Compare the different aspects of Frontline vs Advantage. You'll learn what you need to know to decide which one is best for your feline.
How to Decide Between Frontline Plus vs. Advantage for Cats?
Wondering how to choose between Frontline vs. Advantage for cats? Both medications are effective at stopping flea growth and development, but there are a few key differences that should be addressed:
- Frontline Plus will kill flea growth and inhibit further development within 24 hours of application and continue working for one month (post-application).
- Frontline Plus will also protects against ticks and lice.
- Advantage II begins working within 12 hours of application and will also continue to kill fleas/eggs for one month post-application.
- Advantage II does not kill ticks or lice.
These days, cat owners have more tools than ever to control parasites. Makers of such parasite control products have improved their formulations to be more effective at keeping your cat pest free. However, just because the medication has gotten more effective does not mean that pet parents don't need to compare flea treatments for cats. There are so many to choose from, like Advantage Multi for cats or Revolution for cats, it is important to know what they all do. Two popular examples are Advantage for Cats and Frontline for Cats, but what exactly is the difference between them? Which medication comes out on top in Frontline vs Advantage?
Below, we outline the particular benefits of these improved products—Advantage II for cats and Frontline Plus for Cats—so you can make an informed decision about which will be best for your cat.
Advantage II for Cats
BayerDVM replaced Advantage for Cats with Advantage II, now including an insect growth regulator (IGR) in the mix. This IGR inhibits the growth of flea eggs, thus interrupting the flea life cycle, stopping fleas before they even start growing.
One great asset of Advantage II is that not only will it start killing adult and larvae fleas within 12 hours of application, one application will keep fleas at bay for a full month. Any re-infestation of adult fleas after the first strike will be killed within 2 additional hours.
Other benefits of Advantage II for Cats is that the formulation is waterproof—so no need for reapplication after baths—and the product kills fleas on contact, so the pests don’t have to bite your cat to get killed.
Advantage II should only be used on cats and kittens who are 7 weeks of age or older.
Frontline Plus for Cats
Like Advantage II, Frontline Plus for Cats contains an agent that inhibits flea growth and development. This product replaces Frontline for Cats with a more effective parasite control.
Frontline Plus starts killing fleas within 24 hours of application and then goes on keeping fleas away for one month by stopping the next generation of fleas from being born. What’s more, Frontline Plus is also effective at killing chewing lice and ticks, which can carry Lyme disease.
This parasite control is waterproof, so reapplication after bathing won’t be necessary.
Use of Frontline Plus should start with cats and kittens 8 weeks of age or older.
Which Should You Buy?
When choosing between Frontline vs Advantage for cats, pet owners should consider their cats’ risk of exposure to pests. Those whose cats are exposed to ticks and lice may want to purchase Frontline Plus. Other owners may be less concerned about ticks or lice, in which case Advantage II, which has fewer ingredients, may be better for your cat.
Also, make sure to ask your vet which product they would recommend for your particular cat and their lifestyle. Let your vet know if your cat is an indoor-only pet, as less frequent treatments might make sense. Also, be sure to discuss any health conditions your cat may have, and whether a spot-on treatment like Advantage II or Frontline Plus might affect them one way or another.
Whichever product you choose—Advantage II or Frontline Plus—your cat will surely be happier for it!
Frontline Plus vs Advantage II
Frontline Plus for Cats:
Advantage II: Effective 1 month; kills fleas within 12 hours. Waterproof against Adult fleas, flea larvae, and eggs. Recommended for 7 weeks and older.
Frontline Plus: Effective 1 month; kills pests within 24 hours. Waterproof against Adult fleas, flea larvae, and eggs; chewing lice; ticks. Recommended for 8 weeks and older.
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Application
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Pests controlled
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Waterproof?
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Recommended age of application
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Advantage II
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Effective 1 month; kills fleas within 12 hours
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Adult fleas, flea larvae, and eggs
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Yes
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7 weeks and older
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Frontline Plus
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Effective 1 month; kills pests within 24 hours
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Adult fleas, flea larvae, and eggs; chewing lice; ticks
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Yes
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8 weeks and older
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Advantage II or Frontline Plus?
For cats, Advantage II and Frontline Plus are both effective medications for eliminating fleas in all life stages and also last up to a month. Dr. Kim Podlecki, DVM, says that Advantage II is generally more affordable, with potential discounts for larger purchases and the availability of online coupons or deals. Frontline Plus is widely available in various stores and online, including pet supply pharmacies and veterinary offices, compared to Advantage II, which is less commonly found. Both products are applied topically, with clear instructions for usage. Neither has an advantage in terms of ease of application. For Advantage II, users appreciate its ease of application, affordability, and non-greasy feeling on the pet’s fur. However, some users report ineffective flea control despite following recommendations. Frontline Plus users generally praise its efficacy, affordability, and availability. Some express concerns about its active ingredient, Fipronil, but still find it effective, although occasionally ineffective for the entire month.
What is the difference between Frontline and Frontline Plus?
Frontline and Frontline Plus are both used to prevent fleas and ticks. Both use the spot-on treatment via a pipette between the cat’s shoulder blades. However, Dr. Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH, says Frontline only contains Fipronil, which targets adult fleas, ticks, and lice. On the other hand, Frontline Plus and Frontline Gold come with a dual-action formula that kills fleas and ticks on your pet and prevents eggs and larvae infestations in and around your home. This helps in getting rid of the infestation faster.
Is Frontline Plus still effective?
Cambridge VetCare Animal Clinic says Frontline Plus is 100% effective in treating all life stages of fleas and ticks within 12 to 24 hours following spot-on treatment. Frontline Plus works by a 24-hour process called translocation, where the medication spreads all over your pet’s body through the oil glands. Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc, MRCVS (Veterinarian), says that Studies show no evidence of resistance in animal-level flea and tick treatments, and Frontline Plus remains as effective as ever. Reasons for flea persistence after medicine administration include the flea life cycle, deviations from the 28-day application interval, and external sources introducing new flea populations, like the pupal phase. Dr. Kanowski advises applying flea products consistently every four weeks year-round to combat fleas. Additionally, pet parents can take additional steps, like hot-washing bedding, regular vacuuming, and using diatomaceous earth to repel or kill fleas in the environment.
Which Frontline product is best?
According to Dr. Vanderhoof, Frontline Plus was released around 2000, leading to the phase-out of the original Frontline. Frontline GOLD was introduced recently. Currently, Frontline Plus and Frontline GOLD are the widely available variants. Frontline products contain fipronil, targeting adult fleas, ticks, and lice. Frontline Plus also contains (S)-methoprene besides fipronil, targeting flea eggs and larvae. Frontline GOLD contains both (S)-methoprene and pyriproxyfen, reducing the time to start killing fleas, so many consider it the best.
More on Protecting Your Cat
Is Cat Flea Control Necessary?
The Best Cat Breakaway Collars and Special Collars
Flea and Tick Season: When To Use What Treatment
How To Use Spot On Flea and Tick Treatment
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
