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my cat got poisoned by flea treatment what should i do

by Berenice Lowe Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

If your cat experiences flea control product poisoning, contact your veterinarian. And, while waiting for an appointment, most recommend that you immediately wash your fur baby with warm water and a mild detergent, like Dawn® dishwashing liquid. Please make sure you pat them dry and keep them warm.

What to Do if Your Dog or Cat has Flea Control Product Toxicity. If you notice any signs of toxicity, contact your veterinarian. It is generally recommended that you immediately wash your pet with warm water and a mild detergent, such as Dawn® dishwashing liquid.Aug 17, 2018

Full Answer

What to do if your cat has flea and tick poisoning?

Apr 15, 2022 · Prevention Of Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats All insecticides should be used strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and they should be kept out of the reach of cats. Dog parasite control products should never be applied to cats. Conclusion

Can cats get flea treatment poisoning by accident?

Dec 24, 2010 · Immediate Care If your cat is wearing a flea collar or other insect repelling device, remove it. Call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680 immediately to determine if your cat has been poisoned. Veterinary Care Diagnosis Diagnosis is based on symptoms and history of recent exposure to pyrethrin-containing products.

How to get rid of fleas on cats?

Apr 15, 2022 · Check your yard for toxic plants, and bar your cat’s access to these plants. Keep all over-the-counter and prescription medicine and supplements in a closed cabinet. Avoid using over-the-counter flea treatments, flea collars, and sprays that contain permethrins on your cat. Permethrins are extremely toxic to cats.

What causes Flea and tick medicine poisoning in cats?

Jan 31, 2022 · If your cat experiences flea control product poisoning, contact your veterinarian. And, while waiting for an appointment, most recommend that you immediately wash your fur baby with warm water and a mild detergent, like Dawn® dishwashing liquid. Please make sure you pat them dry and keep them warm. You wouldn’t want to lower down their temperature.

How long does flea treatment poisoning last in cats?

24 to 72 hoursThis is especially true for cats, because they groom their entire bodies using their mouth and paws. Most mild to severe clinical signs resolve within 24 to 72 hours.Jan 19, 2009

What happens if my cat accidentally licks flea treatment?

If your pet happens to lick the topical flea medication, give them a small amount of their food to help relieve the bad taste. Next, contact your veterinarian or the APCC for additional steps to take and signs to monitor for.Jul 25, 2016

How long does flea treatment toxicity last?

Diagnosis and Treatment of Flea Medication Overdose Mild cases of flea medication overdose are often self-limiting, with symptoms gradually wearing off over a period of 24 to 72 hours.May 28, 2018

How do you detox a cat from poisoning?

Possible treatment options your veterinarian might prescribe include:An administration of ethanol (in cases of antifreeze poisoning)Fluid therapy (to help to flush the toxin from the body)Muscle relaxants (for tremors)Anti-seizure medication.Induce vomiting.More items...

Can cats be poisoned by flea treatment?

Flea and tick medicine poisoning can be fatal if it is not treated by a veterinarian. Flea and tick medicine poisoning occurs when your cat has a negative reaction to the medication. The chemicals from the medication disrupt the nervous system and can lead to serious health problems.

Will my cat get sick if he licks flea medicine?

The Dangers of cat licking their flea treatment Flea treatments have a lot of active ingredients in them that can be dangerous if your cat licks and ingests them. Cats are very likely to lick their own flea treatments and will often lick other cats, and this can result in flea treatment toxicity.Jun 13, 2021

How do you treat permethrin poisoning in cats?

Five Tips for Treating Cat Permethrin ToxicosisBathing. Bathing is extremely important, and it should be done in lukewarm water with liquid dishwashing detergent. ... Thermoregulation. Muscle tremors caused by permethrin can lead to hyperthermia. ... Intravenous fluid administration. ... Control Tremors. ... Nutritional support.

Why is my cat panting after flea treatment?

