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Warning for Cat Owners about
Flea and Tick Products
The following information comes from the
ASPCA.
Never use flea and tick medicine for dogs on cats.
If the label says “for use on dogs only,” believe it - putting a medication for dogs on your cat could be a deadly mistake.
“As different as dogs and cats” was never truer; flea control products that can be used safely
for dogs can be fatal to cats, even in small amounts.
“...even a few drops of concentrated
permethrin can be lethal for a cat.”
An example of such a species difference is permethrin sensitivity in cats. There are over 18
brands of permethrin spot-on products available that are labeled for “dogs only.” These contain
high concentrations (45-65%) of permethrin insecticide and are used for flea and tick control.
These permethrin products have a good margin of safety when used on dogs, but even a few
drops of concentrated permethrin could be lethal to a cat. Cats are most commonly exposed to
these products through inappropriate application by their owners. The signs commonly seen
with permethrin toxicity in cats include generalized tremors, muscle fasciculation and seizures.
Signs can develop within hours or may be delayed up to 48 hours.
 Most cats will recover with prompt and aggressive veterinary treatment, including tremor control
with intravenous methocarbamol. The best way to avoid serious problems is
always always use products strictly according to their label directions. Owners should
always read the label instructions completely before using ANY product on their pets.
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