What flea medicine for dogs is safe for cats?

But even if you only use a small dose of a flea treatment not meant for cats, you may be putting your pet at risk. It's important to buy different products to treat animals of different sizes and species, even if they all have fleas at the same time. If you're unsure which products are safe for your animals, call a vet for consultation.

Chemical sensitivity

Keep an eye on cats after a dog is treated, as cats may lick or rub against the area you treated on the dog.

The difference between flea control products for dogs and cats is a chemical called permethrin. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, this chemical is very safe for dogs and is common in flea sprays and drops. Cats, though, are especially sensitive to it and many of its variants. The chemical is derived from chrysanthemum plant and appears commonly in a synthetic form. Cat are unable to properly process it, and because of this it can make them sick. The natural version, called pyrethrins, is used instead in products meant for cats. Both versions of the chemical are safe for dogs, but owners should still buy a separate product for each pet to assure they're giving the proper dosage.

What to do if you use a dog flea treatment on your cat

Because the product can be harmful to your cat, there are a few steps that you should take if you apply the wrong flea treatment. The PPH said that if your pet shows any unusual symptoms such as drooling or agitation after application you should bathe the pet in warm water with a gentle dish soap. PetMD noted that most symptoms resolve between 24 to 72 hours. If any pet shows more serious symptoms after a flea treatment application, bring him or her to your veterinarian.

For your pet's health and safety, avoid trying to save a few dollars by using expired medications or medications meant for animals of a different species or size. Also, keep an eye on cats after a dog is treated, as cats may lick or rub against the area you treated on the dog.

Always be sure to buy separate and appropriate products for all your different animals. For instance, if you get Hartz® flea drops for your dog, be sure to also get the cat specific Hartz® flea drops instead of trying to use the same product for both.

Can you use dog flea control on a cat? The short answer is no. It is not recommended to use any product labeled for dogs on your cat. However, sometimes even products labeled for cats are often not safe either. Educate yourself on what to look for and what to avoid in cat flea prevention. Quick note: Your veterinarian is always a great resource for safe and effective flea prevention recommendations. It's still a good idea to know what your options are and what may work best for you and your cat's lifestyle before reaching out to them for suggestions.

There are a variety of different types of flea medications and routes of administration. Many are unsafe, if not toxic, to cats, and it can be confusing figuring out if you can give the same thing to both your dog and your cat. Knowing what safe flea medication options you have for your cat can help not only keep fleas away but will also help prevent serious harm.

Flea medications can be administered to dogs and cats a variety of ways including:

• Topical - Typically applied to the skin on the back of the neck in a location that is not able to be licked off by your pet, topical flea medications are available both over the counter and from your veterinarian. Depending on the topical product used, these products can provide up to a month or more of protection from fleas.
• Oral - Taken by mouth either as a treat or a pill, oral flea medications are available most commonly from your veterinarian but some types can be found over the counter. If you want to avoid having a wet spot that you can't touch on your pet for a few hours or having to question whether or not a topical medication was fully absorbed then oral flea medications are a good option. Again, like topical prevention, some products provide up to a month of flea prevention.
• Sprays - Usually only used when there is an active flea infestation, sprays usually contain all-natural or permethrins that are designed to be sprayed directly onto pets as well as surfaces. It is important to note that permethrins can toxic to cats depending on the dose and you should use caution when using any on your cat. Another important point, is that most sprays do not have any residual effect. This means that soon after application your cat will be susceptible to fleas again. Sprays are most often purchased from pet stores but some veterinarians offer them as well. If you are considering the use of a spray on your cat, a call to your veterinarian before using one can help avoid serious complications.
• Shampoos - Like sprays, shampoos are only used if your pet has fleas since there are no lasting preventative benefits. Shampoos for giving a pet a flea bath may contain all-natural ingredients or permethrins to kill live fleas. Because cats are typically not fond of baths and the medications or ingredients in some shampoos can potentially be dangerous, and they offer no lasting preventative benefits, this is probably the least desirable way to clear fleas off your cat. Also, like sprays, a call to your vet before using any flea shampoo on your cat is a good idea.
• Powders - Beneficial for carpeting and other fabric surfaces, powders are used if there are live fleas in your pet's environment.
• Flea Bombs - Another option for treating an environment that has a flea infestation, flea bombs create a fog or aerosol that is able to infiltrate small spaces that fleas like to live. All people and pets need to leave the premises if a flea bomb is used as it can be toxic if inhaled. When using flea bombs, you will need to pay close attention to instructions and how long you will need to be out of the home to avoid any toxicity to you or your pets.
• Collars - Historically, flea collars only helped keep fleas off of the neck of a pet but new technology has made some collars much more effective at preventing fleas than the older versions. One collar with safe and effective ingredients has been proven to prevent fleas in cats for eight months!

In addition to all the different ways flea medications can be applied, there are a variety of different types of drugs, as well as all-natural ingredients, that are used in pets. Some are safe for both dogs and cats at appropriate dosages while others are toxic to cats. New drugs are regularly introduced to the pet market but popular options include:

• Selamectin
• Permethrin
• Fipronil
• Afoxolaner
• Nitenpyram
• Spinosad
• Fluralaner
• Sarolaner
• Imidacloprid
• All-natural ingredients

Cats are not simply little dogs so that means you should not give a cat what a dog can take for fleas. Cats metabolize drugs differently than dogs and giving your cat your dog's flea medication can be fatal. If your flea medication is not specifically designed for a cat then it should not be given to your cat. Even if the type of medication can be safely used in a cat, the dosage designed for a dog is most likely very different. Seizures and death can be caused if a cat receives flea medications that are not safe for them. When in doubt, always ask your veterinarian before giving your cat a new flea medication.

If your veterinarian sold you a flea medication specifically designed for cats then it is most likely safe, but if you are purchasing a flea medication from a pet store it may not be safe for a cat, even if the label says it is. For example, permethrin-containing products should always be avoided in cats, despite the fact that many cat products that are often found in pet stores contain this drug. Side effects are always possible with any drug but the following medications are typically regarded as safe for cats when appropriate doses are given:

• Selamectin
• Fipronil
• Nitenpyram
• Spinosad
• Fluralaner
• Sarolaner
• Imidacloprid

Some all-natural ingredients and home remedies may be safe for cats but since they are not very effective in preventing or treating fleas and the ingredients may vary from product to product, they should be discussed with your veterinarian prior to use.

Flea prevention in cats can be confusing, and there are a lot of products out there. If you are overwhelmed you are not alone! When in doubt, reach out to your veterinary team for safe and effective options of flea prevention for your cat.

If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.