Is permethrin safe around cats?

What is permethrin?

Permethrin is an insecticide used to treat scabies and lice, which is why it is in some flea treatment products as they often kill more than just fleas… Ticks and lice too. Permethrin kills insects by disrupting their nervous systems. 

Is permethrin in cat flea treatment?

Permethrin is not likely to be in any cat flea product. To be safe, always buy flea treatment that is tailored specifically to cats like Itch Flea Treatment for Cats - Tell Itch your pet’s weight and age, and they’ll recommend pest treatments that are perfect for your pet.  Get Started and try Itch Flea for free!

Why is permethrin poisonous to cats?

Cats are particularly sensitive to permethrin because they cannot break it down efficiently. Cats cannot metabolize these agents (pyrethrin and permethrin) effectively due to their unique liver metabolism. Life-threatening symptoms can occur in cats even after a small exposure to products containing pyrethroids.

Can I still use permethrin-based flea treatment on my dog if I have a cat?

Dog spot-on flea treatments can contain a concentrated dose of permethrin. Putting even a small portion of one of these treatments on a cat can cause serious poisoning. Your cat can be exposed by licking a recently treated dog or sharing its bed. If your household includes both species, opt for a dog flea treatment that doesn’t use permethrin. Better safe than sorry.

Can my cat use a permethrin flea collar? 

UK veterinary medicine safety checks have recently passed low-dose permethrin collars specifically authorised for cats. These collars are safe and shouldn’t cause issues for your cat. Seek immediate vet advice if you suspect the collar is poisoning your cat.

Is permethrin safe for cats after it dries?

For a household flea spray made to kill fleas in a home with pets, like Itch Flea House Spray, complete drying is important before allowing cats back into the treated area. And this includes ventilation. Make sure to air out the room for at least an hour after it has dried. You can double check areas are safe by testing carpets and soft furnishings are dry, rather than judging by the open floor alone.

If you have a dog with fleas, prevent your cat from having contact with a permethrin-treated dog for 72 hours. If separation is impractical, ask your vet about another option. Dryness also cannot undo an accidental direct application to a cat; that requires immediate veterinary advice.

What are the signs of permethrin poisoning?

Symptoms can include:

• Drooling
• Unusually wide pupils
• Wobbling
• Twitching
• Tremors or seizures
• Difficulty breathing

Signs often develop within hours but symptoms can be as delayed as 36 hours after exposure. And remember, your cat does not need to show every sign to need help.

If you suspect contact with permethrin, call your vet or an emergency vet immediately, even if your cat seems normal. Tell them the product name, when exposure happened and whether the product was applied to your cat or used in the home.