mite treatment (Otodectes cynotis): single-dose administration; veterinary re-examination at 30 days to assess whether a second dose is required
- Biting lice treatment (Felicola subrostratus): single-dose administration
- Adult roundworm treatment (Toxocara cati): targets adult-stage intestinal nematodes
- Adult hookworm treatment (Ancylostoma tubaeforme): targets adult-stage intestinal nematodes
- Heartworm prevention (Dirofilaria immitis, L3/L4 larvae): monthly dosing prevents larval development before maturation to adult stage; this product does not eliminate existing adult heartworm infection
Key Benefits
Stronghold Plus for cats 5.5–11 lbs delivers the following clinically documented actions:
- Two distinct mechanisms: selamectin (avermectin class) disrupts chloride channel conductance across invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, while sarolaner (isoxazoline class) blocks GABA- and glutamate-gated chloride channels in arthropods, producing parasite kill through two independent pathways in one pipette
- Complete flea lifecycle control: adulticidal kill within 24 hours is paired with ovicidal and larvicidal activity that halts reproduction and reduces environmental flea burden across the full 5-week protection window
- Tick coverage across four species: acaricidal onset against ricinus occurs within 24 hours of attachment, with protection sustained for 5 weeks against I. ricinus and I. hexagonus, and 4 weeks against D. reticulatus and R. sanguineus
- Heartworm larval elimination: selamectin targets immitis L3 and L4 larvae before they can establish as adult worms; uninterrupted monthly dosing is required to maintain this preventive action
- Gastrointestinal nematode coverage: a single dose treats adult Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme, extending the product’s utility beyond ectoparasite control
- Topical delivery: spot-on application removes the need for oral administration, which is a practical distinction for cats that consistently refuse tablet-form medications
- Suitable from 8 weeks of age: labeled use begins at 8 weeks and a minimum body weight of 1.25 kg, making Stronghold Plus applicable throughout the growth phase of cats that fall within this weight band
- Established overdose margin: Zoetis safety data show no clinically significant adverse reactions in kittens dosed at up to 5 times the maximum recommended dose across 8 consecutive monthly treatments; this margin does not permit exceeding labeled dosing
Caution
Hazards to Humans
This product is harmful if ingested and may cause eye irritation on direct contact. Avoid hand-to-eye contact during and after application, and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately afterward. Children must not handle or play with treated cats for at least 4 hours post-treatment, and treated animals should not share a sleeping space with children on the night of application.
Hazards to Domestic Animals
For external use only; do not administer orally or by injection. This variant is labeled for cats aged at least 8 weeks weighing a minimum of 1.25 kg. Do not apply to cats that are debilitated, concurrently ill, or underweight for their age and size. The safety of sarolaner in pregnant or lactating cats has not been established; use in these animals requires a veterinarian’s benefit-risk assessment. Individual sensitivity reactions are possible; a veterinarian should be consulted if the cat is receiving concurrent medications.
Possible Side Effects
Monitor your cat in the 24 to 48 hours following each application, with particular attention after the initial dose.
The following reactions have been recorded in clinical and post-marketing data:
- Application-site pruritus: mild, transient itching at the spot-on location is the most frequently observed reaction; it resolves without intervention in the majority of cases
- Alopecia at the application site: mild to moderate localised hair loss has been recorded as an uncommon finding; it generally resolves within one to two treatment cycles without requiring discontinuation
- Erythema: localised skin reddening at the point of application may occur and is classified as uncommon
- Drooling (hypersalivation): typically results from the cat grooming the application site before the product has dried; correct placement at the base of the neck in front of the shoulder blades substantially reduces this risk
- Transient gastrointestinal signs: if significant oral ingestion occurs, vomiting, soft faeces, and reduced appetite may develop; these effects are expected to resolve without treatment
Contact a veterinarian if any reaction persists beyond 48 hours, worsens over time, or is accompanied by systemic signs such as behavioural changes or altered consciousness.
Direction
Apply Stronghold Plus For Cats 5.5-11 lbs (2.5-5 kg) as a topical spot-on to bare skin at the base of the cat's neck, directly in front of the shoulder blades. Do not rub or spread the solution after application; depositing the full contents onto one exposed skin site is necessary for accurate dose delivery. Keep the cat away from heat sources and open flames for at least 30 minutes post-application or until the coat is dry. Where multiple pets share a household, separate the treated cat from other animals until the application site has dried completely.How to Open
- Remove the pipette from the blister pack immediately before use; leaving the pipette outside the foil packaging prior to use is not recommended.
