Sentry Fiproguard Plus Dosage For Cats: Calculator, Chart & Safe Guide
If you just picked up a box of Sentry Fiproguard Plus dosage for cats and you’re staring at the tube wondering “how much dose of this do I actually use,” here’s the short answer: one full tube, once a month, no matter how big your cat is – as long as your cat weighs at least 1.5 lb and is at least 8 weeks old.
The complete dosage schedule, how it works, detailed instructions, all label warnings and side effects, and the most frequently asked questions by cat owners are found below.
This article is to provide information only and should not be used in place of advice from your veterinarian. Please refer to the product label before using.
Quick Facts
- Contains the ingredients Fipronil (9.8%) and (S)-methoprene (11.8%).
- Dose: 1 tube, dose as per weight of cat
- Your Cat Must be at least 8 weeks old and weigh 1.5 lb or more
- Frequency: Once every 30 days
- Location of application: Between the shoulder blades (in the middle of the back)
- Not for use on cats less than 1.5 lb, cats 8 weeks or younger, or rabbits or other non-feline pets
What Is Sentry Fiproguard Plus Dosage for Cats?
Sentry Fiproguard Plus is a topical (spot-on) flea, tick and chewing lice treatment designed for cats and can be purchased over the counter. Made by Sergeant’s Pet Care Products, it’s frequently touted as a Frontline Plus alternative, containing the same two ingredients.
Some of the formula is made up of two compounds that function together:
- Fipronil medication acts on contact with the skin and fur, and is effective against adult fleas, ticks and chewing lice.
- (S)-methoprene is an insect growth regulator (IGR). It is not a flea adulticide; rather it prevents the growth of flea eggs and larvae to biting, breeding adult fleas, thereby stopping the reinfestation cycle in your home.
When combined, these ingredients not only tackle the flea problem on your cat, but also disrupt the flea life cycle and prevent a new generation from getting a foothold.
How Sentry Fiproguard Plus Dosage Works
This is the most important aspect that most articles do not cover and is the most important to know about before using this product.
Sentry Fiproguard Plus for Cats is only one formulation and one size of tube as opposed to many dog flea treatment products that are available in several tube sizes that correspond to weight ranges. The label will not require you to compute mg per pound or to split a tube. It simply requires:
- The cat is at least 1.5 lb.
- 8 weeks of age or older
If both of these are true, use the whole contents of one applicator tube on that cat, apply as one spot between the shoulder blades. The kitten weighing 2lbs receives the same tube as the cat weighing 14lbs – no up or down scaling for weight.
Why Isn’t It Weight-Based?
The manufacturer provides one concentration effective for all cat and kitten weights greater than 1.5 lb since fipronil and (S)-methoprene are not absorbed and dosed systemically like an oral medication, but are applied topically to the skin and coat.
That is also why there are separate cat and dog formulas—dog formulas are made at higher (often higher) concentrations to cater for much bigger weight ranges and using a dog formula on a cat can be dangerous or fatal.
Sentry Fiproguard Plus Dosage Chart
| Cat’s Weight | Age | Dose | Notes |
| Under 1.5 lb | Any age | Do not use | Below minimum label weight |
| 1.5 lb and up | Under 8 weeks | Do not use | Below minimum label age |
| 1.5 lb and up | 8 weeks and older | 1 full tube | Same dose regardless of weight above 1.5 lb |
No dose adjustment for cats that are considerably above the minimum weight; no part-tube dose. Giving half a tube to each cat and reserving half a tube “for later” is not an effective sub dose and is not recommended on the label.
How to Apply Sentry Fiproguard Plus to Your Cat
- Firstly, weight and examine your cat’s age. Before opening a tube, make sure they are 1.5 lb and 8 weeks old at minimum.
- Remove 1 applicator from the box. Avoid opening tubes that are not needed at this time.
- With the tube held upright (notched end up and pointed away from your face), snip the end of the tube along the score line with scissors.
- Using the tube tip, part your cat’s fur between the shoulder blades, low enough so it can’t reach to lick the fur.
