Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cat is acting strange and lethargic after Bravecto. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 2 years and 10 months old | 7 lbs

I administered a dose of Bravecto to our cat about 8 hours ago. She has been acting strange, trying to lick at the area (i don't believe she is able to reach it), lethargic and will not let me near her. She always wants me to play and pet her. This is abnormal behavior and I am trying to discern whether she needs emergency care or if this will just pass. The flea treatment was given to me by our vet, which is closed now and it was a sample to try on her.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 29th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to the area feeling different after application of the Bravecto. There are possible reactions associated with any medication or preventative product given to an animal though this would be an unusual reaction to a topical flea preventative like Bravecto. If the skin around at the site it was administered looks normal (not irritated or inflamed) and she is otherwise doing well, I would continue to watch her for now and have her evaluated by your veterinarian tomorrow if no improvement. If she appears to be too different to what she normally is, have her evaluated tonight to ensure she is not having an unusual reaction to the Bravecto. I think she is likely reacting to the application of the product because she can feel something in her skin that she is not used to rather than having a complication. I understand your concern and I hope that she starts acting more like herself quick. Good luck!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has a skin issue. Is it mites or ringworm? What's the treatment?
Concerned about Spiky's unknown condition? A certified veterinarian discusses potential mite infestation or ringworm, stressing professional diagnosis and treatment.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?
Pet still itching after treatment? A Petco vet clarifies it may not be ear mites. Discover effective solutions like Revolution or consulting an exotic vet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Is my pet's occasional sneezing and eye crust a URI symptom?
Is your pet Barry occasionally sneezing or showing eye crust? A trusted vet offers insights on common respiratory concerns and when to seek professional advice.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?
Nike's worsening sores and constant scratching worry his owner. A certified Petco veterinarian offers expert guidance on potential causes like bacterial infections and next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored