What If My Cat Licks Revolution Plus?

Revolution Plus is a topical medication applied to cats to prevent heartworm disease, kill fleas, and treat certain intestinal parasites. The active ingredients can be toxic if ingested, especially for cats that aggressively lick the application site before it dries. Vomiting, drooling, and neurological signs like incoordination or seizures can occur if a cat ingests a toxic dose.

What if my cat licks Revolution Plus? This concerning thought crosses many cat owners’ minds when applying this otherwise safe and effective parasite treatment. We carefully monitor the application site, but our determined kitties often still manage to lick. If this accidental ingestion happens, should we worry?

While drooling or vomiting shortly after application is not unusual, more serious signs like dilated pupils, disorientation, or severe drooling warrant an immediate trip to the veterinarian. There they can provide supportive care until the medication passes through the body. Preventatively, separating kitty during the drying process can help avoid this situation altogether. Still, accidents happen, so vigilance and quick response is key.

Table of Contents

Is Cat Food Safe If My Cat Licks Revolution Plus?

Cat food should still be safe for your cat to eat if they lick Revolution Plus, as long as they don’t ingest large amounts of the medication. Revolution Plus is applied topically in a small volume, so just licking the application site likely won’t cause issues.

 If your cat ingests or licks off a significant portion of the medication, it would be best to consult your veterinarian.

What Chemicals Are In Revolution Plus For Cats?

The active ingredients in Revolution Plus for cats are selamectin and sarolaner. When will my kitten stop running away from me? Selamectin is an endectocide in the avermectin family that treats parasites like fleas, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms. Sarolaner is an isoxazoline that kills fleas and ticks.

Revolution Plus also contains the inactive ingredients butylated hydroxytoluene and isopropyl alcohol.

How Much Revolution Plus Can Cats Ingest From Licking Before It’s Dangerous?

There is no established toxic dose for Revolution Plus ingestion in cats. However, the medication is meant for topical use and should not be ingested. Any ingestion could potentially cause side effects like vomiting, diarrhea or neurologic issues. Even small amounts that are ingested warrant a call to your veterinarian.

What Symptoms Might My Cat Show If It Licks Too Much Revolution Plus?

Possible symptoms if a cat ingests too much Revolution Plus include gastrointestinal signs like vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Neurologic symptoms like uncoordination, tremors and seizures could also be seen, as the isoxazoline ingredient sarolaner has been associated with neurotoxicity. Lethargy or skin irritation at the application site are also potential signs.

Should I Call My Vet If My Cat Licks Its Revolution Plus Application?

You should call your veterinarian if you see that your cat has licked off a significant portion of its Revolution Plus application. Any ingestion of this topical medication warrants a call to your vet. They can then advise you on what signs to monitor for and whether your cat requires treatment based on the estimated amount ingested.

Can Revolution Plus Toxicity In Cats Be Treated By A Vet?

Revolution Plus toxicity in cats can be treated by a veterinarian. According to the search results, signs of toxicity include muscle tremors, drooling, dilated pupils, panting, and lethargy. 

Vets can provide supportive care such as IV fluids, anti-seizure medications if needed, bathing to remove residual product, and monitoring blood work. With prompt, aggressive treatment, many cats recover fully from Revolution Plus toxicity. 

What Emergency First Aid Can I Provide If My Cat Licks Toxic Amounts Of Revolution Plus?

If your cat licks a toxic dose of Revolution Plus, first contact your vet or emergency clinic immediately. While waiting, use dish soap and water to wash off any remaining product from your cat’s fur, but avoid getting soap in your cat’s eyes. 

Try to keep your cat calm by placing them in a quiet, dark room. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet. Monitor breathing rate and signs of seizure activity. Transport to vet clinic as soon as possible. With rapid treatment, prognosis can be good. 

What Tests And Treatment Will The Vet Provide For Revolution Plus Toxicity?

Vets will likely start by inducing vomiting to remove any Revolution Plus still in the stomach, unless seizures are already occurring. They’ll establish IV fluids to maintain blood pressure and support kidney function. Blood work, urinalysis, and blood pressure monitoring can identify any organ issues. 

Anti-seizure medications, bathing, and activated charcoal may be used to absorb toxins. Supportive care with IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, appetite stimulants, and monitoring of kidney values are continued as needed during recovery. 

Treatment Cost If My Cat Gets Sick From Licking Revolution Plus

If a cat licks Revolution Plus, it can make them sick. Signs are drooling, throwing up, or acting nervous. Taking your cat to the vet will cost $50 to $100. The vet may run blood tests that cost $100 to $300. If your cat is dehydrated, IV fluids will cost $80 to $150. If your cat must stay at the animal hospital, it is $80 to $100 per night. The total cost to treat your cat can be $500 to $1,000.

