What happens if you use the wrong flea treatment on a cat?
Feb 18, 2012 · For the several hours following application of a flea and tick preventive product, keep an eye on your cat for any reactions or sensitivity to the product. This is especially important when using a flea and tick product for the first time. Keep the packaging for the product for at least a day after application so that you have information as to ...
What to do if your cat eats Flea and tick medicine?
May 24, 2021 · For this reason, you should keep a cat away from a dog that has been treated with a flea and tick medication containing permethrin for 72 hours. Even a small dose of permethrin can adversely affect your cat’s health. Permethrin exposure affects a cat’s nervous system and can cause the following symptoms: Agitation; Drooling or vomiting; Lethargy
How can I Help my aging cat with fleas?
Dec 04, 2019 · Because the product can be harmful to your cat, there are a few steps that you should take if you apply the wrong flea treatment. The PPH said that if your pet shows any unusual symptoms such as drooling or agitation after application you should bathe the pet in warm water with a gentle dish soap.
Can you bathe a cat after applying flea treatment?
Apr 08, 2014 · Before applying any topical flea and tick medication to your cat, pay heed. One of the most commonly presenting emergencies I see is accidental poisoning of cats by their well-intentioned pet owners. They often put “small dog” flea medication onto their “big cat,” without appropriately consulting with their veterinarian or reading the label carefully, resulting in severe …
Can cats be poisoned by flea treatment?
What happens if my cat accidentally licks flea treatment?
Does flea medicine burn cats?
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 Frontline make my cat sick?
Why is my cat acting weird after flea treatment?
Can my cat sleep with me after flea treatment?
Can flea meds make a cat sick?
Does flea treatment have side effects?
What is the safest flea medicine for cats?
- Advantage® II (topical liquid)
- Advantage MULTI® (topical liquid, also protects cats from heartworms, ear mites, and some types of intestinal worms)
- Bravecto® (topical liquid, also protects cats from certain tick species)
Why is my cat salivating after flea treatment?
How long does flea medicine toxicity last in cats?
What to do if your cat has a flea or tick?
If you believe your cat has had an adverse reaction to a flea or tick preventive product, call your veterinarian and report the problem right away. Your veterinarian has access to a national reporting center that will inform the EPA. You may also wish to inform the company that manufactured the product.
How to reduce cat flea and tick reaction?
Working with your veterinarian and carefully reading labels will help reduce the incidence of reactions to flea and tick products. Make sure you know your cat’s correct weight and the proper application technique for the product. If you are careful, there is a much lower possibility of your cat experiencing any adverse effects.
How long after applying flea and tick preventive to cat?
For the several hours following application of a flea and tick preventive product, keep an eye on your cat for any reactions or sensitivity to the product. This is especially important when using a flea and tick product for the first time. Keep the packaging for the product for at least a day after application so that you have information as to ...
What is the best way to kill ticks and fleas?
One product (spot-on or spray, etc.) should be all that is necessary to kill or repel fleas and/or ticks for the time period indicated on the package. To prevent accidental contact with flea and tick products during application, you can wear disposable gloves to protect your skin.
How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?
Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.
Why do you have to keep animals apart?
In households with multiple animals, it may be necessary to keep the animals apart for a time while the product dries to prevent them from grooming each other and ingesting the chemicals.
Can PetMD answer pet health questions?
Note: PetMD isn’t able to respond to pet health questions or to offer veterinary advice.
Why does my cat have a lot of permethrin?
The reason for this is because cats lack enzymes in their liver to effectively break down certain chemicals, permethrin being one of them. Poisoning can occur by applying a solution with permethrin on your cat, or if your cat comes in contact with a dog that has recently been treated with a permethrin-based product.
What is the best flea collar for cats?
Cat safe flea and tick collars range from options that use imidacloprid (Seresto) to plant based essential oil options. Always consult with your veterinarian before using any of these options on your cat.
Is it safe to give cats oral preventatives?
