NexGard Spectra represents a significant advancement in feline parasite control, offering a unique combination of broad-spectrum protection and palatability in a chewable format. For cat owners who struggle with applying topical solutions, this product provides a convenient and stress-free alternative. It is designed to comprehensively protect cats from a wide range of both external and internal parasites with a single monthly dose. As a newer product in the market, understanding its specific benefits of
Nexgard for cats, mode of action, and appropriate usage is essential for pet owners considering it for their feline companions. It’s crucial to approach this medication with a full understanding of its capabilities and limitations, ensuring it aligns with your cat’s health needs and lifestyle. The following list delves into the ten most critical aspects of NexGard Spectra, from its active ingredients and parasite spectrum to important safety considerations, empowering you to have an informed discussion with your veterinarian.
1. It’s a Broad-Spectrum Chewable Parasiticide
The most distinctive feature of NexGard Spectra is its formulation as a tasty, beef-flavored chewable tablet. This is a major advantage for cats and owners who find topical applications difficult, messy, or stressful. The palatability is high, meaning many cats will consume it readily as a treat, eliminating the need for restraint and messy application between the shoulder blades. This oral administration ensures the entire dose is delivered directly and accurately, avoiding potential issues with water exposure or improper application that can affect topicals.
2. It Combines Two Powerful Active Ingredients
NexGard Spectra’s efficacy comes from a dual-active formula:
– Esafoxolaner: This compound belongs to the isoxazoline class. It works by selectively blocking neurotransmitter receptors in the nervous systems of parasites, leading to uncontrolled nervous activity and death. Esafoxolaner is highly effective against external parasites like fleas and ticks.
– Eprinomectin: This is a broad-spectrum endectocide from the avermectin class. It works by increasing the permeability of chloride ions in parasite nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death. Eprinomectin is responsible for controlling internal parasites, including nematodes (roundworms, hookworms) and preventing heartworm disease. A key benefit of eprinomectin is its safety profile, as it has a low milk excretion rate, making it suitable for breeding queens.
3. Delivers Comprehensive Monthly Protection
NexGard Spectra is administered once a month. This monthly schedule provides a consistent and easy-to-remember routine for pet owners, ensuring there are no gaps in protection. The product is effective for the entire month, killing parasites before they can cause significant harm or establish infestations. This regular dosing is particularly important for parasites like heartworms, where consistent monthly prevention is critical to killing the larval stages transmitted by mosquitoes before they mature into adults.
4. Know the Extensive Range of Parasites It Controls
NexGard Spectra offers one of the broadest spectrums of protection available for cats. It is indicated for:
– Fleas: Kills fleas and treats flea allergy dermatitis.
– Ticks: Kills multiple species (including the Paralysis tick, Brown dog tick, and Bush tick).
– Mites: Treats and controls ear mite infestations and mange mites (Otodectes cynotis).
– Intestinal Worms: Treats and controls roundworm (Toxocara cati) and hookworm (Ancylostoma tubaeforme) infections.
– Heartworm: Prevents heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis).
– Lungworm: Helps in the control of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (feline lungworm).
5. It is a Prescription-Only Medication
Due to its potent pharmaceutical ingredients, NexGard Spectra is classified as a prescription-only product. This means it cannot be purchased without a valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian. This safeguard is in place to ensure a veterinarian assesses your cat’s health, confirms its weight accurately, and determines that the product is appropriate for your cat’s specific circumstances. This professional oversight is crucial for managing potential risks and ensuring the product’s safe use.
6. Strict Adherence to Weight Bands is Critical
The product is available in different sizes corresponding to specific weight ranges for cats (e.g., 1.2-2.5 kg, 2.6-5.0 kg, 5.1-8.0 kg). It is absolutely essential to weigh your cat accurately and administer the correct dose. Under-dosing may result in inadequate protection, while over-dosing increases the risk of adverse reactions. Never split a chewable intended for a larger cat, as the active ingredients may not be distributed evenly throughout the tablet.
7. Understand the Safety Profile and Potential Side Effects
While generally well-tolerated in most cats, NexGard Spectra can cause side effects. The most commonly observed reactions are mild and transient, often related to the digestive system, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or a temporary lack of appetite. As with all isoxazoline-class drugs, there is a potential for neurological adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia (loss of coordination), and seizures. The risk of these neurological events is higher in cats with a pre-existing history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Discuss your cat’s full medical history with your veterinarian.
8. Important Contraindications and Precautions
Several key warnings must be heeded for safe use:
– Do not use in sick, underweight, or debilitated cats.
– Avoid use in cats with a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredients.
– Use with caution in cats with a history of neurological disease.
– The product is for cats only. Keep out of reach of children and other animals.
– Although eprinomectin is considered safe for most breeds, use caution in cats deficient in the MDR1 gene (more commonly a concern in certain dog breeds).
9. Follow Proper Dosing and Administration Guidelines
For optimal efficacy and safety, follow these steps:
– Ensure your cat consumes the entire dose. Administer the chewable directly or crumbled into a small amount of food. Observe your cat to confirm it has been fully eaten.
– Dose monthly, approximately on the same date each month. Setting a calendar reminder can be helpful.
– Treatment can be initiated at any time of the year, but year-round administration is recommended for continuous protection, especially in regions with mild winters where parasites remain active.
10. The Veterinarian’s Role is Paramount
The final and most crucial point is the necessity of veterinary guidance. Your veterinarian is the only qualified professional who can determine if NexGard Spectra is the ideal choice for your cat. You may also want to consider
Bravecto for cats. Consider factors such as your cat’s age, weight, health status, lifestyle (indoor versus outdoor), and the specific parasite risks in your geographical area. They can also integrate this prevention into a comprehensive wellness plan that includes regular fecal exams and health check-ups, ensuring your cat receives the most effective and safest care possible.
Gary Miller 
