What are the tablets for ticks for cats called? - briefly
Oral tick-control tablets for cats are marketed as prescription flea‑and‑tick medications, commonly sold under brand names such as Bravecto, NexGard and Simparica. These products are administered once monthly or every three months, depending on the specific formulation.
What are the tablets for ticks for cats called? - in detail
The oral medication designed to eliminate ticks on felines is marketed under the name Bravecto Chewable Tablet for Cats. Its active ingredient, fluralaner, belongs to the isoxazoline class, which interferes with the nervous system of arthropods, causing rapid paralysis and death. A single dose provides protection for up to 12 weeks, covering both fleas and ticks, including species such as Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor variabilis, and Ctenocephalides felis.
Key characteristics of the product include:
- Formulation: Small, flavored chewable tablets formulated for easy administration to cats of at least 2.8 kg body weight.
- Dosage: Calculated on a per‑kilogram basis; the manufacturer supplies a dosing chart to ensure accurate dosing for each weight range.
- Spectrum of activity: Effective against adult ticks, tick larvae, and adult fleas; does not treat mite infestations or heartworm disease.
- Safety profile: Clinical trials demonstrate a high margin of safety when administered according to label instructions; adverse events are rare and typically limited to mild gastrointestinal upset.
- Regulatory status: Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for use in cats.
Alternative oral options for tick control in cats are currently limited. Most other tick products for felines are available as spot‑on treatments (e.g., selamectin‑based products) or collars. Consequently, Bravecto remains the primary oral solution recognized by veterinarians for systemic tick management in cats.