Panting is not normal, especially after a flea treatment. They are most likely experiencing a 'flushing' which adverse reactions will bring on, which feels like a wave of heat rising in the body.Feb 11, 2017

Why is my cat salivating after flea treatment?

Sometimes, however, cats do manage to ingest some flea treatment, and the bitter taste results in hypersalivation as the salivary glands produce more saliva to eliminate the taste from the mouth. While this may look dramatic, in most cases it is self-limiting.

How can I treat my cat for poisoning at home?

Flushing the mouth with clean water may help with decontamination. Step 3: If the cat has not already vomited, and the poison is not a caustic or petroleum product (see list below), induce vomiting by giving one tablespoon of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide every ten minutes until vomiting commences.

Can a poisoned cat be saved?

For example, DO NOT induce vomiting in a cat you suspect is poisoned unless you are specifically instructed to do so by a veterinarian. Get the cat to the veterinarian as quickly as possible. A poisoned cat has the best chance of recovery if she is treated right away. The sooner, the better.

Can you save a cat that has been poisoned?

Call a veterinarian immediately. Always remember that the chances of your cat surviving will be higher if you immediately call the vet. This should be the very first thing to do after stabilizing your cat. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) or the ASPCA Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435).

Can cats be poisoned by flea treatment?

As long as flea treatments are used strictly according to manufacturer’s instructions, the risk of cats being poisoned is exceptionally low.

What do I do if my cat ate flea medicine?

You should contact your DVM veterinarian immediately to explain precisely what has happened, with full details of the products involved. They will...

How long does flea medicine poisoning last?

This depends on how much, of what type, and in what way (skin exposure or ingestion) the cat was exposed to the product. This is a specific questio...

Is flea and tick medicine poison?

Flea and tick medicine is designed to be poisonous to fleas and ticks, but harmless to cats and other animals, as long as it is used correctly. But...

What are the symptoms of flea and tick medication poisoning in cats?

The signs are often non specific, but they often include respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological signs.

Can cats die from flea and tick medication poisoning?

In severe cases of flea and tick medication poisoning, death is possible, and prompt treatment of poisoned cats is essential.

How long does it take to get flea and tick medication poisoning?

Exposure to high levels of flea and tick medication, or even low levels of certain types of flea and tick medication, can cause rapid signs of toxi...

How do I know if my cat has been poisoned?

The signs of poisoning in cats vary dramatically depending on what toxin the cat has been exposed to, the overall health of the cat, how the cat wa...

Can cats recover from poisoning on their own?

Whether or not a cat can recover from poisoning without veterinary treatment depends on the overall health of the cat, the amount of toxic substanc...

How do you save a poisoned cat?

The best thing to do if your suspect your cat has been poisoned is to call your local veterinarian, a local veterinary emergency clinic, or the pet...

About Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats

Pet owners often choose to prevent fleas and ticks in cats and dogs using regular medication, which makes sense, but it’s important to remember that the active ingredients of these products can have a toxic effect on cats in certain circumstances.

What Are The Different Types Of Flea And Tick Medication?

Flea and tick medication works in different ways, requiring different specific approaches to toxicity. The most common products are:

Symptoms Of Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats

While poisoning is unlikely to happen if flea and tick products are used according to manufacturers’ recommendations, mishaps can happen, and they can lead to cats becoming ill and even die following exposure to these medications.

Diagnosis Of Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats

Signs of toxicity include anorexia, salivation/drooling, agitation and restlessness, hyperthermia, vomiting, incoordination, staggering when trying to jump, walk or even just to stand normally.

Treatment Of Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats

The priority initially is to stabilize any general signs of flea and tick medication poisoning and then, if necessary, proceed with the specific treatments to prevent the further absorption.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on the severity of the signs, the type of product involved, and the level of flea and tick medication exposure.

Prevention Of Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats

All insecticides should be used strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and they should be kept out of the reach of cats. Dog parasite control products should never be applied to cats.

How old do kittens have to be to use flea and tick products?

