Hollywood Pet Hospital: Warning for Cat Owners about Flea and Tick Products

		3565 NE Sandy Blvd Portland, OR 97232 Phone: (503) 234-9229 Fax: (503) 234-1584 staff@hollywoodpet.com

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Flea Season is here!
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 it on your cat could be deadly. "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 could be lethal to 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.

Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center web site for information about . . .

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