These are both safe products for cats. Other oral products work on different flea life stages and can include brands such as Bravecto (made with fluralaner and not for use in cats) and Program (made with lufenuron, which is safe for use in cats). It should go without saying that any oral preventatives designed for dogs should not be administered to cats.
Can flea collars kill cats?
Most dog tick and flea collars contain permethrins or organophosphates and work by repelling insects. As a result, they are very toxic to cats and in some cases can be fatal. Tick-only preventative collars, such as Scalibor (Deltamethrin) or Preventic (Amitraz) are meant for use on dogs only and are lethal to cats.
Is selamectin safe for cats?
Revolution, which includes selamectin, is available by veterinary prescription only and is very safe for cats. Advantage, which is the name brand for imidacloprid, is available over the counter and is safe as long as the cat version of the drug is used.
Is Frontline safe for cats?
While dog-specific topical medications pose a significant risk to cats, there are several made for cats that are very safe. Frontline, which has a main active ingredient called fipronil, is available over the counter and is safe for cats when the cat-specific product is purchased. Revolution, which includes selamectin, is available by veterinary prescription only and is very safe for cats. Advantage, which is the name brand for imidacloprid, is available over the counter and is safe as long as the cat version of the drug is used.
Can cats take Permethrin?
Even a small dose of permethrin can adversely affect your cat’s health. Permethrin exposure affects a cat’s nervous system and can cause the following symptoms: If you believe your cat has been exposed to permethrin, contact your veterinarian immediately or take them to an emergency veterinarian.
What to do if your dog has fleas?
If any pet shows more serious symptoms after a flea treatment application, bring him or her to your veterinarian. For your pet's health and safety, avoid trying to save a few dollars by using expired medications or medications meant for animals of a different species or size.
What is the difference between flea spray and cat spray?
The difference between flea control products for dogs and cats is a chemical called permethrin. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, this chemical is very safe for dogs and is common in flea sprays and drops. Cats, though, are especially sensitive to it and many of its variants. The chemical is derived from chrysanthemum plant ...
What is the chemical that makes cats sick?
The chemical is derived from chrysanthemum plant and appears commonly in a synthetic form. Cat are unable to properly process it, and because of this it can make them sick. The natural version, called pyrethrins, is used instead in products meant for cats.
Can you use flea treatment on cats?
But even if you only use a small dose of a flea treatment not meant for cats, you may be putting your pet at risk. It's important to buy different products to treat animals of different sizes and species, even if they all have fleas at the same time.
Can cats rub on dogs?
Also, keep an eye on cats after a dog is treated, as cats may lick or rub against the area you treated on the dog. Always be sure to buy separate and appropriate products for all your different animals. For instance, if you get Hartz® flea drops for your dog, be sure to also get the cat specific Hartz® flea drops instead ...
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.
What to do if you can't bathe your cat?
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 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.
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.)
Can flea medication be put on a cat?
One of the most commonly presenting emergencies I see is accidental poisoning of cats by their well-intentioned pet owners. They often put “small dog” flea medication onto their “big cat,” without appropriately consulting with their veterinarian or reading the label carefully, resulting in severe poisoning in 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 a veterinarian decontaminate a cat?
As mentioned above, your veterinarian can decontaminate your cat quickly and efficiently to remove the chemical.
Why is it important to apply flea medication to a cat?
The site of application is important because it prevents cats from licking the treated area and making themselves sick. These topical flea medications are safe when applied topically, but they can cause problems if ingested.
What is the best flea treatment for cats?
If you are looking for the safest flea treatment for cats, here are several factors that can help you and your veterinarian decide which option is best: 1 Your cat’s lifestyle: Outdoor cats are at higher risk for flea infestations, but indoor cats are also susceptible. 2 Age: Different flea preventatives have different age restrictions. 3 Health history: Your veterinarian needs to be aware of your cat’s health status and all medications and supplements that your cat is currently taking to recommend the safest type of flea preventative. 4 Breed: Coat length can influence the type of treatment. 5 Where you live: Resistance to certain types of flea preventatives is a problem in some areas. Your veterinarian will know which treatments will be the most effective.
