Surely only outdoor cats need parasite protection?

Some pet owners assume that indoor cats don’t require the same level of protection against parasites as outdoor pets. After all, only free-roaming felines are at risk of infection right? Wrong. The reality is that cats with any exposure to the outdoors face the same risks as outdoor cats. A recent study showed that among indoor cats, more than 54% had at least some form of outdoor access, and 77% shared a home with other pets that can bring the “outdoors” inside.¹ The belief that indoor pets don’t need protection unfortunately leaves many cats susceptible to infection.

The numbers add up.

So, indoor cats may come in contact with parasites. Big deal. What are the odds of it happening? Well, in truth, fairly good. The incidence of parasite infection in indoor cats bears this out, with more than 1 in 4 cats infected with heartworms being described as “indoor only” cats in multiple studies.² This is also true with fleas. In the same study mentioned earlier, nearly half (48%) of indoor cat owners saw fleas on their cat.¹ Fleas pose a particularly persistent risk to pets since their breeding habits can quickly produce large infestations. These infestations turn carpets into

a haven for fleas of all stages. Each female adult flea can lay up to 40–50 eggs a day, keeping the infestation

going_strong.³

For indoor and outdoor cats, BRAVECTO® PLUS makes protection easy.

In a single dose, BRAVECTO PLUS (fluralaner and moxidectin topical solution) provides 2 months of protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease^.4 It also treats intestinal parasites such as roundworms and_hookworms.⁴

Two months of extended protection makes it easier for cat owners to achieve continuous coverage for their pets and is easier on cat owners than monthly products. In fact, 97% of pet owners were highly satisfied/satisfied with using an extended-duration BRAVECTO product.¹ BRAVECTO PLUS has demonstrated safety and efficacy for

cats at least 6-months old and weighing at least 2.6 pounds.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, hair loss, itching, diarrhea, lethargy, dry skin, elevated ALT, and hypersalivation. BRAVECTO PLUS has not been shown to be effective for 2 months in kittens less than 6 months of age. For topical use only. Avoid oral ingestion. The safety of BRAVECTO PLUS has not been established in breeding, pregnant and lactating cats. Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Neurologic adverse reactions have been reported in cats receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in cats without a history of neurologic disorders. Use with caution in cats with a history of neurologic disorders. Use with caution in cats that are heartworm positive. The effectiveness of BRAVECTO PLUS to prevent heartworm disease after bathing or water immersion has not be evaluated. Please see full prescribing information at us.bravecto.com.

References: 1. Lavan R, Normile D, Armstrong R, Vaala W. Flea and tick treatment satisfaction, preference, and adherence of US cat owners prescribed topical fluralaner (Bravecto^® Topical Solution for Cats). Open Vet J. 2021;11:80–88. 2. Heartworm. CAPC website. Available at: https://capcvet.org/guidelines/heartworm/. Accessed June 28, 2021. 3. Fleas. Companion Animal Parasite Council website. Available at: https://capcvet.org/guidelines/fleas/. Accessed June 28, 2021. 4. BRAVECTO® PLUS [product label]. Madison, NJ: Merck Animal Health; 2019.

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