Revolution® vs Revolution Plus® for Cats: What Is the Difference?

Revolution® vs Revolution Plus® for cats mainly comes down to parasite coverage. Both are monthly spot-on treatments, but Revolution Plus® contains a second active ingredient that expands its protection to include ticks.

Revolution® vs Revolution Plus® at a Glance

Both treatments are applied directly to the skin once a month, but there are some important differences.

The simplest way to think about it is this:

Revolution® provides broad flea, mite and intestinal worm protection. Revolution Plus® provides that core coverage and adds broader protection, most notably against ticks.

The word "Plus" does not mean it is simply a stronger dose of Revolution®. It has a different formulation because it contains an additional active ingredient.

What Is Revolution® for Cats?

Revolution® contains selamectin.

It is a monthly spot-on treatment used for:

• fleas

• ear mites

• roundworms

• intestinal hookworms

The treatment is applied directly to the skin at the base of the neck rather than given by mouth.

FleaTickWorm stocks two Revolution® sizes suitable for cats:

Revolution® for Puppies & Kittens, pink pack
For smaller kittens and cats up to 5.5 lb.

Revolution® for Cats
For cats weighing 5.7–16.5 lb.

Both contain selamectin. The pink pack simply contains the smaller dose needed for a lower-weight kitten or cat.

What Is Revolution Plus® for Cats?

Revolution Plus® contains selamectin and sarolaner.

It provides protection against:

• fleas

• ticks

• ear mites

• roundworms

• intestinal hookworms

It also helps prevent flea tapeworm infections by killing the fleas that transmit them.

That last point is worth understanding. Revolution Plus® is not a treatment for an existing tapeworm infection. Its flea tapeworm benefit comes from controlling the flea that can transmit the infection.

The Biggest Difference Is Tick Protection

For many cat owners, this is the most important difference between the two products.

Revolution® does not provide tick protection for cats.

Revolution Plus® does.

Revolution Plus® protects against four important tick species:

• black-legged tick

• American dog tick

• Gulf Coast tick

• lone star tick

This can be particularly useful for cats that spend time outdoors, live in areas where ticks are common, or regularly move through grass, brush or wooded areas.

Indoor cats can encounter ticks too, but outdoor cats generally have more opportunities for exposure.

If tick protection is an important part of your cat's parasite routine, Revolution Plus® offers broader coverage.

Does Revolution Plus® Cover More Worms?

Not as much as the name might suggest.

Both Revolution® and Revolution Plus® cover roundworms and intestinal hookworms in cats.

The main additional benefits of Revolution Plus® are its tick protection and flea tapeworm prevention, rather than a much wider range of intestinal worms.

This is why it helps to look at the actual parasite coverage rather than assuming a treatment with "Plus" in the name covers every type of parasite.

What Sizes Are Available?

The Revolution® options stocked by FleaTickWorm include:

• Revolution® for Puppies & Kittens: up to 5.5 lb

• Revolution® for Cats: 5.7–16.5 lb

Revolution Plus® is stocked in three sizes:

• 2.8–5.5 lb

• 5.7–11 lb

• 11.2–22 lb

Always use your cat's current weight when choosing the correct treatment size.

Do not split a tube between cats unless the product directions specifically tell you to do so.

Is Revolution Plus® Better Than Revolution®?

Not necessarily.

The better choice depends on the parasite protection your cat actually needs.

Revolution® may be a good fit when:

Your cat needs regular protection against fleas, ear mites, roundworms and hookworms, but tick protection is not part of the coverage you are looking for.

It may also suit owners who prefer a treatment containing a single active ingredient.

Revolution Plus® may be a good fit when:

You want the core parasite coverage of Revolution® plus tick protection.

This can be especially useful for outdoor cats or cats living in areas where tick exposure is more likely.

The better treatment is not automatically the one with the longest list of parasites. It is the one that matches your cat's age, weight, health and likely parasite exposure.

Is There a Safety Difference?

Yes.

Revolution Plus® contains sarolaner, which belongs to the isoxazoline class of parasite treatments.

This class has been associated with neurologic reactions in some animals, including tremors, loss of coordination and seizures. The manufacturer recommends using Revolution Plus® with caution in cats with a history of neurologic disorders.

Revolution® does not contain sarolaner.

There is also an important difference for breeding, pregnant or nursing cats. Revolution® has been evaluated for use in these cats, while the safety of Revolution Plus® has not been established for breeding, pregnant or lactating cats.

Speak with your veterinarian before choosing a treatment if your cat:

• has a history of seizures or other neurologic problems

• has reacted to a parasite treatment before

• is pregnant or nursing

• has an existing health condition

• takes other medications

• is very young

• has symptoms you are unsure about

How Are Revolution® and Revolution Plus® Applied?

Both are monthly spot-on treatments.

Part the hair at the base of your cat's neck so you can clearly see the skin. Apply the full contents of the correct tube directly to the skin according to the product directions.

Avoid applying the treatment only to the surface of the coat. Correct skin application is important.

It is also a good idea to weigh your cat periodically. If your cat gains or loses enough weight, you may need to move to a different treatment size.

Revolution® or Revolution Plus®: Which Should You Choose?

For many cat owners, the choice comes down to one practical question:

Does your cat need tick protection?

If the answer is yes, Revolution Plus® provides broader coverage because it protects against multiple tick species as well as fleas, ear mites, roundworms and hookworms.

If tick protection is not needed, Revolution® may already provide the parasite coverage you are looking for.

Whichever product you choose, use the correct size for your cat's current weight, follow the directions carefully and keep treatment on schedule.

Note: This guide is written for U.S. cat owners and reflects current manufacturer information for Revolution® and Revolution Plus®. Product packaging and approved claims may vary between countries.