- Hold the pipette upright with the cap pointing away from you.
- Press the cap firmly downward to puncture the applicator seal.
- Twist and pull the cap free to expose the pipette tip.
How to Administer
- Verify the cat's coat is fully dry before beginning; applying to a wet coat impairs dermal absorption and reduces the effective dose delivered.
- Part the fur at the base of the neck in front of the shoulder blades until a clear area of bare skin is visible.
- Position the pipette tip directly against the exposed skin and squeeze firmly until the pipette is completely empty, depositing the entire 0.5 ml in one spot.
- Avoid finger contact with the solution during application; if skin contact occurs, wash immediately with soap and water.
- Keep the cat away from other animals and children until the application site is fully dry.
Storage
- Store all pipettes below 30°C (86°F).
- Keep each pipette in its individual blister packaging until the moment of use.
- The expiry date is printed on the blister after the label "EXP" and refers to the last day of the stated month; do not use the product after this date.
- Store out of reach of children at all times, and dispose of used pipettes with household refuse rather than via wastewater, as selamectin poses a hazard to aquatic organisms.
Tips for Using
- Verify your cat’s weight: Ensure the correct pipette is selected for cats weighing 5-11 lbs (2.5-5 kg) and aged 8 weeks or older.
- Apply to a dry coat only: The fur and skin should be completely dry before application, as moisture can interfere with skin absorption and may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Prepare the pipette correctly: Keep the tube in an upright position, press the cap down firmly to break the internal seal, and then remove the cap before use.
- Choose the correct application site: Apply the solution only to the skin at the base of the neck, just in front of the shoulder blades. This location helps prevent the cat from licking the product.
- Separate the fur thoroughly: Gently part the hair until the skin is clearly visible. The medication must be placed directly on the skin rather than the fur to ensure proper absorption.
- Administer the full dose: Place the pipette tip directly against the exposed skin and squeeze firmly several times (typically 3–4 squeezes) until the entire contents have been applied to a single spot.
- Avoid rubbing the area: Allow the solution to dry and absorb naturally. Massaging the site may transfer some of the medication away from the skin and reduce the amount absorbed.
- Prevent contact with other pets until dry: Keep treated cats separated from other animals to avoid licking of the application site, which may cause temporary digestive upset if the medication is ingested.
- Restrict contact with children: Do not allow children to handle the treated cat for at least 4 hours after treatment. Cats should also avoid sleeping with children on the night of application.
- Treat in the evening when possible: Applying the product at bedtime minimizes human contact while the treatment dries and follows the manufacturer’s recommended timing.
- Follow a consistent monthly routine: Apply one pipette every 30 days to maintain ongoing protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease. Some conditions, such as ear mites, biting lice, and certain intestinal parasites, may require follow-up assessment after 30 days to determine if additional treatment is necessary.
| Product Name | Stronghold Plus for Cats 5.5-11 lbs (2.5-5 kg) |
|---|---|
| Target Weight | 5.5 – 11 lbs (2.5 – 5 kg) |
| Packaging Color | Orange |
| Pipette Volume | 0.5 ml |
| Active Ingredients | Sarolaner 5 mg, Selamectin 30 mg |
| Key Excipients | Butylated hydroxytoluene 0.2 mg/ml, dipropyleneglycol monomethyl ether, isopropyl alcohol |
| Application Type | Topical spot-on solution applied directly to bare skin at the base of the neck |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to yellow solution |
| Administration Route | For external use only |
| Pack Sizes Available | 3-pack or 6-pack pipettes |
| Treatment Frequency | Monthly for fleas, ticks, and heartworm prevention; single dose for ear mites, biting lice, roundworm, and hookworm |
