Pesticides Used in Cat Flea Collars

All flea collars have some sort of pesticide in them. Some are more harmful than others, and some should not be used at all. Because a poison is always a poison and does not discriminate what it poisons, many people have started looking into natural methods of ridding an animal of fleas. This is not always cost-effective, and flea collars are still the cheapest option.

  1. The Worst Chemicals

    • Amitraz, tetrachlorvinphos, fenoxycarb and propoxur are cited by the Natural Resources Defense Council as chemicals to avoid in all flea treatments. The state of California has declared that propxur is carcinogenic and requires a warning label. Permithrin has always been considered toxic to cats.

    Slightly Better Chemicals

    • Fiproncil, imidacloprid, metaflumizone and selamectin are considered safer unless there are people in the household with compromised immune systems. Small children and pregnant women are advised to avoid these chemicals. One chemical that falls into this category, pyrethrin, is considered very toxic to cats.

    Safest Chemicals

    • While no chemical is ever safe, the following chemicals are considered by the National Resources Defense Council's Green Paws Committee to be the safest pesticides to use on animals: lufenuron, nitenpyram, piriproxyfen, S-methoprene and spinosad.

    Natural Flea Control Methods

    • Regular flea combing, bathing and vacuuming of the pet's environment can control fleas. Some essential oils, such as cedarwood or lemongrass, are effective in keeping away fleas when rubbed on the scruff of a cat's neck. Just like pesticides, however, some essential oils are more toxic to cats than others.

    Diatomaceous Earth

    • A substance called Diatomaceous Earth (DE) has proven effective in controlling flea populations on animals and in their environment. DE is considered nontoxic to pets, humans and other animals. It is made from the crushed shells of marine animals. Food grade DE dehydrates fleas, flea eggs and flea larvae. Do not use anything but food grade DE, as other types have additives that are toxic.