- Extrude the whole tube directly onto the skin (not only on the fur) in one location.
- Keep your cat still for a couple seconds to allow the fluid to distribute and be absorbed.
- Discard empty tube in regular garbage bagged waste.
- Keep treated cats away from other pets for 24 hours to avoid the risk of cats grooming the product off each other and eating it.
Frequency
Apply every 30 days. Even if you still see fleas in your house, after the first week or two, don’t reapply early – it takes time for an existing infestation to clear and dosing more frequently than once a month will not help and will increase the risk of side effects.
Uses and Benefits
- Kills adult flea on contact
- Stops the flea reproduction cycle in and around the house by killing both the flea eggs and larvae.
- Effective at killing ticks, including those that can transmit Lyme disease.
- Kills chewing lice
- Starts to work soon after applying and lasts for approximately a month
- Will not be washed off by bathing, swimming or rain, as long as the application site is dry.
- Safe for use on breeding, pregnant and nursing cats
- No prescription required
Side Effects and Warnings
Sentry Fiproguard Plus for cats dosage is generally safe for most cats, however, the following reactions are listed on the label:
- Temporary “startle” response to the feeling of the fluid being applied.
- Some irritation of the skin from the application – redness, scratching or discomfort usually goes away by itself
- If the cat licks or eats the product, excess salivation or foaming at the mouth, most commonly seen when grooming another cat treated too soon after application.
If you notice skin irritation that is not improving, wash the area with a mild soap and rinse with water, and if improved or persists, see your veterinarian. If your cat has an unusual response following its first application, consult your veterinarian before using it again in a month.
If your cat eats the product and drools or foams at the mouth, feed them immediately (this will help to dilute product in the mouth) and watch them closely for 24 hours. If the symptoms do not improve or get worse, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center.
Call a vet or poison control hotline immediately if the child is vomiting, has tremors or difficulty breathing, unusual lethargy or any reaction that is severe or worsening.
Drug Interactions and Precautions
- Do not use more than one pesticide/flea product at a time. Although each product has been used correctly, an overdose type reaction can occur when using Fiproguard Plus along with another flea/tick topical, oral or collar product.
- Some drugs may interact with pesticide products. If your cat is on any other medications, supplements or other flea products, be sure to inform your veterinarian before beginning a new flea control regimen.
- If your cat is elderly, debilitated, on other medication, has a known organ condition (especially liver or kidney), consult a veterinarian first as these cats may be more sensitive to any topical medication.
- Never use a dog flea/tick product on a cat. Many dog formulas contain a much higher concentration of active ingredients or other ingredients altogether (such as permethrin) that can be deadly to cats.
- Do not use on rabbits or other non-feline pets.
Is It Safe for Kittens, Pregnant, or Nursing Cats?
- Kittens: Safe for kittens 8 weeks old and older, weighing 1.5 lbs. or more. Never use on kittens less than 8 weeks of age.
- For pregnant and lactating cats: This product is labelled for use in breeding, pregnant and lactating cats. When in doubt about timing in relationship to pregnancy or lactation, consult the veterinarian first.
- Senior or medically compromised cats: Do not use on senior cats, cats taking other medication or cats with known organ dysfunction without consulting veterinarian.
Sentry Fiproguard Plus vs. Frontline Plus for Cats
| Feature | Sentry Fiproguard Plus | Frontline Plus for Cats |
| Active ingredients | Fipronil 9.8%, (S)-methoprene 11.8% | Fipronil 9.8%, (S)-methoprene 11.8% |
| Minimum weight | 1.5 lb | 1.5 lb |
| Minimum age | 8 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Dose scaling | One dose for all eligible cats | One dose for all eligible cats |
| Kills fleas, eggs, larvae, ticks, chewing lice | Yes | Yes |
| Manufacturer | Sergeant’s Pet Care Products | Boehringer Ingelheim (Merial) |
| Typical price point | Generally lower cost per dose | Generally higher cost per dose |
Sentry Fiproguard Plus contains two active ingredients in the same proportions as Frontline Plus for cats, making it a lower-priced alternative. This is a stand-alone product; NOT a Frontline product.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- If a cat is larger, they need more – NO, the dose remains the same.
