My Cat Is Acting Weird After Flea Treatment
See files for Cats
Cats are sensitive to certain chemicals, medications and even certain foods. Like humans, how sensitive they may be depends on the individual cat. When it comes to flea treatment, we need to be careful. The chemical used in flea medicine needs to be strong enough to kill and prevent a flea infestation. If it is too strong, it can pose a serious threat to our cat’s health via poisoning or toxic shock. This is why flea treatment is applied using a pipette on the nape of the neck. Prepackaged pipettes control the dosage and the placement prevents the cat from ingesting the toxic chemicals.
While deworming and flea treatment is relatively very safe, you may wonder why your cat is acting weird after flea treatment. AnimalWised looks into the possible reasons for this behavior. While some may be of grave concern to their health, it is also important to remember flea medicine poisoning isn’t the only reason.
Many Illness Reports Anecdotal
Although Elanco states that postmarket surveillance indicates Seresto collars are safe, pet owners have posted online in the past few years that they blame the collars for problems ranging from vomiting, loss of appetite, and rashes to seizures, dizziness, weakness, and death. Some owners took to registering their complaints with the EPA as well.
Experts note that anyone can file an incident report with the EPA, which also receives incident reports from pesticide makers and the National Pesticide Information Center. Agency officials track incident reports through the EPA Incident Data System, review reports to determine when regulatory action is needed, and use that information during reviews of active ingredients in pesticides to ensure they pose no unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. When a product is the subject of a high number of reports, EPA officials ask product registrants for more information or to further investigate the incidents, according to an agency statement from EPA spokesperson Ken Labbe. He also said the EPA cannot confirm or refute claims that the agency has received an unusually high number of incident reports related to Seresto collars, compared with the numbers of reports for other pesticides applied to pets. But agency officials take each incident report seriously.
Recovery Of Flea And Tick Medicine Poisoning In Cats
Your cat will be released from the hospital once they have recovered from the flea and tick medicine poisoning. However, the road to recovery does not end when your cat is released from the hospital. It is important to schedule a follow-up appointment so your veterinarian can make sure your cat has recovered from the poisoning and treatment.
You can prevent flea and tick medicine poisoning from happening by using the medication as directed. You should never use medication on your cat that is designed for another animal. It is important to contact your veterinarian before using flea and tick medicine on your cat. If in doubt, asking your veterinarian for a prescription product that is safe for your cat is best.
Taking your cat to the veterinarian as soon as you notice the signs can lead to a full recovery. Unfortunately, neurological complications or leaving this condition untreated can be fatal for your cat.
Flea and tick medicine poisoning in cats can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat is at risk of flea and tick medicine poisoning, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the pawfect plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Recommended Reading: Over The Counter Hot Spot Treatment For Cats
Despite 1700 Dog And Cat Deaths From Flea Collars Epa Silent Children At Risk
Pet owners will be alarmed to read the report, by USA Today, that a popular flea and tick collar Seresto, developed by Bayer and sold by Elanco has been linked to nearly 1,700 pet deaths, injuries to tens of thousands of animals, and harm to hundreds of people. At the time of publication, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , which regulates pesticides, had issued no informational alert to let the public know about these risks to pets despite many hundreds of incident reports in its Office of Pesticide Programs Incident Report database. Beyond Pesticides and other advocates have warned of the toxicity of pet pesticide treatments, not only to the animals themselves, but also, to children and other household members. There are nontoxic ways to protect pets from fleas and other pests, and to protect human family members at the same time.
Flumethrin is a chemical in the pyrethroid class of synthetic neurotoxic insecticides, which have been repeatedly linked to neurological issues, such as seizures and learning disabilities in children, and to gastrointestinal distress, as well as to damage to non-target invertebrates, according to EPAs own analysis. It is deployed on domestic pets and on livestock for control of fleas and ticks, and is even marketed for control of varroa mites in beehives.
Hartz Ultraguard Plus Flea & Tick Collar For Cats And Kittens Caution
Harmful if swallowed or absorbed through skin. Causes moderate eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco or using the toilet.
FIRST AID: Contains an organophosphate that inhibits cholinesterase.
If Swallowed: Call a Poison Control Center or doctor immediately for treatment advice. Have person sip a glass of water if able to swallow. Do not induce vomiting unless told to do so by a Poison Control Center or doctor. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
If On Skin Or Clothing: Take off contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes. Call a Poison Control Center or doctor for treatment advice.
If In Eyes: Hold eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15-20 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present, after the first 5 minutes, then continue rinsing eye. Call a Poison Control Center or doctor for treatment advice.
Have the product container or label with you when calling a Poison Control Center or doctor, or going for treatment. You may also contact 1-800-275-1414 for emergency medical treatment information.