TreatmentCost
Vet Visit$50 – $100
Blood Tests$100 – $300
Iv Fluids$80 – $150
Hospital Per Night$80 – $100
Total Cost$500 – $1,000

The table shows the cost range for treating a cat that gets sick from licking Revolution Plus. The total vet bill can be between $500 up to $1,000 for severe cases needing hospitalization. It is important to prevent licking when putting Revolution Plus on cats to avoid these expenses.

What Is The Prognosis If A Cat Is Treated Promptly For Revolution Plus Poisoning?

With aggressive decontamination, supportive care, and anti-seizure treatment if indicated, prognosis for Revolution Plus toxicity can be good if treated promptly. However, prolonged seizures prior to treatment may cause lasting neurologic damage. Kidney and liver function may also be impacted after toxicity. 

Discuss expected outcomes and recovery time for your individual cat with your veterinarian. Follow all at-home care instructions for bathing and medication administration during recovery period. 

How Can I Prevent My Cat From Licking Its Revolution Plus?

To prevent your cat from licking Revolution Plus after application, follow these steps: Place the medication directly on the skin between the shoulder blades where your cat can’t reach to lick. Distract your cat with treats or playtime for 5-10 minutes after applying to allow the medication to absorb into the skin. 

Monitor your cat for 30 minutes after application to ensure they don’t excessively lick the area. Ask a second person to help apply the medication and distract the cat if needed. Consider placing an E-collar on your cat to prevent licking if they persistently try to lick the medication.

Where On My Cat’s Body Should I Apply Revolution Plus To Prevent Licking?

The best location to apply Revolution Plus is between the shoulder blades in the middle of your cat’s back. This area is very difficult for cats to reach and lick themselves. Part the fur in this area before applying the medication directly to the skin, not on the fur.

Ensure you squeeze out the entire tube’s contents in one spot instead of applying smaller amounts over a larger area, which can increase the risk of licking. 

If your cat is still able to lick their back, apply the medication as close to the base of the neck as possible. Never apply Revolution Plus on the head, legs, belly or tail, where your cat can easily lick it off.

What Distraction Methods Can Prevent My Cat From Licking Revolution Plus?

An excellent way to distract your cat after applying Revolution Plus is to engage them in playtime with interactive cat toys. Toys that mimic prey, like wand toys with feathers or laser pointers, are especially stimulating. Food puzzles filled with treats are another great distraction technique. 

Provide a food puzzle, like a ball with holes that dispenses treats when batted around, immediately after applying the medication. Petting or brushing your cat can also divert their attention. Turn on music or cat TV to captivate your cat’s focus. Offer treats intermittently while distracting to further discourage licking behavior.

How Long After Application Does Revolution Plus Remain Toxic To Cats If Licked?

Revolution Plus is rapidly absorbed into the cat’s skin, so toxicity from licking decreases quickly. According to studies, Revolution Plus is considered safe if licked by cats within 30 minutes after topical application. While Revolution Plus labeling recommends preventing licking for 24 hours, research indicates the medication is absorbed within 30 minutes. 

Observe cats closely for the first 30 minutes to prevent excessive licking and ingestion during this initial absorption period when toxicity risk is highest. Contact your veterinarian if you observe symptoms like drooling, vomiting or lethargy after licking.

What Alternatives To Revolution Plus Are Less Risky If Licked By Cats?

Some alternatives to Revolution Plus that may pose less toxicity risk if licked by cats include: Oral flea and tick preventatives like NexGard or Bravecto chewables, which are administered directly into the mouth. 

Flea collars containing different active ingredients like fipronil or imidacloprid. Spot-on treatments with shorter absorption times like Advantage Multi or Advantage II for cats. Injectable flea and tick preventatives like ProHeart 6 or Bravecto that provide longer protection. Discuss the best choice for your cat with your veterinarian if Revolution Plus ingestion is a concern.

Is It Safe For My Cat To Lick Traces Of Revolution Plus On My Hands?

It’s generally not recommended for cats to ingest Revolution Plus, even in small traces. The medication can have adverse effects if licked off skin or fur before it’s fully absorbed. However, occasional minor exposure is unlikely to cause significant issues. It’s still best to avoid letting cats lick Revolution Plus residue from skin or hands. Washing hands after application helps prevent accidental ingestion.

Can Revolution Plus Be Absorbed Through Human Skin And Poison Cats By Petting?

Revolution Plus is not well absorbed through human skin, so petting cats after application is unlikely to cause toxicity. However, it’s ideal to allow the medication to fully dry on the cat’s fur before extensive petting to minimize transfer.

Any residue on hands could be licked off, so washing hands after application is recommended. Overall risk is low with casual contact once Revolution Plus has dried on the cat’s fur.

What Precautions Should I Take So My Cat Doesn’t Lick Revolution Plus Residue From My Hands?

It’s advisable to thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after applying Revolution Plus. Allowing it to dry on the cat’s fur before petting also helps prevent transfer of residue to hands.

Checking that cats do not excessively lick the application site on their skin reduces accidental ingestion. Keeping treated cats separated from other pets also minimizes secondary exposures. Following label instructions carefully prevents excess medication on hands.

