Treatment FAQ

what to do with a cat that was poisoned with flea treatment

by Mina Braun Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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?

Your veterinarian will treat the flea and tick medicine poisoning as soon as possible. There is a good chance your cat will need to be hospitalized during the treatment. This is done so your veterinarian can keep an eye on their signs and overall health. The good news is your cat may be released from the hospital in just two to three days.

What flea treatment is toxic to cats if swallowed?

Tick and Flea Treatment’s Effect To Your Cat If Licked/Swallowed Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid, although plant-based are toxic to your felines. Pyrethroid (2) alone includes allethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, fenvalerate, fluvalinate, permethrin, phenothrin, tetramethrin, and etofenprox.

What to do if you think your cat has been 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.

Can you bathe a cat after applying flea treatment?

If you can’t bathe your cat, seek immediate veterinary attention so they can bathe your cat to remove the topical spot-on medication. Note that since the flea and tick medication is very oily, it will not come off if you're only using water or a dog/cat shampoo alone.

What to do if your cat is poisoned?

How do you know if your cat has flea and tick poisoning?

What to expect from a veterinarian for a cat?

Why do cats get fleas and ticks?

How long does it take for a cat to be released from the hospital?

How long do you have to monitor a cat after poisoning?

Can ticks kill cats?

See more

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What happens if my cat ingested flea medicine?

For toxicity, most flea collars only cause stomach upset such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. However, collars containing Deltamethrin can also cause neurologic symptoms such as ataxia, hind limb weakness, tremors or hyperthermia.

How long does flea medicine toxicity last in cats?

two to three daysThe symptoms typically last two to three days. The most common symptoms of flea and tick medicine poisoning in cats include: Tremors/muscle twitching/trembling. Ear twitching.

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 flea medicine make my cat sick?

Some flea medication contains ingredients that can be harmful to cats, such as pyrethrins, pyrethroids and permethrins. Cats are more sensitive to these ingredients than dogs, but the poisoning can be harmful to both types of pets.

Why is my cat acting weird after flea treatment?

If your flea already has a flea infestation, then they might be acting irritable or annoyed because of the fleas. It might take a little time for the treatment to become effective. Another reason your cat might be acting weird is that you have had to take them to the veterinarian.

Does flea medicine burn cats?

Common symptoms Hair and skin loss – Some particularly sensitive cats can receive chemical burns from topical flea products. Mild cases result in hair loss; more severe cases will also cause a loss of skin. Contact dermatitis – A local reaction to the product.

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.

What are the signs of poisoning in a cat?

Signs & Symptoms of Cat PoisoningSalivation / Drooling.Coughing.Diarrhea and Vomiting.Twitching or seizure.Breathing difficulties (rapid or labored)

How can you tell if your cat's been poisoned?

Signs that might show that your cat has been poisoned include:Salivation.Vomiting.Diarrhoea.twitching and fitting.breathing difficulties.shock or collapse.inflammation or swelling of the skin.depression or coma.More items...

Will my pet recover from flea control product toxicity?

Will My Pet Recover from Flea Control Product Toxicity? Pets becoming ill from exposure to a pyrethrum-based flea control product can make a full recovery with prompt treatment including intravenous (IV) fluids, muscle relaxants, and symptomatic care.

What happens if a cat licks frontline?

Luckily, the main active ingredient in Frontline is fipronil, which is not lethal if ingested. The medication's taste usually causes the most notable reaction, as the cat's mouth waters to get rid of the foul flavor. She'll drool excessively, like foaming-at-the-mouth type of waterfall drool.

How do you get flea medicine off a cat?

Pour a dime-sized amount of detergent onto the application area. Work the dish soap into a foamy lather in the fur and down to the skin. Make sure you are washing the skin as well as the fur; this is where the medication is absorbed. Rinse the pet off thoroughly until the water runs clear.

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...

What are the signs of a cat being poisoned?

There are many from shaking/seizures, to lethargy and coma, to kidney failure, vomiting, diarrhea and sudden death.

What are the symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in cats?

Early symptoms are nausea/vomiting, stumbling and head tremors and increase urination and drinking (among other signs) later symptoms include: seiz...

What should I do if the kitten eats cat litter?

