Frequently asked questions

Use the handy filters below to find answers about our products and the broad range of parasites we protect against.  If you have any further questions, please call our Customer Care team on
0800 800 822 and we will be happy to help.

Cats

  • What is NEXGARD SPECTRA Spot-On Solution for Cats?

    NEXGARD SPECTRA Spot-On Solution for Cats is a parasiticide (i.e. something that kills parasites). It is a liquid containing three active ingredients, applied in one spot on the cat’s neck, to kill worms and ear mites, and provide month long protection against fleas and ticks.

  • Should I give my cat a worm pill at the same time as NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats?

    No.  NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats is effective against roundworms, hookworms, lungworms and tapeworms and therefore an oral worm pill is not needed

  • How does NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats work?

    There are three active ingredients in NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats. Esafoxolaner targets fleas, ticks and ear mites; eprinomectin targets lungworms, hookworms, and roundworms; and praziquantel targets tapeworms. Each ingredient works in a slightly different way on the target parasite, but broadly speaking, they work by causing the parasite to be unable to regulate their own nervous systems, resulting in the parasite’s death. 

  • Why should I choose NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats?

    There are two good reasons – first, NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats is the most comprehensive parasiticide available for cats in New Zealand, so you can treat for all the main external parasites and internal worms of concern in one simple treatment. The second reason is the monthly treatment intervals. This is perfect for protecting against roundworm which is a significant risk to human health and can pass from cat to human. It takes a roundworm just five weeks to mature and start laying eggs, so monthly treatment stops that. If you leave it longer than five weeks to treat for worms again, that gives the roundworm the opportunity to lay eggs – up to 200,000 per day!

  • How long does it take NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats to kill fleas?

    NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats will start working within just a few hours of administration. Like all flea treatments, a flea must be exposed to the product in order to be killed. Fleas that jump on your cat will die within 24 hours, before they can reproduce and lay eggs. It is important to understand that only 5% of the flea population lives on pets. The remaining 95% lives in the environment and that means your cat can pick up new fleas when they go out exploring. However, regular monthly treatment will keep your cat protected and prevent flea infestations happening in the home.

  • How do I apply NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats?

    To apply NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats pull back the plunger slightly, remove the cap, place the tip of the applicator on the skin. Apply the contents directly on the skin in one spot on the midline of the neck between the base of the skull and the shoulder blades. Refer to the label insert before use.

  • How old does my kitten need to be before I can treat with NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats?

    NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats 0.3 mL can be used on kittens 8 weeks of age or older and weighing 0.8kg or more.

  • What is the weight range for NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats?

    NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats is available in two treatment volumes. A volume of 0.3 mL is for kittens and small cats 0.8-2.4 kg and 0.9 mL for cats 2.5-7.4 kg. Cats 7.5 kg or more must be given the appropriate combination of treatment volumes. Refer to the label insert for guidance

  • Can I split one applicator of NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats to treat two cats?

    No. For accurate treatment, the correct dose should be applied as one full applicator.

  • Why does the NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats applicator look like a syringe?

    The applicator design gives cat owners clear visibility ensuring complete and accurate dosing, and ensures the product is easy to apply.

  • How often should I treat with NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats?

    Treat monthly for optimal parasite control. Monthly worming is recommended for cats that have access to the outdoors, and for cats that live with children, the elderly or immunocompromised.

  • What happens if my cat licks where I applied NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats?

    If licking occurs shortly after application, a brief period of hyper-salivation may occur due to the taste of the product. This is normally short-lived with no long-lasting effects. 

  • Is NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats safe to use on any breed of cat?

    NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats is safe and effective in any breed of cat starting at 8 weeks of age and weighing 0.8kg or more.