As cat owners, besides wishing for fur-free furniture and clothes, we also want our furry friends to live a carefree life. Free of all kinds of discomforts.
That’s why we usually rush to various types of medication when they become ill or bothered by fleas, one of which is Revolution.
Revolution is a topical parasiticide. It’s applied to the kitten’s skin at the base of the neck, in front of the shoulder blades. It protects against heartworm, roundworms, hookworms, fleas, and ear mites.
Now, what if my cat licks Revolution? You see, we apply Revolution on hard-to-reach areas, but it doesn’t stop curious cats from getting to it.
What if My Cat Licks Revolution?
Your furball may try to lick off Revolution while self-grooming. But when that strange flavor reaches their tongue, it may trigger salivation, foaming at the mouth, nausea, or vomiting. Don’t worry, though; during safety studies, they tested Revolution’s safety in the case of accidental oral ingestion. The symptoms mentioned earlier were the only ones observed. And they were a reaction to its taste, not systemic toxicity.
What Should I Do if My Cat Licked Revolution?
Luckily, according to the Pet Poison Helpline, the treatment for such a case is pretty simple. They suggest giving your kitty a tasty snack, such as tuna, and having them drink water.
How Long Does Revolution Take to Dry?
After two hours, you can cuddle up with your furry bud and even shower them. Revolution is a quick-drying product that is also waterproof after 2 hours of application.
How to Prevent Your Cat From Licking Revolution
To begin, make sure you’re applying it the right way:
- Hold your cat firmly.
- Part her fur at the base of her neck (don’t apply when the haircoat is wet).
- Glide it along visible skin (don’t apply to broken skin as it contains alcohol).
It’s advisable to place a collar/cone after applying Revolution to limit their access to it. Also, if you have more than one cat in the house, keep them separated, so they don’t lick it off each other.
And it’s always best to be cautious and proactive. If you don’t have a collar, attempt to keep your furball from licking it until the product has completely dried. When it’s dry, it should not cause the same reaction when licked. So, make sure you have her favorite toy on hand!
Related: Advantage vs Catego In-Depth Comparison
How Often Should You Apply Revolution?
Once a month, especially during flea season. Begin one month before fleas become active. That’ll help kill existing fleas and reduce the possibility of flea eggs. Revolution’s protection begins after two hours of application and lasts for up to a month.
Here’s how it works, it kills heartworms and intestinal worms once it reaches your cat’s bloodstream. It acts fast after application. Then it starts attacking fleas, flea eggs, and external parasites as it reaches the skin and hair.
How Fast Does Revolution Work?
Generally, Revolution starts repelling fleas after half an hour. It should be in full-cycle within 24 hours. It kills more than 98% of adult fleas within 36 hours. They don’t jump off your cat alive but rather surface to your cat’s fur coat and then fall off dead.
Related: Is it okay that my cat’s fur looks separated?
What Are the Side Effects of Revolution?
Revolution, like any other medication, has some side effects. One of the most common is hair loss at the application site.
You may also notice hyperactivity. Because as it hits your cat’s bloodstream, her body reacts with increased heartbeats. This can make your cat uncomfortable and more anxious as time passes by. After an hour or less, everything should be back to normal.
Other reported side effects include:
- Itching
- Digestive difficulties
- Anorexia
- Urticaria
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Ataxia
- Fever
- Vomiting
We can’t say how long the side effects will last as each kitten has her tolerances and sensitivities to the medication components.
It’s uncommon for cats to experience these side effects for an extended period of time. Yet, a small percentage of cats have experienced some of these side effects for weeks.
Must Read: The Full Catego vs Revolution Comparison
Revolution Allergy
Although the product is tested and proven to be safe, some kitties may develop an allergic response. Such as:
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Inflammation of the skin/skin rashes
- Hair loss
- Lethargy
- Respiratory issues
as a result of their immune system overreacting to a component of the medication.
Please seek medical help if your furry friend experiences any concerning symptoms. Even if the symptoms of an allergy are usually minor, you must inform your veterinarian.
And, of course, you’ll want to avoid using Revolution in the future if your cat reacts to it. There are, thankfully, other options for flea and heartworm prevention.
When Should You Steer Clear From Revolution?
Revolution’s manufacturer, Zoetis, provides an important safety warning. It states that you shouldn’t use it on sick, weak, or underweight cats. Also, you should only use it on cats eight weeks and older.
However, Revolution is safe to use on pregnant and nursing cats.
Does Revolution Affect Humans?
Revolution contains isopropyl alcohol. So you should use caution when applying it to your cat. Immediately wash your hands and rinse with soap and water if it gets on your skin.
Individuals have reported itching, hives, and skin redness on rare occasions. If you’re hypersensitive to Revolution, you should be extra cautious or delegate this task to your veterinarian.
Tips on How to Properly De-flea!
When it comes to fleas, make sure you:
- Comb your furball with a fine-toothed metal flea comb. Before using flea treatments to see if you need one, and after using flea treatments to see how far they’ve come.
Don’t forget to dip the comb immediately after usage in a mixture of warm water and a detergent to kill the fleas.
- Clean your house on a regular basis. Believe it or not, this helps a lot with the defleaing process. A female flea can lay a large number of eggs per day, and they can easily find their way to carpets and furniture.
That’s why you should vacuum thoroughly. Try to reach every corner of your home and furniture, especially in areas where Mr. Fluffers sheds a lot of hair.
Must Read: Cat Calling As If In Heat While She’s Already Pregnant
To Wrap Up
If your kitten licked Revolution, or if you see someone asking, “what if my cat licks Revolution?” You now have a good idea of what to do and how to act.
It’s normal for your cat to try to lick Revolution. And if they do, don’t freak out at the sight of them foaming from their mouths; it’s them reacting to its bitter taste.
In case of noticing any alarming symptoms, please call your veterinarian.