| Effective Against | – Fleas (Ctenocephalides spp., adults, eggs, larvae) |
| Storage | Below 30°C (86°F); do not remove from blister until ready to use |
FAQs
1. My cat weighs exactly 5 kg, is the green-cap pipette the right choice?
No. A cat at exactly 5 kg falls within the orange-cap range (2.5–5 kg) and should continue with the orange-cap 5.5–11 lbs variant. The green-cap pipette (60 mg selamectin / 10 mg sarolaner) is labeled for cats over 5 kg up to 10 kg; a cat that has not yet exceeded 5 kg on treatment day does not qualify for this variant. Weigh on the day of treatment before selecting the pipette. Stronghold Plus is available in two other weight-based variants for cats:
2. Is 30 mg selamectin and 5 mg sarolaner safe for a cat 2.6 kg, at the lower end of this range?
Yes. At 2.6 kg, the 30 mg selamectin / 5 mg sarolaner dose delivers approximately 11.5 mg/kg selamectin and 1.92 mg/kg sarolaner, both well above the minimum labeled thresholds of 6 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg respectively. Zoetis safety data found no clinically significant adverse reactions in kittens from 8 weeks of age dosed at up to 5 times the maximum recommended level across 8 consecutive monthly treatments. Do not apply this pipette to a cat weighing 2.5 kg or below; the yellow-cap variant is the appropriate choice for those animals.
3. My cat just crossed 2.5 kg, do I switch to the orange-cap pipette at the very next dose?
Yes, switch at the next application. Once your cat’s verified weight exceeds 2.5 kg, the yellow-cap pipette no longer delivers selamectin or sarolaner at the minimum labeled dose per kilogram. Continuing with the smaller pipette produces a subtherapeutic outcome across all covered parasites. Move to the orange-cap 5.5–11 lbs variant from that treatment date onward.
4. What should I do if I miss a monthly dose for my cat in this weight range?
Apply the missed dose as soon as the gap is recognised, then resume the regular 30-day schedule from that new date. A lapse exceeding one month does not invalidate prior doses but creates a window during which newly acquired D. immitis larvae may progress beyond the L3/L4 stage that selamectin targets. If the gap spans several months in a heartworm-endemic region, consult a veterinarian about whether heartworm testing is appropriate before resuming preventive treatment.
5. Can I use this pipette on my cat if she is currently nursing a litter?
Selamectin is considered safe in lactating cats per Zoetis label data. The safety of sarolaner in lactating cats has not been fully established, however; current laboratory data from rat and rabbit studies showed no teratogenic effects, but direct confirmation in cats is absent. Use in lactating cats should follow a veterinarian’s individual benefit-risk assessment rather than routine administration.
6. Stronghold Plus kills ticks, does that mean my cat is protected from tick-borne diseases?
Not fully. Sarolaner requires ticks to attach and begin feeding before systemic exposure occurs. The onset of kill for I. ricinus is within 24 hours of attachment, but during that feeding window, transmission of tick-borne pathogens cannot be entirely excluded. Stronghold Plus reduces tick burden and shortens the attachment period, but it does not function as a barrier that prevents ticks from making initial contact with the cat.
7. My cat weighs 4.8 kg, she is approaching the upper boundary. Should I switch pipettes soon?
Continue with the orange-cap pipette until your cat’s verified weight exceeds 5 kg on a treatment day. At 4.8 kg, the 30 mg selamectin / 5 mg sarolaner dose still delivers 6.25 mg/kg selamectin and 1.04 mg/kg sarolaner, both above the minimum labeled thresholds. Once weight exceeds 5 kg, move to the green-cap 11–22 lbs variant at the following dose.
8. Does Stronghold Plus treat an existing adult heartworm infection in my cat?
No. Selamectin is active against D. immitis L3 and L4 larvae only; it does not eliminate adult heartworms already established in the pulmonary vasculature. The Zoetis label confirms that administration to cats with existing adult heartworm infection did not pose safety concerns, but treatment of the adult infection requires separate veterinary management. Cats aged 6 months or older living in heartworm-endemic areas should be tested for existing adult infection before beginning preventive use.
9. How long does flea protection last per dose, and does bathing affect it?
Each pipette provides 5 weeks of flea adulticidal activity. The label does not specify a post-application bathing restriction for Stronghold Plus; however, allowing at least 24 hours before bathing supports full dermal absorption of both selamectin and sarolaner. Do not apply when the coat is wet, as this impairs initial absorption regardless of the protection window that follows.
10. My cat was treated for ear mites with one dose, is she protected against re-infestation now?
A single dose treats an active ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) infestation but does not confer ongoing monthly prevention in the way flea and heartworm coverage does. The label recommends veterinary re-examination 30 days after treatment to assess whether a second dose is necessary. If the cat has ongoing exposure to other infested animals, discuss a longer-term parasite management plan with a veterinarian.
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