Common Household Chemical Kills Cats

November 13, 2007

LONDON – Vets warn that a common household chemical used to repel insects can kill your cat - and you may be surprised where you'll find it.

Permethrin is used primarily as a broad spectrum insect repellant. Thanks to it's chemical makeup, the chemical can be used for multiple applications.

Many household bug treatments contain Permethrin - names you'll recognize include:

Repel Permanone, Permethrin Tick Repellent, Bonide Ant Dust, Nix, Elimite, Adams, Bio-Spot, K9-Advantix, Cutter, Dragnet, Raid Ant and Roach killer, Cutter Bug Free Backyard, Raid fumigator (Be sure and check your flea and tick repellants for Permethrin, or consult your vet for the best option).

Vets from Veterinary Poisons Information Service Exposure in London say the greatest danger for cats comes from Permethrin used in flea treatments for dogs.

They recommend keeping your dog away from the cat for at least 72 hours after the treatment – that means using different brushes, too.

Exposure to cats manifests within three hours – violent tics, convulsions and hard breathing are the most common symptoms. Get your cat to the vet right away if you see any of this going on.

Tell us what you think under this story. Post your favorite pet videos at the zootooTV tab. Email us your story ideas at news@zootoo.com or call us at 877-777-4204.