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PetDosageChart

Topical antiparasitic (avermectin) · For Cats

How much Revolution (Selamectin) can I give my cat?

Standard Revolution dose for cats is 6 mg per kg (2.72 mg per lb), given once monthly (topical application). Use the calculator below for your cat's exact weight, or jump to the weight-by-weight chart.

Onset
12-24 hours for flea kill, full protection within 24-36 hours
Duration
1 month
Class
Topical antiparasitic (avermectin)

Calculator estimate from Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. Not yet vet-reviewed — see our methodology .

This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator · 01

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By Weight

Revolution dose by cat weight

Pick your cat's weight to jump to a dedicated page with the dose, frequency, safety notes, and FAQ for that size.

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Dosage Chart · 02

Revolution dosage for cats by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe Frequency
3 lbs (1.4 kg) 8.5mg 8.5mg 17mg once monthly (topical application)
4 lbs (1.8 kg) 11mg 11mg 21.5mg once monthly (topical application)
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 14mg 14mg 27.5mg once monthly (topical application)
6 lbs (2.7 kg) 16mg 16mg 32.5mg once monthly (topical application)
7 lbs (3.2 kg) 19mg 19mg 38.5mg once monthly (topical application)
8 lbs (3.6 kg) 21.5mg 21.5mg 43mg once monthly (topical application)
9 lbs (4.1 kg) 24.5mg 24.5mg 49mg once monthly (topical application)
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 27mg 27mg 54mg once monthly (topical application)
12 lbs (5.4 kg) 32.5mg 32.5mg 65mg once monthly (topical application)
14 lbs (6.3 kg) 38mg 38mg 75.5mg once monthly (topical application)
16 lbs (7.3 kg) 44mg 44mg 87.5mg once monthly (topical application)
18 lbs (8.2 kg) 49mg 49mg 98.5mg once monthly (topical application)
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 54.5mg 54.5mg 109mg once monthly (topical application)
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 68mg 68mg 135.5mg once monthly (topical application)

Common Uses · 03

What is Revolution (Selamectin) used for in cats?

flea prevention heartworm prevention ear mite treatment roundworm treatment hookworm treatment

Administration · 04

How to give Revolution to your cat

Part the fur at the base of the skull (between the shoulder blades where your cat cannot lick) and apply the entire contents of the tube directly onto the skin. Do not apply on top of the fur. Allow the area to dry completely before petting. Do not bathe your cat for at least 2 hours after application. If you have multiple cats, separate them after application until the product dries to prevent grooming each other.

Available Forms

topical

Give with Food?

No — can be given without food

Side Effects · 05

Side effects of Revolution in cats

Common side effects

temporary hair loss at application site
mild skin irritation
transient drooling if licked
mild lethargy

Serious side effects — call your vet

  • severe skin reaction at application site
  • tremors or incoordination (rare)
  • persistent vomiting
  • seizures (rare, in overdose)

Emergency · 06

When to call the vet

Call your vet immediately if your cat shows any of these signs:

  • Severe skin redness, swelling, or blistering at application site
  • Tremors, staggering, or seizures
  • Persistent drooling or vomiting after application
  • Lethargy lasting more than 24 hours
  • Signs of an allergic reaction (facial swelling, difficulty breathing)

For Dogs

Looking for Revolution dosage for dogs?

View the Revolution dosage chart and calculator for dogs.

Related · 08

Related medications for cats

Sources · 09

Sources & references

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Selamectin.

Read more about our methodology and how we calculate dosages.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, the reference used in US vet schools. Every dose, frequency, and tablet count on this page is generated from that data, then checked against the published references below.

Sources cited
  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula
Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 6 mg per kg (2.72 mg per lb) of body weight, given once monthly (topical application). The calculator multiplies that basis by your cat's weight and rounds to the closest available tablet size.
Last-reviewed status
Automated from Plumb’s, not yet vet-reviewed.

More on our methodology and editorial process — how we source, calculate, and review cats dosage data.

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

Does Revolution protect cats against heartworm?
Yes, Revolution (selamectin) prevents heartworm disease in cats by killing the immature heartworm larvae transmitted by mosquitoes. While heartworm is less common in cats than dogs, it can be fatal with no approved treatment for adult heartworms in cats, making prevention critical — especially for cats that go outdoors or live in heartworm-endemic areas.
Can I use dog Revolution on my cat?
No, never use dog-formulated Revolution on a cat. The concentrations differ between species formulations, and using the wrong product could result in overdose or underdose. Always use the cat-specific product and the correct weight range for your cat.
How long after applying Revolution can I pet my cat?
Wait until the application site is completely dry, typically 30 minutes to 2 hours. Once dry, normal petting is fine. Avoid directly touching the application spot for the first 24 hours, and wash your hands if you do contact the wet product.
Does Revolution kill ticks on cats?
Standard Revolution (selamectin) does not reliably kill ticks. Revolution Plus (selamectin + sarolaner) was developed to add tick protection along with broader parasite coverage. If tick prevention is needed, ask your vet about Revolution Plus or other tick-specific products safe for cats.
Is Revolution safe for kittens?
Revolution is approved for kittens 8 weeks of age and older and weighing at least 2.5 lbs. It has a wide safety margin and is one of the most commonly recommended parasite preventives for young kittens. Do not use on kittens younger than 8 weeks.

Safety · 10

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