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My cat has Bravecto, but I found a flea. Is it still working?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 2 years and 4 months old | 5 lbs

My cats have been on flea preventatives for 2 years (1st Revolution now Bravecto) w no issues. Last treatment was about 3 weeks ago. Today I found a flea in their bed and when killing it I saw blood. Lucy had an allergic reaction about a week ago but was at the vet and they did not see mites/fleas? Is it possible the Bravecto did not work? I just brushed them and did not see anything else. Could this been a random occurrence? should I treat them with something else?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Linda G,  MS, DVM

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 31st, 2020

Hello. First, no product for fleas is 100% effective. Bravecto is one of my favorites, but we must accept that there will be some breakthrough occasionally. Also, a flea does need to feed in order to die, so it is no wonder that you saw blood in the flea. Nothing we have in the fight against fleas prevents them from jumping on a pet. From there, either they die after feeding, or in the case of something like Frontline, the flea dies when coming in contact with the coat. But a flea can still bite as it is dying. So I think this is a random flea, especially since you are not routinely finding fleas on your pets. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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