Bravecto and Bravecto Plus for Cats

Bravecto gives your cat long-lasting parasite protection from a single spot-on dose, so there is less to remember than with monthly treatments. The range comes in two formulas: standard Bravecto, which protects against fleas and paralysis ticks, and Bravecto Plus, which adds heartworm and intestinal worm protection in the same easy application. Both are applied to the skin at the base of the head and spread to give whole-body cover. The guide below explains what each one treats and how to choose between them.

Bravecto or Bravecto Plus: Which Does My Cat Need?

The right choice depends on whether your cat also needs worm and heartworm protection:

Choose standard Bravecto if your cat needs flea and paralysis tick cover and you manage worming separately. Bravecto Spot-On provides protection against fleas and paralysis ticks, plus treatment and control of ear mites.

Choose Bravecto Plus if you want broad, all-in-one cover. Bravecto Plus guards against fleas, paralysis ticks, heartworm, intestinal worms, ear mites and lungworm in a single dose.

The key difference is worms and heartworm. Bravecto protects against fleas and paralysis ticks, while Bravecto Plus contains an additional active ingredient and also treats intestinal worms and protects against heartworm disease. If you are unsure which suits your cat, particularly around heartworm prevention, your vet can advise based on your cat's lifestyle and where you live.

How Bravecto Works

Both formulas are applied to the skin rather than given as a tablet. After application, the active ingredient reaches the tissue fluids just under your cat's skin, and when fleas and ticks feed they take it in. Fluralaner works by disrupting the nervous system of fleas and ticks, killing them. In Bravecto Plus, moxidectin adds the internal protection against heartworm and intestinal worms. Because the dose lasts for months rather than weeks, there are fewer gaps in protection caused by a missed monthly treatment.

How Often to Apply Bravecto

Dosing differs between the two formulas, so always follow the interval on the product label for your cat's weight. As a general guide, standard Bravecto Spot-On is applied every 3 months for flea and paralysis tick protection. Bravecto Plus is applied approximately every 2 months for flea, paralysis tick and heartworm protection. Keeping to the correct re-treatment interval matters, because gaps in protection can occur when treatments are not given on time. Choose the pack that matches your cat's weight, and weigh your cat before treating if you are unsure.

How to Apply the Spot-On

Application is quick with the twist-and-use applicator. Part the fur at the base of your cat's head, place the tip on the visible skin, and squeeze gently to apply the full contents to one spot. Applying at the base of the head means your cat cannot lick it off. Treat your cat while they are standing or sitting calmly, and let the spot dry before close contact with other pets or children.

Paralysis Tick Protection: An Important Note

Paralysis ticks are a serious risk in many parts of Australia and can be life-threatening. No product removes that risk entirely. For paralysis tick control, it is recommended that Bravecto be used together with daily searching for and removal of any ticks, as the risk of tick paralysis cannot be completely eliminated. If your cat shows signs such as weakness, wobbliness, changed meow, breathing difficulty or vomiting, contact your vet immediately, as these can indicate tick paralysis.

Is Bravecto Suitable for My Cat?

Bravecto Spot-On and Bravecto Plus can be used in kittens from 9 weeks of age weighing at least 1.2 kg. Both come in different pack sizes across several weight bands, so it is important to choose the dose that matches your cat's current weight. Controlling adult fleas also helps reduce flea allergy dermatitis in sensitive cats. If your cat is pregnant, unwell, on other medication, or you are unsure about heartworm status before starting Bravecto Plus, check with your vet first.

Complete Their Parasite Protection

Keep your whole routine on track with the right cat flea and tick range for your home, and pair treatment with regular grooming to spot parasites early. If you feed multiple pets, browse our dog flea, tick and worm treatments too, and add cat treats to make application a more positive experience for your cat.