Revolution Plus Residue On Hands Remain Hazardous If Licked By A Cat

There is limited specific data, but Revolution Plus residue likely poses a risk if licked off hands within the first few hours after application. Washing hands soon after applying the medication is reasonable guidance to prevent cat exposure. Risk likely decreases significantly after several hours as the medication dries, but avoiding hand licking is still most prudent.

Should I Always Wash Hands After Applying Revolution Plus To Cats?

Yes, it is strongly recommended to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying Revolution Plus. This helps remove residue and prevents ingestion if cats lick hands. It also reduces risk of human skin irritation.

Hand washing after using any topical flea/tick medication is an important safety step in using the products properly and preventing accidental exposure.

What Toxic Ingredients Are In Cat Foods That I Should Avoid?

Many ingredients commonly found in commercial cat foods can be toxic to cats. These include onions, garlic, raw meat, eggs, liver, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, grapes, raisins, dog food, canned tuna, raw dough, dairy, and more. 

These ingredients can cause a range of health issues for cats, from mild stomach upset to kidney failure or even death depending on the amount consumed. It’s important to read ingredient labels carefully and avoid any cat foods containing these ingredients.

Some preservatives like BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin can also be toxic.

Common Cat Food Ingredients Are Toxic To Cats

  • Onions – Onions contain compounds that can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia in cats.
  • Garlic – Like onions, garlic contains compounds that are toxic to cats and can cause anemia.
  • Xylitol – An artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to cats and can cause liver failure.
  • Chocolate – Contains caffeine and theobromine which are dangerous stimulants for cats.
  • Grapes and Raisins – Contain unknown toxins that can cause kidney failure in cats. Even small amounts are dangerous.

In summary, it’s important to read ingredient labels carefully and avoid feeding cats any products containing onions, garlic, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, grapes or raisins as these can be life-threatening. Stick to high-quality, meat-based cat foods without harmful additives. Consult your vet if you have any concerns about your cat’s diet.

What Symptoms May Develop If My Cat Eats Toxic Cat Food?

Symptoms of toxicity from eating unsafe ingredients can range from mild stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea to severe reactions like seizures, difficulty breathing, coma or death. Toxins like onions, garlic and chocolate can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells leading to anemia. 

Grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure. Raw meat and eggs may contain pathogens leading to food poisoning. Liver contains too much vitamin a, causing bone & tissue damage. Reactions depend on the toxin and amount consumed.

How Can I Check Cat Food Labels To Avoid Toxic Ingredients?

Read ingredient lists carefully and avoid any cat foods listing onions, garlic, chocolate, alcohol, grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts. Also avoid generic terms like meat by-products, animal digest, artificial flavors or added sugars which may indicate harmful contents. 

Look for quality named protein sources like chicken, turkey or fish. Call manufacturers if ingredients seem unclear. Vet-approved or veterinary prescription diets have more oversight on ingredients.

What Cat Foods Are Safest For Avoiding Poisoning From Toxins?

The safest cat foods avoid ingredients known to be toxic to cats like onions, garlic, alcohol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, etc. They use quality named protein sources like chicken, turkey, eggs or fish instead of meat by-products or animal digests. 

Grain-free, limited ingredient diets with minimal additives are ideal for avoiding allergens and additives that may be unhealthy. Prescription or veterinary approved therapeutic diets made for cats with food allergies or certain health conditions are also very safe options. Reading labels carefully is key.

Frequently Asked Question

Is It Dangerous If My Cat Licks Revolution Plus?

Yes, Revolution Plus can cause drooling, vomiting, and agitation if licked off the skin before fully absorbed.

How Long Does Revolution Plus Take To Absorb Into Cat’s Skin?

Revolution Plus takes about 24-48 hours to fully absorb into a cat’s skin.

What Should I Do If Cat Licks Revolution Plus Residue?

Contact your vet if cat licks Revolution Plus before it has fully absorbed; monitor for vomiting, drooling and agitation.

Is It Ok To Pet Cat After Applying Revolution Plus?

Yes but best to allow the medication to thoroughly dry first to avoid residue transfer to hands.

When Is It Safe For My Cat To Groom After Revolution Plus Dose?

It’s recommended to keep cats separated for a few hours after Revolution Plus application to prevent licking and ingestion.

Conclusion

Revolution Plus is a topical medication applied to cats to treat fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites. It is very effective when used properly. However, there is some risk if a cat licks the medication.

The active ingredients in Revolution Plus can cause drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, and other side effects if a cat licks a large amount. Most cases of a cat licking Revolution Plus do not cause serious issues. But it’s best to monitor the cat after application. Prevent licking as much as possible. Contact a vet if the cat seems ill.

Overall, Revolution Plus is very safe when applied correctly. But do take care that the cat does not ingest too much by licking the application site. Monitor the cat and contact a vet with any concerns.

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