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Flea
Cat Deaths Caused by Flea Products
by Jeff Grognet, DVM, BSc (Agr) and Louise Janes, BSc(Agr), DVM
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center logged over 1000 reports of poisoning in companion animals from tick and flea products in just one month. The majority of these cases involved permethrin, an insecticide found in over 18 brands of permethrin “spot-on” products.
Although permethrin is very effective at killing fleas and has been deemed safe for dogs, it is highly toxic to our feline friends. If it is put directly on a cat, it can cause death. Poisoning can even occur if a cat has close contact with a treated dog – just snuggling beside him at nap time is hazardous.
Symptoms of permethrin poisoning usually develop within 48 hours of application. Cats develop localized muscle twitches that are visible through the skin. This worsens into whole body tremors and finally, convulsions. Many cats seizure uncontrollably until they die from respiratory paralysis.
Permethrin has had a tainted history. It has been available for years in a variety of flea sprays and foams. These products are quite safe because they contain only low levels of permethrins. A decade ago, it was discovered that high concentrations of permethrin, when applied directly to the skin kills fleas effectively for 3 to 4 weeks. The first one of these products to be marketed was only available through veterinary hospitals.
Few veterinarians would promote the product because the toxicity concerns in cats made it a potential liability. The manufacturer, hungry for sales, made the product available through retail stores. Concentrated permethrin products are now sold in most supermarkets and many pet stores as “spot-on” treatments for dogs.
Why have so many cats been poisoned with these products? Firstly, these products are highly toxic to cats. Second, people don’t read or digest label information with enough care. Even though a label says for use in dogs only, some people still think – if it works for the dog, it will work for the cat! Finally, the label doesn’t discuss the risks that cats face if they come in close contact with treated dogs.
If you use a permethrin-containing product, please keep it away from your cats. If you need to treat your cat, use a product designed for him. A spot-on containing methoprene is available from pet stores. It is safe for cats and though it doesn't kill adult fleas well, it does stop the flea life cycle.
Veterinarians have a safe way to treat fleas in both dogs and cats. Advantage is an insecticide that kills adult fleas readily for 3 to 4 weeks, keeping your pets comfortable. If you are not seeing fleas but want to prevent your house from becoming infested, we recommend Program. Dogs get a monthly tablet. For cats, there is a Program injection that lasts a full six months. You never have to give a pill again!
For more information contact Dr. Jeff Grognet or Dr. Louise Janes at
Mid-Isle Veterinary Hospital,
5-161 Fern Road West,
Qualicum Beach, B.C.
Tel (250) 752-8969
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