The Risks Of Using Dog Flea And Tick Products On Cats

October 16, 2023

Parasites like fleas and ticks can bring discomfort, infiltrate our homes and gardens, and be carriers of diseases. While it might appear sensible to use flea and tick remedies designed for dogs on cats due to size similarities, it's crucial to note that there's more to consider than just weight. Using a treatment specifically meant for dogs on a cat can be harmful, even deadly.

Cats and dogs process substances differently due to variations in their liver functions. Numerous treatments safe for dogs can be harmful or fatal for cats. Therefore, it's imperative to heed warnings on medicine packages and ensure that any product used on your cat is explicitly crafted for felines.

Why Are Dog Tick And Flea Products Dangerous For Cats?

The threat to cats from flea and tick solutions meant for dogs is primarily due to pyrethrins, a mixture of six chemicals, which, if consumed, can be harmful. This chemical compound naturally exists in certain chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids, a man-made version of pyrethrins, encompasses a variant called permethrin. This compound is frequently present in dog flea and tick solutions and poses fatal risks to cats. Cats can absorb permethrin by breathing it in, consuming it, or through skin contact.

These compounds are often present in:

Domestic insect repellents
Flea and tick protectants and treatments for canines
Different flea and tick solutions, spanning from liquids to aerosols
Specific outdoor and activity-based clothing designed to repel insects

There are over 1,400 products registered in the U.S. that contain permethrin.

Home items containing pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and permethrin are likely present in your home. Given their potential hazards to cats, leading to severe repercussions or even fatality, ensuring they are kept out of reach and minimizing exposure is crucial.

What Occurs When A Cat Consumes Permethrin?

Symptoms of pyrethrin (encompassing permethrin) poisoning in felines might be:

Excessive salivation/drooling
Vomiting
Excessively low or high body temperature
Seizures
Hiding
Tremors/muscle twitching
Abnormal breathing
Restlessness/anxious behaviors
Lack of coordination

Cats can be exposed to pyrethrin through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. This might occur if they groom or lick a recently treated dog, walk on freshly treated surfaces, or come into contact with recently applied permethrins.

Should your feline encounter a flea and tick solution meant for dogs, it's imperative to consult a veterinarian immediately to mitigate adverse effects.

Your vet might suggest outpatient care or recommend hospitalization, depending on the situation. The outcome relies on the extent of the exposure, the symptoms your feline exhibits, and the effectiveness of the treatment. Outcomes can vary from favorable to grim, with some cats succumbing to pyrethrin poisoning.

Why Can't Cats Use Dog Flea And Tick Medications?

There are a couple of primary reasons why cats should not be given flea and tick treatments designed for dogs and vice versa.

Diverse Reactions to Medications:

Cats and dogs possess unique liver metabolic processes. This fundamental difference allows permethrins to be safely incorporated into dog-specific flea and tick remedies but not those meant for cats. Given that a cat's body can't break down these chemicals efficiently, they might experience harmful, and sometimes fatal, repercussions on multiple body systems, including respiratory, neurological, and digestive.

Dosage Matters:

The size of your cat plays a crucial role when deciding the correct dosage of flea and tick treatments. Medications are sometimes uniformly distributed in pills or topical solutions. Hence, choosing treatments tailored to your pet's size is vital. Administering a partial tablet or a liquid spot-on meant for a heavier animal can be harmful. Similarly, combining doses from smaller weight range packets isn't recommended. Always consult a veterinarian to get an accurate weight for your cat and subsequently determine the correct dosage.

While the pet's weight is essential in determining medication dosage, it isn't the only one. It's imperative to select flea and tick solutions explicitly marked for cats, as they are formulated based on their specific requirements, such as pill size, taste, and medication concentration. Some substances in dog-specific flea and tick products, like pyrethrins and pyrethroids, can harm cats.

Flea And Tick Medications Safe For Cats And Dogs

Several pharmaceutical brands offer flea and tick solutions, which are safe for dogs and cats when administered correctly. Here are some medications crafted explicitly for feline use:

These products can differ based on their purpose, whether for prevention or treatment. To cater to the diverse needs of cats and their caregivers, a variety of application methods are available:

Collars focused on repelling fleas and ticks
Oral tablets or chewable forms
Topical treatments like specialized shampoos, mists, and cleaning cloths
Environment-friendly pesticide solutions for homes and gardens
Combs and brushes to inspect and manage flea and tick presence on cats

Selecting a method that aligns with your cat's lifestyle, preferences, and habitat is paramount. Whenever considering a new medication, prioritize your pet's well-being. Always consult a veterinarian before making any changes to their regimen, or if you have any queries about flea and tick prevention, ensure your feline companion gets the best care.