Fleas and ticks are parasites that can transmit diseases, cause discomfort, and quickly turn into a larger issue like a flea infestation in your home.
Since pets come in various sizes it may seem OK to use a dog flea and tick product on your cat, especially if you have both dogs and cats in your home.
But there are many factors, not only weight, that need to be considered before choosing the right flea and tick medication for your cat—and most importantly it can be dangerous and often lethal to use dog-specific flea and tick medicine on your cat.
Have you ever found yourself in a pinch, staring at your cat’s flea problem while holding a tube of PetArmor for dogs? Maybe you’re thinking, “Fleas are fleas, right? Surely I can just use a smaller dose?”
STOP RIGHT THERE
As a pet parent myself, I’ve faced the temptation to share medications between my furry family members. But when it comes to flea treatments, this seemingly innocent decision could cost your cat their life.
The Short Answer: Absolutely Not!
No, you cannot use PetArmor for dogs on cats. Not even a little bit. Not even “just this once.” Not even if you “adjust the dose.”
PetArmor’s dog products contain permethrin, a chemical that is extremely toxic to cats. While dogs can tolerate this ingredient, cats lack the enzymes needed to metabolize it, making it potentially fatal for our feline friends.
Why Dog Flea Treatments Are Dangerous for Cats
The primary culprit behind this danger is an ingredient called permethrin, which is:
- A type of pyrethroid (synthetic derivative of pyrethrins)
- Commonly found in dog flea and tick products
- Lethal to cats even in small amounts
- Absorbed through a cat’s skin, inhaled, or ingested
Permethrin is so widely used that there are currently over 1400 registered products in the US containing this chemical. It’s found in
- Insecticides
- Dog flea and tick medications (including topicals like PetArmor)
- Flea collars for dogs
- Environmental treatments (sprays, powders, etc.)
- Some outdoor/hiking clothing
When I first learned about this, I was shocked at how common these chemicals are in products I have around my house. Now I’m extra careful about what I bring home
Warning Signs of Permethrin Poisoning in Cats
If your cat has been exposed to a dog flea product, watch for these symptoms:
- Excessive drooling/salivation
- Vomiting
- Hiding behavior
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Poor coordination
- Muscle twitching or tremors
- Seizures
- Abnormal breathing
- Very low or very high body temperature
These symptoms can develop quickly and become severe. Even if your cat isn’t showing immediate signs, exposure requires immediate veterinary attention.
How Cats Get Exposed to Permethrin
Your cat doesn’t need to have the product applied directly to be poisoned. They can be exposed by:
- Grooming a dog that was recently treated
- Walking through areas where the product was applied
- Rubbing against surfaces where the chemical is present
- Sleeping in the same bed as a treated dog
This is why PetArmor’s own instructions recommend separating dogs and cats for 24-48 hours after application until the product has dried completely.
What To Do If Your Cat Is Exposed
If your cat has come into contact with a dog flea treatment:
- Don’t wait for symptoms – seek emergency veterinary care immediately
- If the product is on their fur/skin, wash it off with mild dish soap and lukewarm water
- Do NOT use any home remedies
- Contact the Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) while en route to the vet
- Bring the product packaging with you to the vet
The prognosis depends on the severity of exposure and how quickly treatment begins. Some cats recover fully with prompt care, while others may suffer permanent damage or even die from permethrin toxicity.
Safe Flea Treatment Alternatives for Cats
Now that we know what NOT to use, let’s talk about safe options for our feline friends:
PetArmor Products Specifically for Cats
PetArmor makes flea and tick treatments specifically formulated for cats. These do not contain permethrin and are safe when used as directed. Always look for packaging that explicitly states “For Cats” and shows images of cats.
Other Safe Options
- Oral flea medications prescribed by your vet
- Flea combs for manual removal
- Cat-specific flea collars (check ingredients)
- Environmental treatments that are specifically labeled safe for cats
Veterinarian Recommendations
I spoke with my vet last month about this very issue, and she emphasized how important it is to:
- Always read labels thoroughly
- Never use products intended for one species on another
- Consult with a veterinarian before trying any new flea treatment
- Be especially cautious with kittens, elderly cats, or cats with health conditions
She also mentioned that she treats several cases of permethrin toxicity in cats every year, and it’s heartbreaking because it’s completely preventable.
What Makes PetArmor for Dogs Different from PetArmor for Cats?
PetArmor Plus for Dogs contains ingredients at concentrations specifically formulated for a dog’s biology. PetArmor’s cat products use different active ingredients at different concentrations that are safe for cats.
From PetArmor’s own FAQ section, they clearly state:
“DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT ON CATS. Be sure to choose dog products for dogs and cat products for cats. These products are different formulations based on the species and your pet’s weight and SHOULD NEVER be used interchangeably.”
They even emphasize this point with all-caps, which shows how serious this warning is.
Common Misconceptions
“I’ll just use a smaller amount”
Even a tiny amount of permethrin can be toxic to cats. Diluting or using less doesn’t make it safe.