In addition, all flea products have a minimum age for use, kittens must reach a certain age before they can be treated with any kind of flea or tick product. Most products also have a minimum weight. The amount (or dose) of pyrethrin used in a formula often will vary according to a cat’s weight.

What causes a cat to become toxic?

Toxicity can also occur as a result of ingestion, such as when a cat grooms itself or licks another animals (including dogs) that have been treated with a pyrethrin product.

Why are cats more sensitive to fleas than dogs?

Cats are much more sensitive than dogs are to pyrethrins, and because the level of pyrethrins will be higher in a flea repellent that has been formulated ...

Can pyrethrin be used in cats?

Because pyrethrins are so effective at insect control, products that are formulated for insect control in and around the home, including gardens, can also be found in the cat’s environment.

Do you have to separate cats after flea treatment?

Also keep in mind that because cats groom each other, you will need to keep them separated after applying a flea or tick product until the product has dried. Common synthetic pyrethroids: bifenthrin, permethrin, allethrin, tetramethrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin.

What to do if your cat is sprayed with spray?

If your cat has been saturated with spray products, dry it with a warm towel and brush. If mild symptoms continue, bathe your cat using a mild hand-dishwashing detergent.

How long does it take for a cat to recur after flea control?

Hypersalivation may recur for several days after using a flea-control product on an animal. This is especially true for cats, because they groom their entire bodies using their mouth and paws. Most mild to severe clinical signs resolve within 24 to 72 hours.

Do cats like insecticides?

Cats are more sensitive to these insecticides than dogs are ; they have less-efficient metabolic pathways, extensive grooming habits, and long hair coats that can retain large quantities of a topically-applied product.

Can cats get hypothermic?

Additionally, these reactions may become worse if the cat is hypothermic (low temperature). The condition described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how it affects dogs, check out Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning in Dogs.

Can pyrethroids cause muscle tremors in cats?

Symptom and Types. Cats are especially sensitive to pyrethroids. When treated with concentrated permethrin-containing products labeled for use on dogs, they typically develop muscle tremors, incoordination, seizures, hyperthermia, and death within hours if the toxicity is not treated. Phenothrin spot-on products may result in similar ...

What to do if your cat is poisoned?

The best thing to do if your suspect your cat has been poisoned is to call your local veterinarian, a local veterinary emergency clinic, or the pet poison hotline at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Make sure your cat is in a safe place, and remove any access to toxins.

How to protect your cat from poisoning?

By educating yourself about what is not safe for your cat, and making mindful changes in your environment to keep your cat away from these substances, you and will protect your cat from accidental poisoning . Who knows – you may even save a friend’s cat’s life as well.

Why do cats lick themselves?

Many cats live unsupervised and outdoors, where they can come into contact with toxic substances. Many pet parents don’t even realize their cat has been poisoned because they didn’t see their cat come into contact with the toxic substance. Cats lick themselves to groom, and accidentally ingesting a substance while grooming is a common cause ...

How to tell if a cat is poisoned?

Typically, if signs of poisoning are going to show up they tend to occur all of a sudden, i.e. the cat was fine and now he is not, however, in some cases, the response can be delayed 24 hours or longer. The most common signs of poisoning in cats include: 1 Vomiting 2 Drooling 3 Diarrhoea 4 Difficulty breathing 5 Lethargy or weakness, wobbly gait 6 Unresponsive 7 Tremors, seizures, or twitching 8 Appetite loss 9 Drinking more than normal or excessive urination 10 Red or raw skin or paw pads due to a chemical burn 11 Bloody vomit, saliva, and/or stools 12 Pale gums 13 Excessive sneezing 14 Hiding or decreased social behavior 15 Yellowish tint to skin and whites of eyes (jaundice) 16 Racing heartrate or excessively slow heartrate (resting normal heartrate in cats is 130-150 beats per minute)

How to protect cats from toxic substances?