- This under-doses both cats and can leave them vulnerable, by splitting one tube between two cats to save money.
- Using it on a less than 8 week old kitten based on the theory that “it’s just a little bit”
- Early reapplication due to flea still visible on week one
- Applying a dog product to a cat (and vice versa)
- Combining it at the same time with another flea/tick product – collar, oral, topical, or another topical.
- Allowing cats to groom each other immediately after application.
Myth vs. Fact
Myth: “The bigger cat requires more of the product than the smaller cat.
Fact: The dose is set at one full tube to be used in any eligible cat > 1.5 lb irrespective of the weight of the cat.
Myth: “If I see fleas a few days after it’s used it didn’t work.
Fact: If an existing household infestation is being treated, it may take time for the flea problem to be solved; a few fleas may still be visible shortly after treatment.
Myth: “If I use less of the dog version on my cat it’s okay.
Fact: Dog and cat formulas don’t mix, even in small amounts, dog formulas can be deadly for cats.
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FAQs
What is Sentry Fiproguard Plus used for?
A monthly topical application for cats that kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks and chewing lice and helps to prevent reinfestation.
How much Sentry Fiproguard Plus do I give my cat?
One tube per cat once a month, regardless of exact weight of cat as long as cat is at least 1.5 lb and 8 weeks old.
Is it safe to use Sentry Fiproguard Plus on a kitten?
Yes, as long as the kitten is at least 8 weeks old and 1.5 lb. Should not be used on younger or smaller kittens.
What is the difference between Sentry Fiproguard Plus and Frontline Plus?
It is made and sold at the same concentration as the same active ingredients, but is a different and independent product (not concocted by Frontline’s manufacturer).
What is the frequency of use?
Once every 30 days. Don’t apply more frequently than that.
May I use one tube for two cats?
No. It is specifically labelled to not split a tube between pets as this will under-dose both cats.
Is it safe for pregnant cats or nursing cats?
The label says it can be used on lactating, breeding and pregnant cats.
If my cat licks the application area, what will happen?
Look for salivation, drooling or foaming at the mouth. If this occurs, feed your cat and watch for 24 hours, or contact your veterinarian if they do not improve or get worse.
Alternatively, can I use a dog flea product on my cat?
No. Dog and cat flea/tick products are different and cannot be interchanged; dog products are potentially dangerous, if not deadly, for cats.
How long does it take to work?
It starts to take effect soon after being applied and lasts for approximately 30 days, even if it gets wet by bathing or exposure to water once the site dries.
Should I do anything if my cat does not like it?
Call the veterinarian immediately or a veterinary emergency clinic or animal poison control center if the veterinarian is not open for business.
Is it OK to apply a different flea treatment concurrently?
No. The use of more than one pesticide product at the same time can mean an increased risk of adverse effects, even if the individual products are applied at the correct dose.
Does it offer protection against tick borne diseases?
It is effective at killing ticks which can transmit some diseases, such as Lyme disease, but this decreases (not eliminates) the risk of transmission – prompt removal of attached ticks is still very important.
What’s the difference between Sentry Fiproguard and Sentry Fiproguard Plus?
Fiproguard Plus also contains the pesticide fipronil and the larvicide (S)-methoprene that will affect eggs and larvae as well as adults; read your pesticide label, which may be different for different packages.
Where to apply the Product?
Directly on the skin (not just on the fur) at one place between the cat’s shoulder blades, where it is not easy for the cat to lick.
Final Thoughts
The key to Sentry Fiproguard Plus dosage for cats is that there is no scale for calculating the dosage – it’s one tube, one time per month, for all cats 1.5 lb or more, 8 weeks old or older. The true test of whether your cat is eligible to use it (old enough and heavy enough), and whether you use it correctly, and the handful of side effects described on the label are worth considering.
If you are unsure about your particular cat, especially kittens that are close to the weight/age limits, senior, or cats taking other drugs, it is best to consult your veterinarian before applying it for the first time.
