Why Can’t You Mix Cat And Dog Flea Medicine?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In large quantities, these can also be toxic to dogs, but cats are more sensitive

, he says. In extreme conditions, Dr. Duffy Jones of the Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital in Georgia says that a mix-up can be potentially fatal. “The most common danger is overdose,” says Jones.

Why can’t I use dog flea medicine on cats?

Clare Guichard, who practices at Lakeview Veterinary Hospital. “

Cats can’t process those medications the same way a dog would

. So even if you were use just a small drop of your dog’s topical flea prevention on a cat, their body is not going to be able to metabolize it and they can get very serious side effects.” Dr.

What happens if you accidentally put dog flea medicine on a cat?

Common signs of toxicity from flea products containing organophosphates are

diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, small pupils, muscle tremor, weakness or falling over, and drooling

. Organophosphate toxicity can be rapidly fatal, depending on the ingredients and dose the pet is exposed to.

Why can’t you use Frontline for dogs on cats?

Are cat and dog fleas the same?


Technically, cat and dog fleas are different species but each can infect the other

. The only way you can tell the difference between the two is under a microscope. Despite it’s name, the most common flea found on dogs and cats in North America is the cat flea, also known as Ctenocephalides felis.

Can I use Frontline Plus for dogs on cats?

It is a waterproof treatment that remains effective even after the pet is bathed or goes for swimming.

Frontline Plus is suitable for all breeds of cats

. Frontline Plus can be applied to the cat irrespective of their size.

Which dog flea treatment is toxic to cats?

Permethrin is used in some flea spot-on products made for dogs, and occasionally (in lower doses) in flea powders and collars for cats. Unfortunately, exposure to

concentrated permethrin

(as in some dog spot-ons) can result in serious illness and even death in cats.

Is Frontline bad for cats?

While dog-specific topical medications pose a significant risk to cats, there are several made for cats that are very safe. Frontline, which has a main active ingredient called fipronil, is available over the counter and

is safe for cats when the cat-specific product is purchased

.

Why is my cat acting weird after flea treatment?

If your cat is acting weird after flea treatment application, you will need to consider the possibility of

flea treatment poisoning

. It is possible the cat will have ingested a small amount and will react disgustedly. However, if they have ingested enough it can pose a serious risk to their health.

Will flea medicine hurt my cat?

NEW! Cats are much more sensitive to chemicals than dogs and

can have severe reactions to some topical flea medications

. Veterinarians urge owners to exercise caution when applying flea preventatives and read the packaging carefully before applying.

What happens if a cat licks frontline?

If an animal is able to lick the product when it is wet on the fur or scratches the area and then licks their foot,

the bitter taste of the product can cause the animal to salivate, foam at the mouth, become nauseous or vomit

.

Why is my cat salivating after flea treatment?

Sometimes, however, cats do manage to ingest some flea treatment, and

the bitter taste results in hypersalivation as the salivary glands produce more saliva to eliminate the taste from the mouth

. While this may look dramatic, in most cases it is self-limiting.

What is the difference between Frontline for cats and dogs?

Despite the fact that fipronil and methoprene are approved for use on both dogs and cats, there is a major difference between the two types of Frontline Plus. Comparing the two products,

Frontline Plus for Cats has a higher concentration of active ingredients than the dog version

.

Can I use a dog flea collar on a cat?

This may be as a result of people using dog and puppy flea collars on cats. This is extremely dangerous to cats as the chemicals used for dogs are vastly different and extremely poisonous when used on felines. So our first piece of advice is

NEVER, ever put a dog flea collar on your cat or kitten

.

Are oral flea medications safe for cats?

Oral Flea Medication for Cats

If you are worried about exposing other members of the household to flea medications,

products that are given orally are a good choice

. Comfortis is a prescription monthly chewable option that’s safe for cats 14 weeks of age and older and 4.1 pounds and up.

Do cats and dogs share fleas?


YES! Indeed, your dog can get fleas from cats

, especially if they live in North America, where “cat” fleas are the most common type of flea and frequently infect both cats and dogs.

Can fleas go in human hair?


While rare, fleas can make their way onto human hair

. In the absence of household pets like cats and dogs, fleas may decide to approach their next victim, us humans, for their regular blood meals. In this step-to-step guide, you will learn how to quickly treat fleas found in human hair.

Can cat fleas go on dogs?

Despite their name,

cat fleas are capable of affecting dogs

and an array of other animals as well as humans. The majority of North American flea problems are cat flea infestations. If your pet is exhibiting symptoms of a flea problem, it is likely that they are hosting cat fleas.

How long after flea treatment can I pet my cat?

Avoid petting your cat for

24-48 hours

in the spot where you applied a topical medication. These treatments aren’t harmful for humans, but it’s important that as little as possible is removed from the cat and soaked through human skin.

Can flea medicine cause kidney failure in cats?


If left to progress without treatment, a flea-borne disease can cause serious illness in felines. This may include cardiac problems, neurologic dysfunction, joint damage, or kidney failure

.

Is Frontline Plus for cats toxic?

Considerations. Generally, Frontline Plus is

safe for cats

and doesn’t cause adverse effects or interact with medications.

What is safest flea treatment for cats?

  • Advantage® II (topical liquid)
  • Advantage MULTI® (topical liquid, also protects cats from heartworms, ear mites, and some types of intestinal worms)
  • Bravecto® (topical liquid, also protects cats from certain tick species)

What flea treatment do vets recommend for cats?

We recommend

Frontline Plus

because it not only kills fleas and controls flea infestations, but it also kills ticks and chewing lice. Used and trusted by pet owners for more than 20 years, Frontline Plus protects for 30 days with one application.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.