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My cat had Advantage, but I washed it off. Can I apply Frontline?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 13 lbs

We put advantage on our cat, but washed it off with a bath (dish soap) in less than 12 hours. Can we apply frontline? Adult cat, 13 lbs. advantage was applied on Tuesday.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on May 6th, 2017

The two treatments are not closely related but I would still recommend 7-10days before reapplying. You do not mention why you washed off the advantage but I would recommend combing with a flea comb to remove fleas in the meantime if still present. It may be worth considering using comfortis or capstar tablets if he does not tolerate spot on medications (it is often the carrier and not the active ingredient that pets are sensitive to)

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
No, it's not safe to apply Frontline on Bucky now. If it was on him for a couple of hours, it would have had time to dry and it's impossible to know how much was absorbed. Typically it's not safe to reapply flea treatments for at least another two weeks, so you will have to wait. I'm not sure why you washed off the Advantage, but I would not recommend using Frontline. I personally have seen resistance with it in my own pets, and I have many colleagues who have seen resistance with it as well. Advantage is a great spot on treatment, but if you want to use another brand, I recommend Revolution.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Darvishian
Veterinarian
Published on December 15th, 2017
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Toby. Yes, using a detergent or a soap based shampoo will strip off some of the product if not all since you did it one day after applying. Even after the product translocates over the body, bathing throughout the next 30 days can strip off product and decrease its effectiveness. I always advise using a shampoo that doesn't contain soaps and detergents for this reason. This type of shampoo won't strip the product off and decrease its activity. I think you can reapply Advantage but I would call Bayer and talk to their veterinary team for a consultation. It's free and they will give you the green light I think. Here's their number- 1800 008 757. Tell them you want to talk to tech support regarding applying Advantage. Good luck
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 9th, 2019
It's fine to put on Porter now. I'd also give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas in 30 minutes. Disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Cat still has fleas after Frontline. How long to wait for Advantage?

Wait at least one more week. Be sure to apply the liquid directly to the skin, not on the fur. If Cricket has been bathed, or will be bathed, wait at least 2-3 days before or after a bath. These topicals use the oils in the the skin to spread. A bath removes the oils which can affect the treatment. Use the appropriate size for her weight. Don't forget to treat the environment, since most fleas live off of the pet. Vacuum everywhere and dispose of the bag or empty the canister outdoors immediately after. Wash all bedding in the hottest water allowable by fabric and dry in the dryer. Use a cat safe area treatment to prevent reinfestation.

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Can I apply Frontline to my cat a week after Sergeant flea treatment?

Cats can be sensitive to flea medications. For that reason it is safest to wait 2 weeks between products even with different ingredients. Your vet can prescribe a cap star which is a pill that will last for a day that can help while you wait the remaining time

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Cat's flea treatment not working. Can I safely apply Frontline now?

Since both Sentry and Frontline use the same active ingredient (fipronil) it is unlikely that you will see better protection switching to the Frontline. You will need to choose a product with a different ingredient, like Advantage or Revolution or a Seresto collar. If you choose to use another topical, I would recommend bathing your kitty today to remove any remnants of the Sentry, and wait 3 days to apply the next topical. It is important to wait after bathing so that the natural body oils have time to coat the skin to ensure adequate absorption. You do not need to wait or bathe to use a Seresto collar.

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My cat still has fleas after Frontline. Can I use Advantage II now?

Hi and thanks for your question. Yes, advantage 2 large cat can be used but not after frontline was just applied last week. Frontline is indicated for a month, so I would wait another 3 weeks until administering the Advantage 2 large cat. You run the risk of overloading her system otherwise. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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Kitten bathed after flea treatment. Should I reapply Advantage?

I would check the instructions on the package of the product you applied for instructions but most say not to bathe within 24 hours of application. I would be worried about overdosing as she would have absorbed most of the chemical already but some may have washed off. I would wait to retreat and see if there are any live fleas in a few days. You can continue treating with grooming with a flea comb and treated baths until the package says you can retreat (usually a month later)

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My cat still has fleas after Advantage. What flea treatment can I use?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, you may in about 5-6 days. However, I would highly recommend you use a stronger and likely more efficacious product. There are plenty of flea products in the market and a lot of them are very effective. I prefer Bravecto and Frontline plus. You can pick one of those products. The nice thing about Bravecto is that it is very effective and it is only applied once every 3 months. You can also use a product called Capstar along with one of the previously mentioned products which can help kill a lot of fleas at once. Remember to vacuum all the surfaces that have contact with your pup regularly. This is very likely going to work well. Good luck and have a great day!

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My cat got underdosed Frontline. Can I reapply safely for fleas?

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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