Mosquito Repellents & Cats: Safety Guide for Pet Owners

Summer Alert: Common Mosquito Products Can Poison Your Cat!

These kittens suffered pyrethroid poisoning from insect repellents – symptoms included:

• Violent tremors
• Excessive drooling
• Seizures
• Paw curling

This emergency case highlights a growing problem we see every summer. Our veterinary team receives countless questions: “How can I keep mosquitoes away without harming my cat?”

Dangerous Ingredients to Avoid

1. Pyrethroids (DEADLY)

Found in:
✓ Electric liquid repellents
✓ Mosquito coils
✓ Insecticide sprays

Why toxic?
Cats lack glucuronyl transferase enzymes needed to metabolize these chemicals. Even small exposures cause:

• Neurological damage
• Liver failure
• Potentially fatal seizures

Note: Dogs handle pyrethroids better but still risk poisoning.

2. DEET (Highly Toxic)

Found in:
Most spray repellents

Exposure risks:

• Skin absorption
• Eye contact
• Grooming contamination

Symptoms:

• Disorientation
• Muscle spasms
• Seizures

3. “Natural” Oils (Surprising Danger)

Including:
✗ Citronella
✗ Eucalyptus
✗ Tea tree

Why risky?
Essential oils contain phenols that cats can’t process, causing:

• Chemical burns
• Respiratory distress
• Liver damage

Cat-Safe Mosquito Solutions

1. Physical Barriers (100% Safe)

• Mosquito nets over beds/cat trees
• Window screens with 1.2mm gaps
• UV/zapper traps (place out of reach)

2. Controlled Chemical Use

1. Apply products in empty rooms
2. Wait 4+ hours
3. Ventilate thoroughly before cat access

3. Science-Backed Alternatives

Catnip (Nepetalactone)

• 10x more effective than DEET (Science Advances study)
• Stimulates cats safely
• Grow fresh plants near windows

Emergency Protocol

If exposure occurs:

1. Isolate from product
2. Wipe fur with damp cloth
3. Call Animal Poison Control:
   • US: (888) 426-4435
   • Int’l: Find local hotlines

Spread Awareness ➔ Save Lives
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