Pls cross post if you feel you can distribute to a wider audience.
Not sure where this should go. there is a copy of the full article on our website with link (under News)
INFORMATION ON FLEA PRODUCTS THAT CAN KILL CATS. SOME ADVICE REMEMBER CATS ARE NOT SMALL DOGS!
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has published on its website -
www.vmd.gov.uk/General/Adverse/current.htm - the following list of dog spot-on products that, if used accidentally on cats, can be fatal).
Advantix Spot On Solution for Dogs
Armitage Pet Care Flea and Tick Drops
Armitage Pet Care Flea and Tick Drops for Dogs
Beaphar Dog Flea and Tick Drops
Bio-tech's Anti-Flea and Anti-Tick Drops for Dogs
Bio-tech' s Flea and Tick Drops for Dogs
Bob Martin Dog Spot On
Bob Martin Flea and Tick Spot On
Bob Martin Permethrin Dog Spot On
Canac Dog Flea and Tick Drops
Canovel Flea Drops
Derasect Flea Drops
Exspot Insecticide for Dogs
Hartz Control Pet Care System One Spot Flea and Tick Remedy for Dogs
Hyperdrug Veterinary Flea and Tick Drops
Hyperdrug Veterinary Flea and Tick Drops for Dogs
Johnson's Flea and Tick Drops for Puppies and Small Dogs
Johnson's Insecticidal Flea and Tick Drops
Protect Spot Flea and Tick Drops for Dogs
Wilko Dog Flea Drops
Zodiac Flea and Tick Drops for Dogs
As stated on the VMD website, ‘these products are intended for the treatment of fleas and ticks in dogs only. They contain permethrin, a substance that is safe for dogs but causes a toxic reaction in cats when present in spot-on products, due to its concentration.’ There is a concern that owners are inadvertently using ‘dog only’ products on their cats. When purchasing flea products from a supermarket, it can be easy to accidentally choose the wrong box from the shelf. The Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) is trying to have the legal categorisation of permethrin products changed so they can’t be sold off the shelf in supermarkets but unfortunately this has not yet been successful, although the VMD is monitoring the incidence of these reactions.
Cats treated with even tiny amounts of spot-on products containing permethrin, or that inadvertently ingest the product from a treated dog - eg. if they groom the dog or rub against it then groom themselves - can develop signs of toxicity such as salivation, tremors and seizures and they may die
If a product containing permethrin is accidentally applied, it is important to wash off the product from the cat with water and a mild detergent and seek immediate treatment from a vet. The product packaging should also be taken to the vet. The VMD is actively monitoring the incidence of suspected adverse reactions to these products and requests that any incident be reported as soon as possible. Details of how to report a suspected adverse reaction can be found by visiting
http://www.vmd.gov.uk/General/Adverse/mal252.pdf. Permethrin-based ant killer products, household sprays, dusting powders and insecticidal shampoos usually contain permethrin at concentrations lower than 1.5 per cent and are therefore unlikely to cause signs other than salivation and perhaps vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested. For feline safety, we would recommend that permethrin-based products were avoided in areas where cats have access, in case of overdose. There is no specific antidote and permethrin is the most common poison reported to affect cats and we recommend that owners use feline flea products on veterinary advice.
