Michael “Dr. T” Tokiwa, DVM, owner of Progressive Veterinary Care in Skillman, New Jersey, and creator of the radio show and YouTube channel “The Collaborative Vet,” has been a practicing veterinarian for a quarter of a century. He’s also a cat owner and understands how difficult it can be to establish a parasite protection routine for our feline friends.
NexGard COMBO topical solution is Dr. Tokiwa’s preferred solution. We talked with Dr. Tokiwa to learn what makes the product different and why he chooses it for his clients and personal pets.
Q: What challenges and barriers to care do cat owners face?
A: We all struggle with the same universal truth that cats do what they want. Getting them to the vet is akin to a hostage negotiation, and you might need a suit of armor to give them medication. If things are stressful in the house, they have litter box rebellion. So, cat owners face many challenges in providing optimal care.
Q: Why is it important to overcome these barriers to establish a preventive care routine?
A: Cats are masters of deception, so they don’t look sick until they’re really sick. There’s also a misconception that indoor cats aren’t exposed to parasites. Spoiler alert: Fleas, worms, and other critters don’t care where your cat lives. We should focus more on protecting cats instead of treating issues later, which can be expensive.
Q: How do you improve parasiticide compliance with cat owners in your practice?
A: We reassure cat owners that we’re on their side and don’t judge them for long gaps between visits, which helps build trust. Education is also key, so we explain that parasites aren’t just gross; they’re also dangerous to pets. We make it easy for them to comply by suggesting NexGard COMBO topical solution, a One-And-Done, easy-to-apply solution with no pills or wrestling matches required.
Q: How does NexGard COMBO support cat health?
A: I think of it like a force field preventing heartworm disease, protecting against fleas and ticks, and treating and controlling roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms with one application. NexGard® COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution) is a simpler way to keep cats healthy that minimizes stress and struggle. By controlling tapeworms, it addresses an ick factor that can negatively impact the relationship between cats and their owners.
Q: Why do you recommend NexGard COMBO topical solution?
A: NexGard COMBO topical solution is well tolerated and makes life easier for the cat. It checks all the boxes. The applicator is a game-changer, and the whole design is cleaner. There’s no guessing about whether you applied all of it on the cat. And, because it’s alcohol-free, it eliminates the twitchiness some cats get with other products. Even opening the package is easier.
Q: What does Boehringer Ingelheim do to instill your confidence in their products and support your team?
A: Boehringer Ingelheim is ahead of the curve in providing safe and effective products, and the company invests in valuable research. They don’t expect veterinarians to trust them blindly; they back up their products
with studies, education, and ongoing support, including the
NexGard COMBO Satisfaction Guarantee. They give us the tools to educate cat owners and build trust. Our representative comes in, trains the team, and provides fun things for us to do.
Q: How do your clients and practice benefit from Boehringer Ingelheim programs like Healthy Habits Kits or Greenline®?
A: Compliance skyrockets when you make it easy for clients to do the right things. And that’s what Boehringer Ingelheim programs do. Healthy Habits Kits set clients up for success, and Greenline® gives them instant savings at checkout so we can keep costs low and compete with online retailers. When that product goes out the door with the client, I know the pet will be protected.
Visit NexGardCOMBO.com or talk to your local Boehringer Ingelheim representative to learn more about how NexGard COMBO topical solution can improve parasiticide compliance for your cat-owning clients.
*Dr. Tokiwa was compensated for his participation and the thoughts and opinions expressed are his own.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: NexGard® COMBO is for topical use only in cats. Use with caution in cats with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, application site reactions, and anorexia. If ingested, hypersalivation may occur. Avoid direct contact with application site until visibly dry. For more information, see full prescribing information or visit NexGardCOMBOClinic.com.
NexGard® is a registered trademark and NexGard COMBO™ is a trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health France, used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner. ©2025 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. US-PET-0260-2025