Recommended Reading: Miconahex Triz Spray For Dogs & Cats
Signs And Symptoms Of Flea Treatment Poisoning In Cats
Does flea product kill cats? Flea and tick medicine poisoning can be fatal if not treated promptly by a veterinarian. When your cat has a negative reaction to the medication, it can become infected with fleas and ticks. As a result of the chemicals in the medication, a variety of health problems can arise. How long does it take for a dog to become completely flea-free from flea treatment? Flea and tick medications can cause poisoning symptoms in cats as soon as they are exposed to or administered, but the symptoms can be delayed for up to 72 hours. Typically, the symptoms last two to three days. How long does it take for flea medicine poisoning to get better? To prevent poisoning in dogs, there is a need to detect clinical signs as early as possible. There is a chance that flea medicine poisoning symptoms will persist for a few days after the product is used, but most symptoms will go away within one to three days. What happens if your cat licks flea product? Diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, small pupils, muscle tremors, weakness or falling over, and drooling are common symptoms of flea product toxicity. The toxicity of an organophosphate can be fatal in a matter of minutes, depending on the ingredients and the dosage given to the pet.
Is Your Cat Acting Weird After Its Flea Medication It Could Be A Sign Of Deadly Poisoning
Flea treatment is an integral part of pet care. It is efficient and helps fight parasites, but it can also be toxic and even deadly for your cat.
Some flea medication contains potentially harmful ingredients, such as pyrethrins, pyrethroids and permethrins. They negatively impact your cat’s nervous system and are fatal if not treated.
This is how to recognise the symptoms of poisoning and when to call the vet.
Also Check: Siamese Kittens For Sale Nc
Why Skipping A Dose Isnt A Good Idea
Just like when we are prescribed a medication, we are advised not to skip any doses. The same goes for our pets, including their preventatives. It should be noted that a product will only be effective for as long as the manufacturer states, which is typically one month for most preventative products . Therefore strict compliance is necessary if you wish to maintain a parasite-free home and cat.
Once a preventative has lapsed, it can take on average 2448 hours for the next dose to start working and to re-start any protection for your cat. The period between protection lapsing can be critical, and it only takes this window for a flea to sneak in and start an infestation.
And this is only one of the reasons veterinarians and veterinary staff promote the use of flea prevention products before fleas can become an issue. Not only are flea infestations difficult, time-consuming, and frustrating, fleas can cause trauma to your cats skin, as well as cause allergic reactions in some cats . They can also carry several nasty intestinal parasites such as tapeworms and, although the risk is low, these parasites can even be transmitted to you!
Flea And Tick Medicine Poisoning In Dogs Faqs
Can dogs recover from flea and tick medicine poisoning?
With quick treatment, dogs can fully recover from flea and tick medication poisoning/toxicity. It is important to catch clinical symptoms early for the best prognosis.
How long does flea and tick medicine poisoning last?
Symptoms may continue for several days after the use of a product, but most clinical signs will resolve in one to three days.
Recommended Reading: Cat Itches All The Time
Flea Removal In Cats: Best Practices For Pet Parents
Unlike their canine counterparts, cats arent likely to cooperate with a bath, which is generally the best way to sweep off surface fleas. Additionally, because your cat habitually licks himself clean, using any kind of harsh chemical insecticide isnt feasible your cat may lick it off his fur or pads and become very sick. Instead:
Are Flea Collars Toxic To Dogs
Flea collars are not toxic for dogs if you apply them properly. Poisoning can occur if your dog reaches the collar and licks or chews it. Dogs can be sensitive to the active ingredients and develop a local or generalized allergy.
While most flea collars are safe for dogs, some products can leave chemical residues on your dogs fur and in the house for a few weeks.
The active ingredients commonly used in flea collars are:
- Pyrethrins/pyrethroids
Tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur are among the most dangerous pesticides. These pose a risk to pets, children, and adults.
Some flea collars can leave residue levels up to 1,000 times higher than those approved by the Environmental Protection Agency . These high levels can lead to cancer and damage the neurological system.
Also Check: How To Clean Cat Ears Mites
Tips For Using Topical Flea And Tick Products
There are many different types of flea and tick products that can be applied to your pet, and different chemicals work in different ways. Thats why its always important to:
Choose the right product
- Work with your veterinarian to select the right product for your pet and your needs.
- Make sure the product matches your pets species, life stage and weight class. If the product is for use on dogs, dont use it on cats. If using the product on a puppy or kitten, make sure it is labeled for that life stage and that your pet is at least the minimum weight specified on the label.
