Cat Deaths Due to Flea Collars

Fleas are a problem that plague most households. It can be heart-wrenching to see your beloved cat scratching himself bald due to a flea infestation, and flea control regimens often involve the use of chemicals. There is reason to be cautious, however, as some chemicals can lead to more serious problems.

  1. History

    • The National Resources Defense Council states in its 2000 study "Poison On Pets" that most deaths due to flea collar use were linked to a group of chemicals called organophosphate insecticides. In the same study, approximately 90 percent of households surveyed said that they used some form of pesticide to keep their pets flea free.

    Statistics

    • The exact number of flea collar deaths per year is uncertain. This is due in part to the large array of potential problems that can arise from flea collars. Acute toxicity aside, there is the chance of strangulation or suffocation due to improperly fitted collars. Flea collars are also speculated to contribute to diseases that manifest long term, including cancer.

    Types

    • The seven major organophosphate insecticides in flea collars are dichlorvos, phosmet, chlorpyrifos, naled, tetrachlorvinphos, diazinon and malathion.

    Effects

    • Organophosphate chemicals work to disrupt the flow of the chemical acetylcholine, a major player in how the brain receives and distributes information to and from parts of the body. Organophosphate can have the same effect on cats as it does on fleas: disruption of the normal function of the central nervous system.

    Considerations

    • The improper use of flea collars, including using collars not designed for cats, has also been linked to flea collar-related feline deaths.

    Prevention

    • Speak to a licensed veterinary medical professional before treating a cat at home for fleas. Underlying diseases, such as an immune deficiency disorder, can make a cat more susceptible to flea collar toxicity.