Make sure your cat is protected from toxic substances by keeping all potentially toxic substances in your home, including chemical, insecticides, pesticides, locked away out of reach of animals. Check your yard for toxic plants, and bar your cat’s access to these plants.

Why are cats at higher risk for toxic substances?

Kittens are at even higher risk because they are so small. Cats metabolize chemicals differently than dogs, which can make it more difficult or even impossible to eliminate the toxic substance from their body. Many cats live unsupervised and outdoors, where they can come into contact with toxic substances.

What is the best medicine for fleas?

Common drugs like Ibuprofen, acetaminophen (also called paracetamol), antidepressants, cannabis products, and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers. Topical insecticides designed to kill fleas and ticks and all products containing permethrin.

What to do if your cat has flea poisoning?

And, while waiting for an appointment, most recommend that you immediately wash your fur baby with warm water and a mild detergent, like Dawn® dishwashing liquid. Please make sure you pat them dry and keep them warm.

How long does it take for a cat to get flea and tick poisoning?

Symptoms and Types of Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning in Cats. Signs of flea and tick solution poisoning in cats may manifest from 1 to 12 hours after application. They may also vary in the type of medicine. Cats, as have previously mentioned are particularly sensitive to pyrethroids.

What is the best flea and tick treatment for pets?

Flea prevention products usually have pyrethrin and pyrethroid. These are typically the insecticides used against flea and tick infestations in pets. Pyrethrin is derived from Chrysanthemum cinerariafolium plant. While they appear to be all-natural, they have a potent mixture of six chemicals that are toxic to insects.

How do you know if you have a tick or flea?

Other symptoms you may notice include difficulty in breathing, small pupils, weakness or falling over and drooling. Be extra careful about flea and tick treatment with organophosphate as their toxicity can be rapidly deadly, depending on the components and the dose the feline is exposed to.

How does flea insecticide work?

Other types of flea products contain organophosphates. This insecticide works by damaging enzymes in the body that are critical for controlling nerve signals. ( 1) These products are tested safe and effective when properly used. They also room for the risk of toxicity and other undesirable health consequences if misused.

Why does my cat have hypersalivation?

Once the cat gets stable, hypersalivation may recur for several days. This is because the cat uses their mouth and paws to clean their entire bodies. Residue from flea treatment may cause them this, but nothing to worry about.

Why are cats more prone to insecticides than dogs?

Cats having less efficient metabolic pathways make them more prone to insecticides poisoning than dogs. Unfortunately, their extensive grooming habits and their long hair coats that retain large quantities of topically applied products contribute more to the disastrous situation.

What to do if your cat is poisoned?

If you cat is critically ill, your veterinarian will insert an IV for fluid and medication. He will also admit him to the hospital for monitoring if necessary.

How long does it take for a cat to die from insecticides?

In severe cases, cats that do not receive treatment quickly die in just a few hours after exposure . Some cats may have long term disabilities after insecticide toxicity.

What is the best medicine for cats with seizures?

Cats that are having seizures or tremors may be treated with diazepam or phenobarbital. It may be necessary to treat other conditions that arise during treatment. Some cats develop medical conditions secondary to poisoning, such as liver failure, kidney problems, encephalitis, hypoglycemia, and anemia. Top.

Can you put permethrin on a cat?

Handling your cat after applying a permethrin-based flea treatment on your dog can also harm your cat. If you think your cat has symptoms associated with insecticide toxicity, see your veterinarian at once, as his condition could deteriorate rapidly. Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.

Can you put insecticide on your lawn?

If you use insecticides on your lawn, don't let your cat outside or only allow him to go in an untreated area of the lawn. It is generally safe to let your cat on the treated lawn after the chemicals have dried. If you treat your lawn, take off your shoes outside to avoid bringing insecticides indoors.

Can you keep cats from getting chemical exposure?

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent accidental chemical exposure in cats. You must be sure to take a few precautions to keep your cat healthy. If you have lawn insecticides or flea treatments, always store them in a safe place.

