Cat Flea Repellent Safety and Permethrin Poisoning Warning | ForeverPets.hk

I recently saw a heartbreaking post on a Facebook group: a parent misused flea spray for dogs, causing their beloved cat to develop convulsions, a high fever, and other symptoms of poisoning . Emergency veterinary care saved the cat's life, but did you know? Over 80% of cat poisoning cases are caused by a common ingredient, permethrin . Just how much of a risk do flea sprays for dogs have on cats ?

As guardians of our furry friends, we must recognize the hidden risks in everyday products. Many insect repellents , environmental sprays, and even electric mosquito coils may contain permethrin , which can easily harm cats . Don't let ignorance become a sharp weapon. Learn to protect your furry friends in 3 minutes:

1️⃣ The fatal difference between permethrin and cats and dogs

Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid commonly used in canine flea control products. It is relatively safe for dogs, but extremely toxic to cats. This is mainly because cats lack the glucuronyl transferase enzyme in their livers that is needed to metabolize permethrin. This causes permethrin and its metabolites to accumulate in the nervous system, causing nerve overexcitation and damage. [2] [3]

Dogs' metabolic systems are able to effectively break down permethrin, making it safe for use in canine insecticides; however, cats can be severely poisoned by even small amounts of permethrin, with symptoms including muscle tremors, seizures, drooling, ataxia, and even respiratory failure and death. [2] [3] Cats can also be poisoned by contact with dogs that have just used canine insecticides. [2]

2️⃣ 5 Ways to Identify Cat Safety Risks

When choosing insecticide products, pet owners should pay special attention to the following five identification methods to avoid the risk of permethrin poisoning:

  1. Check ingredient labels : Avoid products containing the words "Permethrin" or "Pyrethroid," as these ingredients are highly toxic to cats. [2] [5]

  2. Confirm the intended species : If the product packaging states "For dogs only" or "Not for cats," do not use on cats. [2] [5]

  3. Note the difference in concentration : dog drops contain 45-65% permethrin, while cat products typically contain little or no permethrin. [3]

  4. Avoid cross-contact : In multi-pet households, avoid contact between cats and dogs that have just used dog deworming spray, and keep cat litter boxes and dog resting areas separate. [3]

  5. Choose safe products recommended by your veterinarian : Use a veterinarian-approved insect repellent designed specifically for cats, such as a product containing ingredients like Fipronil, or a natural plant-based insect repellent. [5]

3️⃣Golden Steps for Emergency Treatment of Permethrin Poisoning

If you suspect your cat has been exposed to permethrin, take the following steps immediately:

  1. Contact a veterinarian immediately : Permethrin poisoning progresses rapidly, and early diagnosis and treatment significantly improves survival rates. [2]

  2. Decontamination : Wash your cat's skin thoroughly with warm water (32-38°C) and a pet-safe wash to remove any remaining toxins. [3]

  3. Supportive care : Veterinarians may prescribe intravenous fluids to protect the kidneys and intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) to bind free toxins. [3]

  4. Seizure control : Antiepileptic drugs (such as midazolam) are used to control convulsions and seizures. [3]

  5. Temperature monitoring and regulation : Be careful to prevent excessive hyperthermia or hypothermia, as abnormal body temperature can aggravate the symptoms of poisoning. [3]

References

Previous Next