When it comes to protecting our pets from fleas and ticks, it’s crucial to use the right treatment for the right species. While it may seem convenient and economical to administer the same flea and tick treatments to your dogs and cats, it can cost you the life of your beloved cat.
In this blog, we’ll discuss why you should not give dog flea and tick treatments to cats and how to identify treatment toxicity in cats. Understanding these reasons and the importance of giving cat-specific treatments will help keep your feline friend safe and healthy. By the end, we’ll also suggest some effective treatments that are safe for cats.
So stay tuned!
What Makes Dog Flea and Tick Treatments Dangerous for Cats?
Many flea and tick treatments for dogs contain chemicals such as Pyrethrins or Permethrin which are toxic to cats. Pyrethrins are a class of organic compounds that are naturally found in chrysanthemum flowers and are widely used as insecticides. Pyrethrins also have a group of synthetic derivatives called Pyrethroids and among them, Permethrin is the most commonly used substance in dog treatments.
Cats have a unique liver metabolism and are not able to quickly break down these substances, making them toxic for felines. Moreover, Permethrin, despite having a synthetic resemblance to Pyrethrins, is more toxic to cats due to their longer residual persistence.
These chemicals are common in several formulations for dogs, such as insecticides, flea and tick treatments, sprays, liquids, etc. Dog treatments containing Pyrethrins, Pyrethroids, or Permethrin, when used on cats, can have toxic effects on felines. If the exposure of your cat to these harmful substances is not promptly addressed, it can lead to grim consequences, and you may end up losing your beloved pet.
Other Causes of Flea and Tick Treatment Toxicity in Cats
Apart from the fundamental composition of treatments, there are other causes for treatment toxicity in cats. The commonly observed reasons are:
- Sensitivity to the treatment
- Overdosing of the treatment
- Administration not as per the instructions
- Ingestion of a topical treatment
- Close contact with other treated animals
Signs of Flea and Tick Treatment Toxicity in Cats
Here are the signs that indicate toxicity in cats if they ingest or come in contact with a dog flea and tick treatment.
- Twitching
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Hiding
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Abnormal breathing
- Lack of coordination
Treatments that are Safe for Cats
Now that you know the reason why dog flea and tick treatments are not safe for cats, let’s look at some treatments that you can give to cats without any worries.
- Bravecto Plus for Cats
- Frontline Plus for Cats
- Revolution for Cats
- Capstar for Cats
- Seresto Collar for Cats
- Advantage Multi for Cats
- Credelio for Cats
Things to Keep in Mind While Administering Treatments to Cats
When using a flea and tick treatment, here are a few practices to prevent your cat from suffering in the long run.
- Always read the label before starting any treatment.
- Be cautious when using flea and tick treatments on senior cats.
- Any treatment with Pyrethrins, Pyrethroids, and Permethrin is a big NO for cats.
- After administration, always observe your cat for some time. If you notice any unusual behavior or reaction, promptly consult your vet.
- When using any environmental treatments such as spray or foggers, make sure to remove your cat from the scene. Also, the utensils, water dishes, and food should not be exposed to the treatment.
Parting Words
With the information shared above, you can see why selecting the right flea and tick treatment for cats is imperative. Furthermore, given the overwhelming number of products with peculiar suitability criteria, selecting one product that is effective and safe for your cat is a difficult feat. Therefore, you must consult your vet to narrow down to the best possible treatment for your cat.s