“My cat is big and my dog is small, so it should be fine”
The size of your cat doesn’t matter. The issue isn’t the dose – it’s that cats physiologically cannot process permethrin safely at ANY dose.
“They share everything else, what’s the difference?”
While cats and dogs can share many things (toys, beds, even some foods), medications are not among them. Their bodies process chemicals differently.
“It says ‘Plus’ so it must be better”
The “Plus” in PetArmor Plus doesn’t mean it’s better for all animals – it refers to the additional ingredients that make it effective for the specific species it’s designed for.
Year-Round Protection Tips
Fleas and ticks aren’t just a summer problem. They can survive in various conditions and remain dormant for months before hatching. Here’s how to keep your pets protected all year:
- Treat ALL pets in your household with species-appropriate products
- Set calendar reminders for monthly treatments
- Vacuum frequently, especially in areas where pets rest
- Wash pet bedding in hot water regularly
- Consider environmental treatments for severe infestations
Real-Life Consequences
A friend of mine once used a dog flea treatment on her cat because she “just needed something quick” until she could get to the pet store. Within hours, her cat was having seizures. After three days in emergency veterinary care and over $2,000 in medical bills, her cat survived but developed permanent neurological issues.
This isn’t a rare case – veterinarians treat cases like this regularly, and not all cats are lucky enough to survive.
When it comes to flea and tick prevention, the small amount of money you might save by using dog products on cats isn’t worth the risk. The potential consequences include:
- Expensive emergency veterinary bills
- Permanent health damage to your cat
- Immense suffering for your pet
- Possible death
- Heartbreak and guilt for you
I know it can be frustrating to purchase separate products for different pets, but this is one area where there’s absolutely no room for shortcuts.
If you’re unsure about which flea treatment is right for your cat, consult your veterinarian. They can recommend safe, effective products based on your cat’s specific needs and health status.
Remember: our pets trust us completely to make good decisions for them. Let’s make sure we honor that trust by keeping them safe from preventable harm.
FAQs About Flea Treatments for Cats and Dogs
Q: How soon after applying dog flea treatment can my cat interact with my dog?
A: According to PetArmor’s instructions, you should keep them separated for 24-48 hours until the product has completely dried.
Q: What should I do if I accidentally applied dog flea treatment to my cat?
A: Wash it off immediately with mild dish soap and lukewarm water, then go to an emergency vet immediately, even if your cat isn’t showing symptoms yet.
Q: Are natural or organic flea treatments for dogs safe for cats?
A: Not necessarily. Even some “natural” products contain essential oils that can be toxic to cats. Always check that a product specifically states it’s safe for cats.
Q: How can I tell if a flea product is safe for my cat?
A: The packaging should explicitly state it’s for use on cats. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian before using any product.
Q: Is it safe to use cat flea treatment on dogs?
A: While cat products are generally less likely to harm dogs, they may not be effective and could be improperly dosed. Always use species-specific products for best results and safety.
Remember, when it comes to your pets’ health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Your furry family members depend on you to make the right choices for their wellbeing!
Can You Use Dog Flea and Tick Treatments on Cats?
The main reason you should never give your cat a flea and tick medication formulated for a dog is due to permethrin (a common ingredient found in dog flea and tick products).
Permethrin is a type of insecticide that is a synthetic version of a pyrethrin—a naturally occurring substance in chrysanthemum flowers. You can also find flea and tick products that contain pyrethrin, and this causes a lot of confusion. Here are the facts:
- When used correctly, pyrethrin can be safe for cats
- Permethrin is never safe for cats and can even be fatal
Permethrin can be ingested or absorbed through the skin. It is a part of many products including:
- Insecticides
- Dog flea and tick medications including topical products and collars
- Environmental flea and tick treatments, including liquids, powders, dusts, aerosols, and sprays
- Some repellent-treated clothing (typically includes hiking, gardening, outdoor gear)
The best way to protect your cats is to avoid using permethrin-containing products entirely. If that isn’t possible, read the product’s label to determine how long you need to keep your cats away from treated areas and dogs (at the very least until the product is completely dry).
Symptoms of Flea and Tick Treatment Poisoning in Cats
Cats can be exposed to permethrin through oral, respiratory, and topical routes, including licking or grooming a companion dog that has been treated, walking through moist areas recently treated, or rubbing against surfaces where permethrins have recently been applied.
Signs of permethrin toxicity in cats may include:
- Excessive salivation/drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hiding
- Restlessness (anxious behaviors)
- Lack of coordination (ataxia)
- Tremors/muscle twitching
- Seizures
- Abnormal breathing
If your cat gets into a flea and tick product that is made for dogs, seek veterinary care immediately.
Your veterinarian may be able to treat your cat on an outpatient basis, or hospitalization may be required. The prognosis depends on the severity of the exposure, the clinical signs your cat is displaying, and the response to treatment. The prognosis can range from good to poor; cats can die from permethrin toxicity.