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What Makes Pyrethrin and Its Derivatives Dangerous to Cats?
Pyrethrin is derived from the Chrysanthemum flower. It’s an effective insect killer used in most commercial flea treatment products for cats. This compound attacks the nervous system of fleas and ticks preventing them from functioning and eventually killing them. Pyrethrin cat flea treatment will eliminate fleas completely from your cat if it’s possible to use it correctly.
Unfortunately, in many cases, cats still get affected negatively when it’s used. Pyrethrin flea treatment is better used on a dog than a cat. While dogs don’t react to it, cats are usually affected because they lack certain liver enzymes that break down the pyrethrin compound. If you must carry out pyrethrin flea treatment for cats in Pearland, TX, you will need to know what you’re doing.
So while cats are susceptible to pyrethrin flea treatment, dogs are safe with it. Other animals like fish are also at a very high risk of fatality when exposed to even very little pyrethrin. Do your due diligence before exposing your cat or fishes to pyrethrin.
Possible Exposure Risk of Your Cat to Pyrethrin
Cats can become exposed to pyrethrin flea treatment from honest mistakes especially from its owners. For instance, using pyrethrin flea treatment in cats means exposing your cat to high risk. It’s not necessary at all. Some owners might use pyrethrin flea treatment for dogs on cats leading to avoidable problems.
It’s important to always confirm that the flea treatment you have is specifically for cats and has no pyrethrin in it. Do not use a dog flea treatment on a cat. Always be certain before using any product.
Sometimes, secondary pyrethrin poisoning can happen too. If your cat and dog are often together, a dog that has received pyrethrin flea treatment might rub it off on the dog during cuddling or playing. Keep your pets apart after a flea treatment session for your dog.
Follow user instructions to ensure that there are no risks of contamination. Keep pyrethrin flea treatment products out of reach of kids and pets that might abuse. Kids might spray your cats indiscriminately with pyrethrin spray. Pets might also bite into a can of pyrethrin spray or inhale from it if kept wrongly.
Symptoms of Pyrethrin Poisoning in Cats
Pyrethrin and its derivatives can harm cats fatally. The question most cat parents would have is how to detect pyrethrin poisoning in a cat. Below are several symptoms that might be observed in a case of pyrethrin:
- Irregular rise and fall of temperature (hypothermia or hyperthermia)
- Seizures and uncontrollable shaking
- Erratic twitching
- Poor mobility
- Drooling, vomiting and inability to eat
- Difficult breathing
- Restlessness and anxiety
- Hiding away and other isolation behavior
If you notice a combination of these signs and symptoms in your cat, visit the veterinarian immediately for proper vet examination. A vet clinic like Safari Animal Hospital Pearland, TX is capable of taking care of your cat if it’s a pyrethrin poisoning situation.
Pyrethrin Poisoning Diagnosis
Diagnosing pyrethrin poisoning is not a straightforward process. Several examinations and checkups are required before the veterinary specialist can conclusively say that it’s a case of pyrethrin poisoning. Blood samples will be taken to carry out specific tests. The general disposition of the cat has to be taken note of as well. Any known history or information about exposure to pyrethrin will help in making an informed decision on your cat’s condition.
Treating Pyrethrin Poisoning
Pyrethrin in cats is deadly and must be avoided as much as possible. Prevention is often better than treatment. There are no specific antidotes to counter pyrethrin flea treatment in cats. The way out is early detection and decontamination of the affected animal. Observation and care protocols will need to be initiated to reduce the effects of the pyrethrin exposure. IV treatments, oxygen intubation, vomit inducement in cases of oral ingestion, etc are some ways to mitigate the effect of pyrethrin poisoning to limit severity of the poisoning.
The cat can be bathed with cat shampoo to remove any traces of pyrethrin on its body. Constant monitoring is required while vitals are checked until the cat stabilizes and starts recovering.
Protecting Your Cat from Pyrethrin
Early treatment of pyrethrin poisoning will ensure quick and assured recovery for your cat. However, to protect your cat from pyrethrin, kindly take note of the following good practices:
- Follow user instructions when using a pyrethrin flea treatment product and ensure you only use it on a dog, not cat. Stick to the prescribed dosage.
- Use cat specific flea treatment products. Dogs can cope easily with pyrethrin flea treatment unlike cats. Ask your veterinarian for alternative flea solutions for your cat.
- Seek professional pet veterinary counsel before using a new product. Avoid unbranded, unknown products. Better yet, leave flea treatment for the experts to handle if you lack the experience or knowledge on what to do.
- Keep your dog away from your cat if it has undergone pyrethrin flea treatment within 24 hours. Secondary contamination from a dog treated with flea pyrethrin can poison a cat if they’re in close proximity.
- Remove all pyrethrin, pyrethroid, or permethrin products out of reach of pets and kids to avoid the risk of abuse. Store correctly and reduce the risk of exposure.
- Don’t use cat shampoos that might contain pyrethrin and its derivatives. Check the ingredients of any cat shampoo before you buy it. Some products can contain small amounts of pyrethrin.
If your cat has a flea problem and you prefer to have professionals look at your pet, we are ready to help at Safari Veterinary Care Centers.
