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My cat has fleas after Advantage II. Can I reapply it in 48 hours?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hi! I just got a new cat, and he came with some fleas. I applied the Advantage II gel on Monday, it was supposed to kill fleas in 12 hours. today he still had them. I took him to a groomer with a flea dip and vacuumed the whole house. came back and found two living ones on him. I know that the most you're supposed to apply Advantage is a week apart, but if I didn't get enough on his skin, is it safe to apply 48 hours apart? thanks

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on September 5th, 2017

Hi and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Advantage II is not safe to use twice in 48 hours. The product safety specifications indicate that it should not be applied more often than once every 7 days for cats. I would not want to overload her system with more topical product in case she received a full dose and all of the dose was absorbed. In a week, it would be okay to apply another application.

Hope this has helped!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 15th, 2018

    Hello!

    Advantage is supposed to be used every 30 days, so it is likely that they are overdue for their next dose and that is why the fleas have returned.
    You can go ahead and apply their next dose, then be diligent for the next couple of weeks about cleaning bedding in the house to remove any flea eggs from remaining in the environment.

    I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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