For cat parents, it’s not easy to choose a parasite preventive for their furball. Even a product that looks good on paper may be difficult to apply to a cat that won’t sit still. While many cat parents prefer topical solutions, they then face a second question: which topical product is going to be appropriate for my cat?
To help you take an informed decision, we have included here information about two popular topical products: Bravecto Plus and NexGard Combo. In this blog, we will discuss Bravecto Plus vs. NexGard Combo for cats, such as what exactly they are and their similarities and differences, to help you understand both options.
Keep reading to learn more!
Overview of Bravecto Plus
What is Bravecto Plus for Cats?
Bravecto Plus for cats is a topical solution for heartworm prevention, along with protection against fleas and ticks, as well as roundworms and hookworms. The solution is applied directly to the skin at the back of the cat’s neck, and it helps protect cats from 5 types of parasites.
What are the active ingredients in Bravecto Plus, and how do they work?
Bravecto Plus combines two active ingredients: fluralaner and moxidectin.
Fluralaner interferes with specific chloride channels in the nervous systems of susceptible parasites, disrupting normal nerve function.
Moxidectin acts on GABA and glutamate-gated chloride channels in susceptible parasites. By disrupting normal nerve and muscle activity, it causes paralysis and eventually the death of the parasites.
Which parasites is Bravecto Plus labeled for?
According to the product label, Bravecto Plus is indicated for the following uses:
- Prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis
- Treatment of intestinal roundworm infection caused by Toxocara cati (4th stage larvae, immature adults, and adults)
- Treatment of hookworm infection caused by Ancylostoma tubaeforme (4th stage larvae, immature adults, and adults)
- Killing of adult fleas and treatment and prevention of flea infestations caused by Ctenocephalides felis
- Treatment and control of infestations caused by black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, Asian longhorned ticks, and Gulf Coast ticks
How often is Bravecto Plus applied, and which cats are eligible?
Bravecto Plus is administered as a single topical dose every two months, based on the cat’s body weight. It is indicated for cats and kittens that are at least 6 months old and weigh at least 2.6 pounds.
Overview of NexGard Combo
What is NexGard Combo for Cats?
NexGard Combo for cats is a topical solution designed to provide broad-spectrum parasite protection. It protects against fleas and ticks and prevents heartworm disease, as well as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, for a month.
The solution is applied directly to the skin by parting the cat’s hair along the midline of the neck, between the base of the skull and the shoulder blades. Applying it at the recommended site helps minimize the possibility of the cat grooming or licking the product.
What are the active ingredients in NexGard Combo, and how do they work?
NexGard Combo contains three active ingredients, namely, Esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel.
Esafoxolaner targets specific chloride channels in insects and acarines that are involved in transmitting nerve signals. By disrupting these signals, it causes uncontrolled nervous system activity, leading to death in insects and acarines.
Eprinomectin targets glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of susceptible parasites. This allows chloride ions to enter the cells, disrupting their normal activity and causing paralysis and death.
As for Praziquantel, treated tapeworms experience muscular paralysis, a rapid influx of calcium ions, and disruption of the tegument.
Which parasites is NexGard Combo labeled for?
According to the product label, NexGard Combo is indicated for the following uses:
- Prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis
- Treatment and control of roundworm infections caused by Toxocara cati (4th stage larval and adult)
- Treatment and control of hookworm infections caused by Ancylostoma tubaeforme (4th stage larval and adult), and adult Ancylostoma braziliense
- Treatment and control of tapeworm infections caused by Dipylidium caninum
- Killing of adult fleas and treatment and prevention of flea infestations caused by Ctenocephalides felis
- Treatment and control of black-legged tick and lone star tick infestations
How often is NexGard Combo applied, and which cats are eligible?
NexGard Combo is applied as a topical dose once a month, based on the cat’s body weight. NexGard Combo is safe for cats and kittens that are at least 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 1.8 pounds, when used as directed.
Similarities Between Bravecto Plus and NexGard Combo
Before exploring the key differences, let’s look at what Bravecto Plus and NexGard Combo have in common.
- Both are topical combination products.
- Both products are indicated for heartworm prevention in cats.
- Both kill adult fleas and treat and prevent flea infestations.
- Both treat and control black-legged tick infestations.
- Both treat and control roundworm and hookworm infections.
- Both topical treatments use weight-based dosing according to the cat’s body weight.
Although these similarities give the products comparable roles in parasite prevention, their coverage and dosing schedules differ. They should not be considered interchangeable without veterinary guidance.
Differences Between Bravecto Plus and NexGard Combo
Active ingredients:
Bravecto Plus combines two active ingredients: fluralaner and moxidectin. In comparison, NexGard Combo is formulated with three active ingredients: Esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel.
Dosing frequency:
For cat flea and tick prevention, Bravecto Plus is applied every two months and NexGard Combo is applied every month.
Parasite coverage:
Ticks
Bravecto Plus covers four tick species, including black-legged tick, American dog tick, Asian longhorned tick, and Gulf Coast ticks for two months. In comparison, NexGard Combo treats and controls black-legged ticks and Lone Star ticks for one month.
Intestinal worms
Bravecto Plus covers only one species of hookworm, Ancylostoma tubaeforme; on the other hand, NexGard Combo covers two species of hookworm, including Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Ancylostoma braziliense.
NexGard Combo treats and controls tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) infection in cats, which Bravecto Plus does not.
Age and weight requirement:
Bravecto Plus is indicated for cats 6 months of age and older, while NexGard Combo is for cats over 8 weeks of age. The minimum weight requirement for Bravecto Plus is 2.6 pounds, and for NexGard Combo, it is 1.8 pounds.
Bravecto Plus and NexGard Combo: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Which is suitable for my cat? Bravecto Plus or NexGard Combo?
Neither is automatically the right choice for every cat, and no head-to-head evidence is cited here to support calling one better than the other. Instead, consider the following questions when discussing your options with your veterinarian:
- Which parasites pose a risk to your cat based on its lifestyle and location?
- Does your cat meet the product’s labeled age and weight requirements?
- Which dosing interval can you follow consistently?
- Does your cat have any health considerations?
- Are there any product-specific safety precautions?
Final Thoughts
Bravecto Plus and NexGard Combo are both topical treatments for fleas, ticks, certain intestinal worms, and heartworm disease prevention. Both products offer heartworm prevention for cats but differ in ingredients, dosing interval, tick species coverage, tapeworm coverage, and age and weight requirements. Talk to your veterinarian about a suitable parasite-control option for your cat. You can explore cat parasite treatments and a variety of pet care products at DiscountPetCare to help keep your feline friend comfortable.