Can you use flea treatments on cats?

If it is necessary to apply flea treatments to your cat, read the label before applying to be sure it is safe for cats. Never use canine flea treatments on your cat. Top.

How to treat a cat with fleas?

How to Perform the Treatment. Deworming and anti-flea treatments are crucial for your cat’s safety. Administering them is a bit uncomfortable for the cat, however. You have to take a pipette and apply the anti-flea serum onto the nape of your cat’s neck. The process is rather simple:

Why does my cat react to flea serum?

Other times, your cat might simply have an adverse reaction to the serum because of a weak immune system. You might be the one at fault, as well; if pet owners use dog flea medicine on cats, or adult cat medicine on kittens, their pets are likely to behave erratically after their treatment.

What do fleas eat?

For instance, flea larvae tend to feed on tapeworm proglottids. Each proglottid stays inside of the larva during the pupal stage. Once a cat ingests the pupa, the tapeworm can manifest inside the cat and continue its life cycle.

What is a flea?

Fleas are external parasites. They attach themselves onto the body of a host, usually a mammal, and bite their flesh. Most often, a flea will simply jump up from its natural habitat and attach itself to the host. However, animals (as well as humans) can also pick up larvae while walking through tall grass or wooded areas. The larvae will then develop on the host’s body until they mature into adult fleas.

Can cats get flea spray?

When you apply them onto the fur, the cat can ingest them by accident and get flea treatment poisoning. In fact, it doesn’t even have to do it consciously. For example, if I were to get an anti-flea spray, I could accidentally spritz some of it into my pet’s mouth. And it doesn’t end with ingesting the product, either.

Can a cat ingest flea medicine?

More often than not, the cat will ingest flea medication by accident, and its body will react. That will result in flea treatment poisoning, or flea collar poisoning if you’re using a special serum-filled collar. Other times, your cat might simply have an adverse reaction to the serum because of a weak immune system.

Can flea treatment poison cats?

And it doesn’t end with ingesting the product, either. If you were to use too much of it, the chemicals could affect your cat through skin contact alone. In order to spot flea treatment poisoning, observe your cat and see if it exhibits the following symptoms: Facial and/or ear twitching. Vomiting.

Symptom and Types

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Cats are especially sensitive to pyrethroids. When treated with concentrated permethrin-containing products labeled for use on dogs, they typically develop muscle tremors, incoordination, seizures, hyperthermia, and death within hours if the toxicity is not treated. Phenothrin spot-on products may result in similar but le…
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Causes

  • Cats are more sensitive to these insecticides than dogs are; they have less-efficient metabolic pathways, extensive grooming habits, and long hair coats that can retain large quantities of a topically-applied product. Cats with abnormally low body temperatures, such as after bathing, anesthesia, or sedation, are also predisposed to clinical signs of toxic poisoning.
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Diagnosis

  • Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your cat, taking into account the background history of symptoms and possible incidents that might have precipitated this condition. Questions may include: Has your cat been exposed to these substances? How much and when? Has your cat been around other animals that have been treated with them? When di…
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Treatment

  • Adverse reactions such as salivation, paw flicking, and ear twitching are often mild and self-limiting. If your cat has been saturated with spray products, dry it with a warm towel and brush. If mild symptoms continue, bathe your cat using a mild hand-dishwashing detergent. If symptoms continue and progress to tremors and incoordination, your cat w...
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Living and Management

  • Hypersalivation may recur for several days after using a flea-control product on an animal. This is especially true for cats, because they groom their entire bodies using their mouth and paws. Most mild to severe clinical signs resolve within 24 to 72 hours.
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Prevention

  • It is important that you do not apply dog-only products on cats. Proper application of flea-control products greatly reduces the incidence of adverse reactions; therefore, closely follow all of the directions listed on the flea-control products you use. The correct dose for most sprays is one to two pumps from a typical trigger sprayer per pound of body weight; cats that are sensitive to spr…
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