The label is the law. Rates and restrictions below are taken from the product labels listed under Sources. Your product's own label governs; read it before you mix or apply. Mixing calculator · Disclaimer
- Active ingredient
- Spinetoram (a mixture of spinetoram-J and spinetoram-L) (CAS 187166-40-1 and 187166-15-0)
- Chemical class
- Spinosyn; IRAC Group 5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor allosteric modulators, Site I.[2][1]
- Mode of action
- IRAC Group 5: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric modulators, Site I: spinosyns[2]
- Signal word
- Cheristin for Cats (alternate names include Advantage Fast-Acting Flea Treatment for Cats and Advantage Flea Treatment for Cats): Caution[1]
Who it is for
Use it only on cats and kittens at least 8 weeks old that weigh at least 1.8 pounds. One dose size covers every cat in that range, and it is not labeled for dogs.[1]
Watch your cat after each application. If side effects appear, the label says to contact your veterinarian; Elanco also takes side-effect reports by phone.[1]
How spinetoram kills fleas
The label explains that spinetoram activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in insects at a site separate from neonicotinoids and fiproles. Fleas develop tremors and muscle contractions, then paralysis and death.[1][2]
Where it is used
Part the fur at the base of the skull until skin shows, then squeeze the tube 2 to 4 times to empty it onto that one spot. Applying there, not between the shoulder blades, makes it harder for the cat to lick off.[1]
The label says it starts killing fleas within 30 minutes and keeps working for a full month. Monthly treatment is recommended to keep reinfestations from taking hold.[1]
In homes with several cats, keep them from grooming one another until the treated spot has dried. Never give a cat a double dose.[1]
Children shouldn't apply it, and they shouldn't touch a treated cat until the product is dry.[1]
Products and registrations
| Product | Registrant | EPA Reg. No. | Active % | Formulation | Signal word |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheristin for Cats (alternate names include Advantage Fast-Acting Flea Treatment for Cats and Advantage Flea Treatment for Cats)[1] | Elanco US Inc. | 72642-10 | 11.2% | topical spot-on solution | Caution |
Label rates
| Product | Use | Pests | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheristin for Cats (alternate names include Advantage Fast-Acting Flea Treatment for Cats and Advantage Flea Treatment for Cats) | Cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older weighing at least 1.8 lb | Fleas (cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis) | 0.7 mL product per cat per month[1] One applicator tube holds 0.023 fl oz (0.7 mL). The same single dose is used for every cat that qualifies, no matter its size. |
Safety and environmental hazards
People
Signal word CAUTION: harmful if swallowed and causes moderate eye irritation. Wash with soap and water after handling, and keep it away from your eyes and clothing.[1]
Pets
For cats and kittens only, and only on the skin. Ask a veterinarian first for cats that are medicated, debilitated, old, pregnant, nursing or sensitive to pesticides. Reported side effects include hair loss, greasy or matted fur, redness and itching where applied, plus vomiting, inactivity and poor appetite.[1]
Bees and pollinators
The label has no bee statement. The solution is applied to a single spot on a cat's skin, not sprayed outdoors.[1]
Fish and water
Never pour unused product down a drain or on the ground. Empty tubes go in the trash.[1]
Common questions
- Is Cheristin the same as Advantage Fast-Acting Flea Treatment for Cats?
- Yes. EPA added the Advantage names as alternate brand names on the same registration, 72642-10, which contains 11.2% spinetoram.[1]
- How fast does spinetoram kill fleas on cats?
- The label says it starts working within 30 minutes and kills fleas on cats within 8 hours.[1]
- What if my cat licks it or a child swallows some?
- The label says not to let cats ingest it. If a person swallows it, call a poison control center or doctor right away, have them sip water if they can swallow, and don't induce vomiting unless told to.[1]
Sources
- U.S. EPA Pesticide Product Label System, “Cheristin for Cats label, EPA Reg. No. 72642-10 (EPA-stamped, Feb. 13, 2026).” www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/072642-00010-20260213.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Insecticide Resistance Action Committee, “IRAC Mode of Action Classification Scheme, Version 11.5 (Feb. 2026).” irac-online.org/documents/moa-classification/ (accessed 2026-10-06)