- Dont apply a product to kittens or puppies unless the label specifically allows this treatment. Use flea combs to remove fleas and flea eggs, and a tick remover to take off ticks from puppies and kittens that are too young for flea and tick products.
- Talk to your veterinarian before using a product on weak, old, medicated, sick, pregnant, or nursing pets, even if they have been fine with previous uses of the product. The same goes for pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to flea or tick products. Tell your veterinarian about any other products you might be using or giving to your pet, because it could make a difference in their recommendations.
Use the product properly.
Pay attention after using the product.
Signs & Symptoms Of Fleas In Cats
Cats are not known for keeping their displeasure to themselves irritate a feline, and theyre sure to let you know about it! When the problem is less direct than a little teasing, however, it can be a challenge to diagnose your cats discomfort fleas, for example, might not always be obvious or easy to spot. While dogs are usually easygoing enough to expose their stomachs and allow you to search for evidence of fleas, cats are far less likely to permit a search, least of all on their vulnerable stomach.
You may be dealing with some unwanted parasitic passengers on your pet, if your cat has been:
- Chewing or biting at his legs or body in a fast, frantic manner
- Scratching excessively, especially at his neck
- Losing fur around his back or the base of his tail
- Vocalizing excessively, even if he isnt in obvious pain or hungry
Because weakness in the wild can mean harm or even death, your cat is hard-wired to conceal any pain or discomfort flea infestations included. They may not scratch or meow to excess in front of you, which is why its important to do some sleuthing of your own to determine if your cat actually has fleas, or might just be dealing with dry skin. Youll need to be patient, watchful, and ready to act if fleas decide to make your home their home.
Also Check: Why Is My Cat Acting Strange
Why Dog Flea & Tick Preventatives Should Never Be Used On Cats
It has to be repeated to be remembered cats are NOT small dogs. This may seem obvious. However, their metabolisms and internal systems work very differently. When you use flea and tick medications not intended for cats on a cat, the effects can be disastrous.
Pyrethrins and the related but more potent chemically-derived pyrethroids are widely-used insecticides in flea and tick prevention products used around homes and on our pets. They kill insects by preventing their nervous system from functioning properly. However, these products are not species-specific and can cause severe and significant neurologic problems when applied to certain pets specifically cats.
Cats lack the liver enzymes necessary to process these compounds safely. The result can be fatal in some cases. Read more about pyrethrin toxicity in cats.
Flea Poisoning In Cats: Causes Symptoms And Treatment
Flea poisoning in cats. How many times has our cat been close to disgrace. Lets see what the causes, symptoms and treatment are.
The dream of all of us animal lovers is to build a house that is proof of four-legged friends. This is somewhat difficult but not impossible.
The desire arises from the fact that cats in particular, and whoever has one knows it, are animals that very often put themselves in danger.
What happens when our home is a source of risk for our furry friends, could be quite dangerous or at least harmful to the life of the cat.
Our carelessness, such as leaving around toxic products for the animal could endanger the life of our cat.
For example, flea poisoning in cats could occur. This is the topic that we will deal with in the next paragraphs.
Recommended Reading: How Soon After Cat Has Kittens Can She Be Spayed
Causes Of Flea And Tick Medicine Poisoning In Cats
Causes of flea and tick medicine poisoning in cats include:
- Accidentally or intentionally applying dog flea and tick medicine to a cat
- A cat brushing against, laying with, or licking a dog that recently had spot-on medicine applied. Such medicines can take up to 24 hours to dry.
- Sensitivity to appropriately applied/dosed flea and tick products
You should always use the correct weight range on the products packaging to determine the appropriate dose.
Safe And Effective Flea Treatment Products For Cats
If you have a cat or multiple cats and would like to avoid pyrethrin/pyrethroid-based products, below are some safer, effective flea control products for cats.
We didnt include any over-the-counter medications for good reason, as many are not as effective or safe in every circumstance. For more information on the benefits of prescription preventatives over OTC ones, you can check out our article on over-the-counter vs. prescription flea and tick preventatives for more information.
- Advantage MULTI®
- Revolution® PLUS
Read Also: Can Humans Eat Temptations Cat Treats
Adams Flea And Tick Collar
Adams Flea and tick collar is marketed as a highly effective remedy for fleas and ticks on canines. It works similarly to other products in the category where it gradually releases a pesticide formula to kill and repel parasites. But, according to the manufacturer, the collar will start to act immediately when you place it around your pets neck.
However, it causes allergic reactions and irritations, which can be severe sometimes. Also, the label indicates that you shouldnt use the collar on puppies under 12 weeks.
Moreover, Adams flea and tick collar is also harmful to human beings. Therefore, you should avoid contact with your skin, eyes, or even clothes.