Flea Products Labeled For Use Only On Dogs Can Be Fatal To Cats Cat owners should carefully read the labels of all flea and tick products before applying them to their cats. Many products are packaged very similarly but the active ingredients can vary greatly. Despite hospitalization, five of the cats did not survive. In one case, a cat became ill simply by interacting with two household dogs that had been treated with the permethrin product. All products include a label warning that they are for use on dogs only, and should not be used on cats.
Some labels even suggest separating household cats from treated dogs.
Unfortunately, this is not the case because even a few drops can result in severe illness or death. Signs of permethrin toxicity in cats often include excitability, twitching, and seizures. Quickly bathing the cat in a mild dishwashing detergent and seeking veterinary care will maximize the cat's chance of survival. However, prevention is a far simpler task. Pet owners should carefully read and always heed all label information on pesticides before applying to pets.