Some kittens will take a little taste of cat litter. Generally it poses no problem to the kitten. If this is a continuous problem, please bring you...

Advantage flea treatment making my cat sick? | TheCatSite

Ive had my cat sparky for three months now. The first month we gave her advantage she stopped eating properly within a day and acted strange all week. On the Thursday after she kept going back to her litter tray and straining. The vet said she either had a urine infection or was constipated...

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 you accidentally put flea and tick medication on your cat?

If you accidentally applied dog flea and tick medication to your cat, contact your veterinarian, an emergency veterinarian, or an animal poison control center immediately . The sooner you treat it, the less poisonous it may be and the less expensive it may be to treat.

How do you know if your cat is poisoned?

Signs of poisoning in a cat can be severe and include the following: Drooling or vomiting (typically due to grooming the product off and tasting the bitter chemical) Gastrointestinal signs (such as inappetance, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.)

What is the best flea and tick medication for dogs?

Allethrin. Deltamethrin. Cypermethrin. Permethrin. Cyphenothrin. Many of these active ingredients are used in high concentrations in flea and tick topical spot-on medications for dogs without any problem; however, in certain species (like cats and fish), this high level of a concentrated pyrethroid can result in severe poisoning.

What is the best treatment for cat tremors?

Hospitalization. If your cat has clinical signs (e.g., tremors, seizures), hospitalization is a must to stop the tremors with muscle relaxants (e.g., methocarbamol) or antiseizure medication (e.g., phenobarbital, valium). These medications should only be administered by a veterinarian, unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.

Can flea and tick spray be used on cats?

These chemicals are very safe for dogs, but should never be used for cats.

Is it safe to spray fleas on cats?

Other sources of these chemicals include household insect sprays and topical flea sprays and shampoos; however, these are typically in very low concentrations (<1% pyrethrins or pyrethroids) and are generally safe for cats and dogs.

Can you bathe a cat?

Keep in mind that cats are very hard to bathe at home, and when in doubt, you should never put yourself (or your cat) at risk of harm. If you can’t bathe your cat, seek immediate veterinary attention so they can bathe your cat to remove the topical spot-on medication. Note that since the flea and tick medication is very oily, it will not come off if you're only using water or a dog/cat shampoo alone. Your cat should be bathed with a mild liquid dish soap (used specifically to wash the dishes in the sink) such as Dawn.™

Is Permethrin safe for cats?

In most mammals, permethrin has a good level of safety, but for some unknown reason when it comes to cats it’s highly toxic, which means it’s important that pet owners who own both cats and dogs understand the dangers of permethrin to a cat.

Can you wash cat hair with warm water?

If you think your cat has come into contact with the substance, it’s important you that any remaining product should be washed from your cat’s hair coat (or clipped in long haired cats) using cool water, NOT warm water as this will increase absorption of the product.

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?

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 is poisoned?

The best thing you can do for your cat in the case of poisoning is take them to the veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will start by asking questions about their medical history and the signs they are displaying at home. You can also expect your veterinarian to ask about their exposure to the chemicals.

How do you know if your cat has flea and tick poisoning?

Symptoms of Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning in Cats. You may notice the signs of flea and tick medicine poisoning within the first six hours of exposure. Take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms: Drooling. Vomiting.

What to expect from a veterinarian for a cat?

Expect your veterinarian to order blood work as part of the physical exam. Your veterinarian will use your answers, the cat’s signs, and the test results to make an accurate diagnosis. It is vital to take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as you notice the signs of flea and tick medicine poisoning.

Why do cats get fleas and ticks?

The causes of this condition are as follow: Sensitivity to the medicine. Medicine clinging to hair coats. Unusually low body temperature. Overdosing of medication. Ingestion of topical medication.

How long does it take for a cat to be released from the hospital?

The good news is your cat may be released from the hospital in just two to three days.

How long do you have to monitor a cat after poisoning?

Constant Monitoring. The medical staff will monitor your cat for several days to ensure they are recovering from the poisoning. This includes monitoring their blood glucose, body temperature, and kidney function. Your cat may need to remain hospitalized until their symptoms fade and their body is functioning normally.

Can ticks kill cats?

The effects range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of exposure and condition of your cat. 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.

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