What is Advantage II for cats?
Advantage II kills fleas, flea eggs and flea larvae with the active ingredients imidacloprid and pyripoxyfen and can be used in cats over 8 weeks of age. Monthly formulations are available for kittens and cats weighing between 2 and 5 pounds, between 5 and 9 pounds, and over 9 pounds.
How old is Comfortis for cats?
Comfortis is a prescription monthly chewable option that’s safe for cats 14 weeks of age and older and 4.1 pounds and up.
How long does a flea collar last?
The Seresto collar is a safe cat flea collar that can last for up to 8 months (water exposure can shorten its length of effectiveness). It uses two active ingredients—imidacloprid and flumethrin—and is approved for cats of all weights as long as they are over 10 weeks of age. The collars work by continually releasing the flea-killing ingredients, ...
How old is a cat when it is safe to use Bravecto?
It can be used on cats over 8 weeks of age and is safe for cats 2.8 pounds and larger. Bravecto is a topical flea treatment option that uses fluralaner to kill adult fleas. This topical flea treatment will provide your cat with three months of protection. It should only be used on cats that are older than 6 months and weigh more than 2.6 pounds.
How does a flea collar work?
The collars work by continually releasing the flea-killing ingredients, which can help eliminate infestations. This cat flea collar also has a quick-release feature, so pet parents do not have to worry about the collar catching on something and hurting their cat.
Can cats get fleas?
Indoor cats can get fleas, usually by way of us bringing them in from outside. If it turns into a full blown infestation inside it can be a drawn out process to get rid of them. I have been fortunate in that it hasn't happened to me yet but I know that it could happen. Sep 17, 2019. #3.
Can you treat indoor cats with fleas?
If you don’t have fleas and you don’t have other animals who can go outside, you are probably okay not treating your indoor only cats for fleas. However, if they do get fleas, don’t assume a single treatment is all that’s needed. And don’t assume your single treatment didn’t work if you still have fleas.
Can cats bring fleas to vets?
If your cat visits vets fairly often for any health issues or check-ups, it's a good idea to give them flea meds, in my view. You or your kitty can certainly bring home fleas (or just one flea! that's all it takes) from a vet's office -- from the waiting room, the exam rooms, the lab area. Sep 18, 2019. #16.
Can fleas come in the house?
Fleas can come in the house without the pet going outside. Flea eggs and larvae can lay dormant in your house for months. Revolution also treats for heartworms which comes from mosquitos which can get into your house. Some things to think about.
What does it mean when a cat has fleas?
Cats that have fleas are often very itchy and may have hair loss, skin redness, and even scabs. The hair loss is often most prevalent at the base of the tail but can occur anywhere. Flea dirt, which is the black flea feces, can be seen in the fur.
How long does it take for Comfortis to kill fleas?
Does not protect against any other parasites. Flea prevention for up to one month in cats and kittens 14 weeks and older can be found in the chewable tablet option called Comfortis. This tablet works very quickly to kill fleas in as few as 30 minutes and can be crushed and mixed in your cat’s wet food if necessary.
What is the best flea collar for cats?
Our top pick is this collar from Bayer, which is effective for a full eight months and offers continuous protection from fleas and ticks. The active ingredients in the collar are released in low concentrations, protecting your cat and killing fleas on contact with the skin. The formulation is odorless and non-greasy, and is also effective against flea eggs and larvae, preventing infestations before they happen.
Can fleas be treated with insecticide?
Flea treatments can be used as needed if your cat gets fleas and preventatives can be given to help prevent your cat from getting fleas. Due to the potential side effects of flea treatments, some people like to avoid using insecticides on their cats unless necessary, while others like to prevent having to manage a flea infestation in their house and potential diseases that can be transmitted through fleas. There are costs involved in both scenarios but treating an infestation is much more time consuming and difficult than administering a regular preventative. A regular preventative also greatly decreases the chances of your cat from getting a disease or other health concern from fleas.
Can flea treatments kill live fleas?
