About Hartz Flea Treatment for Cats

Hartz flea and tick treatments are some of the most widely used over-the-counter pet products. Their flea and tick collars for both cats and dogs are the highest selling collars in the country and are available at a wide variety of drug, discount and department stores. Hartz provides convenient parasite treatment products but has encountered recent controversy over safety issues.

  1. The Company

    • Hartz Mountain Corporation makes Hartz flea medication products for cats. This corporation is owned by the Sumitomo Corporation of America and its parent company, Sumitomo Corporation. The Hartz Mountain Corporation was originally started by a German immigrant to America, Max Stern, who started his business by selling singing canaries. His son later expanded product lines to include such items as flea medications for cats. Today, the corporation sells approximately 1,500 animal-care products.

    Flea Products for Cats

    • Hartz makes several flea treatment products for cats. These include UltraGuard Plus Drops, UltraGuard Pro Flea and Tick Drops for Cats, UltraGuard Flea and Tick Powder for Cats, UltraGuard Plus Flea and Tick Spray, UltraGuard Flea and Tick Spray, UltraGuard One Spot Treatment, UltraGuard Rid Flea and Tick Cat Shampoo, UltraGuard Plus Flea and Tick Collar with Reflect X-Shield, UltraGuard Reflecting Flea and Tick Collar and UltraGuard Plus Flea and Tick Collar for Cats and Kittens.

    Active Ingredients

    • The main active ingredients in Hartz flea treatment products for cats include S-methoprene, etofenprox and tetrachlorvinphos.

    Warnings Issued by Hartz

    • Package warnings for Hartz flea treatment products for cats include not using the products on kittens less than 12 weeks old. Hartz also warns to consult a veterinarian before using on debilitated, aged, pregnant, nursing or medicated cats. Pesticides can cause sensitivities and interact with other pesticides, warns Hartz; if signs of sensitivity or interaction occur, Hartz instructs cat owners to bathe pets in mild soap, rinse thoroughly and immediately call a veterinarian. Hartz also warns if these products contact human skin, wash skin thoroughly and immediately call a poison control center or physician. Immediately make these calls if the products are swallowed.

    Controversy

    • Claims of extreme adverse reactions have been made by many pet owners who have used Hartz flea medication products on their cats. Claims of reactions include vomiting, foaming at the mouth, seizures, diarrhea, uncoordinated movement, yowling and even death. A class-action lawsuit was filed against Hartz in 2001.