Does Advantage Expire For Cats – Info & More

Fleas are tiny wingless parasites that lodge themselves to our beloved fur babies and consume their blood. Thankfully, pet owners can now rely on topical medications to rid their felines of the annoying pests. As always, the more popular a pet product becomes, the more curious feline enthusiasts get about it. That’s why today’s article is dedicated to the query: does Advantage expire for cats? 

While there’s no actual expiration date on the package, the majority of cat parents claim the product is effective even after three years of first use, provided the product is packed and stored according to the instructions. 

If you’re curious about the Advantage flea treatment for cats, including ingredients, possible side effects, and other pros and cons, scroll down to discover more!

What Is The Advantage Flea Treatment

If you’re new to the cat parenting game and have no clue about anti-flea medications or the Advantage topical drug, this section is for you. 

There was once a time when there weren’t any proper medications feline owners could utilize to keep their pets safe from flea infestations. Then (veterinary) big pharma came up with non-toxic (to pets) topical drugs to kill and prevent fleas in cats and dogs, and everything changed. 

One such cat and the dog-friendly anti-flea drug is Advantage. Advantage for cats is available in two variations: Multi and Advantage II. The primary difference between the two medications is that Advantage II is formulated to fight against one type of parasite only: fleas. On the other hand, Advantage Multi for cats helps target problems like ear mites, heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and fleas. 

The instructions mention that both products should not be used on kittens younger than nine weeks or underweight cats. Advantage II is not a prescription medication. However, it’s always best to refer to your vet about the suitability of treatment to avoid adverse side effects. 

What Are The Active Ingredients Of Advantage For Cats

Before we set out the main ingredients of Advantage for cats, let’s take a moment to talk about the medication. As we stated earlier, Advantage for cats is available in two variations, targeting different pests. That’s why the active ingredients of Advantage Multi and Advantage II differ as well. 

The active ingredients of Advantage Multi are Imidacloprid and Moxidectin. While Imidacloprid is an insecticide made to mimic nicotine, moxidectin is an anthelmintic drug used to target parasitic worms. 

Whereas, Advantage II lists Imidacloprid and Pyriproxyfen as its main ingredients. Combining these compounds kills fleas and disrupts their growth to avoid infestations from occurring repeatedly. 

Does Advantage Expire For Cats

Pet parents can’t be blamed for thinking that medication for pets must have an expiration date – just like drugs for humans. The truth is, there’s no actual expiration date on the packaging of Advantage II for cats because no such date is required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

So, how do you know when to stop using the product? 

During our research, we came across cat parent reports stating the Advantage for cats is effective even three years after the first use, provided the product has been stored according to instructions. 

However, if you’re not comfortable using a product a year or two after opening it, it’s best to refer to your veterinarian for solid advice. 

Is It OK To Use Expired Advantage Multi

Unlike Advantage II, Advantage Multi for cats does have an expiration date printed at the bottom of the packaging. That means the product is likely not practical or safe for use past its expiration point. 

Besides that, the official FAQs for Advantage Multi for cats also state that the product shouldn’t be used past the expiration date. In short, cat parents shouldn’t use expired Advantage Multi on their cats. 

Advantage Multi for cats is a prescription drug that shouldn’t be administered without the leave of a qualified veterinarian. Don’t be tempted to compare Advantage Multi to Advantage II because both products have different chemical makeups. Using such products after their best before date is past can result in adverse effects for your feline. 

Are There Side Effects To Advantage

Advantage II doesn’t require a prescription. Nonetheless, cat owners should carefully read the dosage and administration instructions to avoid concerns. The product is safe to use on felines but may still result in rare side effects such as:

• Skin irritation
• Skin redness
• Hypersalivation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Advantage Multi for cats is a prescription drug and has not been declared safe for breeding, pregnant, or lactating felines. Its side effects include:

• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Hypersalivation
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy or increased sleepiness in thin, geriatric cats

What’s The Difference Between Advantage II and Frontline

There are quite a few differences between Advantage II and Frontline Plus flea treatments. To begin with, both products have different active ingredients. Frontline Plus makes use of Fipronil, whereas Advantage II uses Imidacloprid and Pyriproxyfen. 

Frontline Plus begins working 24 hours after application, kills fleas, and inhibits further growth or development. It also works against ticks and lice. 

On the flipside, Advantage II starts working 12 hours after application and kills fleas and their eggs until one month after application. It doesn’t work against pests like lice or ticks. 

Things To Consider

All pet owners should know about anti-flea treatments for cats and dogs because flea infestations can result in dire consequences like anemia. Still, there’s a list of precautions to keep in mind when dealing with such medications to ensure your pet doesn’t suffer any ill effects. Here’s what a few of them are:

• Always refer to a qualified veterinarian before administering an anti-flea product. Some pest treatments require a prescription, but even when using over-the-counter drugs, referring to your veterinarian can help smoothen out the process. For instance, generally, anti-flea treatments come equipped with an age limit as they’re not safe to safe on kittens under a certain age. 
• Once you’ve gotten the go-ahead from your vet about using a particular product, make a point to read through the medication’s dosage and administration specifics carefully. Doing so will help you apply the topical medication properly and keep your pet from ingesting the chemicals used in the drug. 
• Most topical anti-flea treatments offer a month’s worth of protection from flea infestations. But that doesn’t mean being vigilant won’t pay off. Besides that, prolonged use of any such anti-pest product can lead to the pests developing resistance to the drug – which can spell major trouble. Be mindful of your cat’s grooming and bathing routine. It’s also a good idea to utilize a flea comb every so often to keep your kitty’s fur free of fleas.