Additionally, some products will kill live fleas while others will only prevent a flea from reproducing, so not all products are appropriate for all your flea needs. Flea treatments can be used as needed if your cat gets fleas and preventatives can be given to help prevent your cat from getting fleas. Due to the potential side effects of flea ...
Can a cat get fleas from a spruce tree?
The Spruce. Fleas are not only a nuisance but they can also transmit serious diseases to your cats. Thankfully, various flea preventatives and treatments are available to help limit your cat’s chances of attracting and harboring these external parasites. However, they aren’t all created equally. Some flea treatments aren’t even effective ...
Does Bayer Advantage kill fleas?
Since it’s a spray, Bayer Advantage can be used to kill fleas in bedding, upholstery and even the cracks between cabinets. This makes it a valuable addition to your complete tick and flea control program. And a must-have for households that typically battle these pesky critters.
How to treat fleas on cats?
There are some things you can do to make a flea treatment as safe as possible. Firstly, use a prescription product advised by your veterinarian. They’ll be able to weigh up your cat’s individual risks based on their age, weight, and other conditions.
What to do if my cat is showing symptoms of fleas?
If your cat is showing symptoms that you suspect are related to their flea medication, you should call your vet for advice. Even if no treatment is needed, your vet will usually ask you for further information – this will be used by the vet to report the adverse effect to the drug manufacturer.
How rare are fleas?
All adverse reactions are ranked on a scale from ‘common’ (less than 1 in 10 cats) to ‘very rare’ (less than 1 in 10,000 cats ), and for most flea treatments, side effects are rare or very rare.
What does fluralaner do to cats?
Fluralaner (spot on) – hair loss, itching, or redness at application site (2 in 10 cats), tremors and inappetence (less than 1 in 100 cats) and vomiting/drooling (around 1 in 250 cats).
What happens if you lick a flea?
However, the side effects most often noticed after flea treatments include: Drooling (thought to be from licking spot-ons) Hair loss (usually at site of application or collar)
What is a flea collar?
Flumethrin/imidacloprid (flea collar) – temporary itchiness, redness and hair loss (less than 1 in 100 cats), eczema, inflammation and skin lesions (less than 1 in 1000 cats), change of food intake, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea (less than 1 in 1000 cats). From this information, the product with the least serious and least frequent side effects ...
Can feline fleas be given to cats?
Check carefully whether these can be given to cats before use and if in any doubt, don’t use.
What to do if my cat has fleas?
Alternative flea treatments include peppering your cat's food with brewer's yeast to make his blood unpalatable, or using citronella, rosemary and wormwood scents to drive away the fleas. Methodology aside, it's important to stop flea infestations.
How do flea treatments work?
Most work by lacing your cat's blood with a chemical that, once ingested by adult fleas, prevents their eggs from developing. As fleas age and die—within two months, usually—no new fleas are around to continue the infestation.
How to treat an aging cat?
In addition to treating your aging cat, make sure you vacuum your house, especially carpet and furniture, and wash your cat's bedding weekly. A change in routine affects any cat, but older cats appear more slavish to habit, so don't turn their world upside down with obsessive cleaning. Be thorough, quick and efficient.
Can cats get fleas redhanded?
You may've even caught the little bug gers redhanded (so to speak) while they dined on your cat's blood. It's tempting to start flea treatments immediately, but talk to a vet first. Aging cats sometimes develop subtle chronic health issues that complicate treatments.
Can senior cats get fleas?
Dealing with cat fleas is rarely easy, but it's especially hard with senior cats. Commercial treatments usually include toxic chemicals that, even under ideal circumstances, have potential side effects. Pair that with your aging cat's weakened immune system and you've got the potential for a litany of health problems.
Can fleas be used on dogs?
Furthermore, don't use products formulated for dogs, as some of them contain chemicals poisonous to cats.
Can fleas cause itching in cats?
Your aging cat will have to deal with some itching if you use this method (technically, it's an allergic reaction to the saliva that accompanies flea bites), but he won't face potential toxicity from insecticides. Help your cat by brushing him with an unmedicated flea comb to thin the herd.