Dog Flea Treatment on Cats

When dogs and cats suffer from flea and tick infestations, pet owners turn to topical medications such as Frontline and Advantage to treat the problem. These medications have strict guidelines for application that should be followed as stated on the packaging. Not following these guidelines can result in your pet experiencing painful side effects or death. One guideline is that flea treatments designed for dogs cannot be used on cats. The ingredients in flea treatments for dogs can be harmful or fatal to your cat.

  1. Sensitivity

    • Cats have very sensitive metabolisms, according to Doctors Foster and Smith. For that reason, cats are more reactive to some insecticides than dogs. Also, their grooming habits and their size make them more vulnerable to certain ingredients.

    Permethrin

    • One ingredient in dog flea treatments is Permethrin. Permethrin is toxic to cats, and exposure to it can cause serious side effects. Products containing Permethrin should never be used on cats, and cats should never be exposed to areas where this ingredient is present.

    Effects

    • Cats exposed to Permethrin will exhibit side effects and, in some cases, a violent reaction. Within three hours of exposure you might notice convulsions, nervous tics, vomiting, seizures, breathing difficulties and violent fits. The Veterinary Poisons Information Service Exposure reports that one out of 10 cats dies from Permetrin exposure.

    Prevention/Solution

    • If you have both cats and dogs, there are steps you can take to ensure the safety of your cat if you must administer a flea treatment to your dog. Make sure all of your cat's food and water trays are kept away from a dog that has been treated. Always read the label on flea treatments, and follow the directions exactly as stated. Also, some vets suggest that you keep your cat away from a dog that has been recently treated with a flea treatment for at least 72 hours.

    Treatment

    • Treatment involves removing any product from the skin and controlling seizures and muscle tremors. If you suspect Permethrin poisoning, you should contact a vet immediately. Use a mild dish soap to remove any product from your cat's skin, if necessary, then take it to the vet. The vet can administer seizure and tremor control medications and monitor your cat's symptoms. If treated early, most cats recover within 24 to 48 hours.