Revolution (Selamectin) and Revolution Plus (Selamectin/Sarolaner) for Cats

PetMD’s medications content is written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about how medications work, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content should not replace advice from your veterinarian. 

What Is Revolution Used for in Cats?

With its active ingredient, selamectin, Revolution for cats is an FDA-approved monthly topical medication that protects cats against flea infestations and heartworm disease. 

It also treats and controls: 

• Ear mites  
• Roundworms  
• Hookworms  

Revolution is approved for cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older. 

What Is Revolution Plus Used for in Cats?

Revolution Plus contains two active ingredients—selamectin and sarolaner—which provide broader parasite protection than Revolution alone. 

In addition to preventing fleas and heartworms, Revolution Plus treats and controls: 

• Ear mites  
• Roundworms  
• Hookworms  
• Blacklegged ticks  
• Gulf Coast ticks  
• American dog ticks 
• Lone star ticks  

Revolution Plus is approved for cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older who weigh at least 2.8 pounds. 

Revolution and Revolution Plus Considerations for Cats

Revolution: 

• Do not use on sick, debilitated, or underweight cats.  
• Safe for breeding, pregnant, and nursing cats. 

Revolution Plus: 

• Use with caution in cats with a history of neurologic disease.  
• Safety hasn't been established in breeding, pregnant, or nursing cats. 

How Do Revolution and Revolution Plus Work in Cats?

Revolution contains selamectin, which kills certain parasites by disrupting their nerve and muscle function, causing paralysis and death. 

Revolution Plus contains selamectin plus sarolaner. Sarolaner belongs to a class of medications called isoxazolines, which kill fleas and ticks by overstimulating their nervous system. 

Both Revolution and Revolution Plus begin killing fleas within hours after application. 

How Do You Give Revolution and Revolution Plus to Cats?

Follow the directions on the product label or your veterinarian's instructions. 

To apply Revolution or Revolution Plus: 

• Make sure your cat's fur and skin are dry.  
• Part the fur at the base of the neck and apply the entire contents of the tube directly to the skin.  
• Temporary hair clumping, discoloration, or a powdery residue at the application site is normal. These effects are temporary and do not affect the safety or effectiveness of the medication.  
• Wait at least 24 hours before bathing your cat.  
• Prevent your cat from licking the medication until it has dried.  

Apply Revolution or Revolution Plus once every 30 days. 

Always use the Revolution product labeled for your cat's weight. Never use a dog product on a cat, as it can cause serious health problems, including an overdose. 

What Happens If You Miss a Dose of Revolution?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. 

If your veterinarian has prescribed a different dosing schedule, contact them for instructions. Never apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. 

What Are the Side Effects of Revolution and Revolution Plus in Cats?

Most cats tolerate Revolution products well. Possible side effects include: 

• Irritation or hair loss at the application site  
• Vomiting  
• Diarrhea  
• Loss of appetite  
• Lethargy  
• Drooling  
• Increased breathing rate  
• Fever  
• Generalized itching  
• Hives  

Cats taking Revolution Plus may also experience uncommon neurologic side effects because it contains the isoxazoline sarolaner. These side effects include: 

• Tremors  
• Stumbling or lack of coordination  
• Collapse  
• Seizures 

Human Side Effects 

Humans should never use medication prescribed for pets, and pets should never be given medication prescribed for humans. 

Avoid touching the application site until it's completely dry, about four hours after application. 

Wash your hands after applying Revolution or Revolution Plus and wash off any product in contact with the skin immediately with soap and water. 

Rarely, people may experience eye irritation, skin irritation, itching, hives, or redness after contact with the medication. 

If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, seek medical attention or call Poison Control at 800-222-1222. 

Monitoring Your Cat 

Cats older than 6 months may be tested for heartworm infection before starting Revolution or Revolution Plus, and your veterinarian may recommend additional monitoring based on your cat's health. 

When Should You Call Your Veterinarian? 

Contact your veterinarian if: 

• Your cat develops severe side effects  
• Your cat’s condition worsens or doesn't improve  
• You suspect an overdose  
• You have questions about using Revolution or Revolution Plus 

What Happens If a Cat Overdoses on Revolution or Revolution Plus?

Topical overdoses usually don't cause symptoms beyond the side effects listed above. However, if your cat swallows Revolution or Revolution Plus, they may develop vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, tremors, or loss of appetite. 

If you think your cat received too much medication, was given the wrong Revolution product, or swallowed the medication, contact your veterinarian, seek emergency veterinary care, or call an animal poison control center immediately. 

• Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435 

How To Store Revolution and Revolution Plus for Cats

Store Revolution and Revolution Plus according to the package label: 

• Store at temperatures below 86 F (30 C).  
• Keep the medication in the original packaging until use.  
• Protect the medication from heat, open flames, moisture, and light.  
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.