Yikes! This is not a happy topic. Fleas… Evil, itchy, irritating, and possibly allergic reaction causing! I am afraid that it is true, sometimes, we dogs get fleas. So, can you use dog flea shampoo on cats? Because, we sometimes share these pesky things with the cats of the house … and when you’ve got fleas in the house, all you want is one product to get rid of ALL the fleas!
So Can You Use Dog Flea Shampoo on Cats?
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In a word: no. No, you cannot use flea shampoo made for dogs on the cats. The ingredients that they use to kill the fleas in dog shampoo can be toxic for cats and devastating for kittens. Likewise, it is not a good idea to use cat flea shampoo on dogs.
There are a few flea shampoos out there that are specifically made for both dogs and cats. Keep an eye out for those if you have dogs and cats. Even with such products, read the label carefully. There are some common ingredients to avoid.
Ingredients to Avoid
Pyrethrins/pyrethroids are ingredients found in many flea and tick products for dogs, especially topical ones. Even a small amount can be toxic to the household cat. If your cat likes to massage or lick your dog it’s best to keep them apart for a while if you apply a topical flea product to your dog. If your cat does get a hold of some of this yucky stuff keep an eye out for symptoms including vomiting, hypersalivation, tremors, and seizures, among others.
Cypermethrin is another ingredient that you do not want in a flea shampoo to use on your cat. Things that can happen to your cat if it gets into this stuff could include: muscle tremors, seizures, failing coordination, twitching, excessive salivation, weakness, agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, shock, and respiratory distress.
Deltamethrin can cause muscle tremors, drooling, vomiting, and incoordination.
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Permethrin also attacks the nervous system and can cause tremors, walking as if drunk, twitching, and oversensitivity to touch and sound. It even has the potential to cause blindness! Not good.
Phenothrin is an ingredient that some cats can tolerate, others can’t. When in doubt avoid it.
Tetramethrin is another ingredient that can cause neurological issues including shock, diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, excessive salivation, seizures, among other things. You’ll also want to avoid these ingredients: allethrin, fenvalerate, fluvalinate, and etofenprox. I think you get the idea as far and what symptoms to look for. They are all fairly similar and very unpleasant.
A Natural Solution?
What about something more natural that you can pronounce? Perhaps something with citrus or peppermint? NOPE! No citrus oils or peppermint for cats either. Even small amounts of these substances can cause liver toxicity in cats. This can lead to liver damage, liver failure, and even death… Be careful what you polish your wood with too I guess.
Well, there you have it can you use dog flea shampoo for your family cat? No, absolutely not! There are a number of negative consequences. When in doubt ask your vet for their best suggestion as to how to get rid of fleas in your multi-pet home.
Does your doggy give fleas to the cat?