Tick Control for Cats

Tick control for cats is not the same as tick control for dogs. Be sure to read the label and follow directions carefully for any flea and tick control product you use on your cats. Some contain ingredients that are fine for dogs, but could have serious health - even life threatening - consequences for cats.

There's even some danger in allowing your cat to get close to a dog that has been treated with certain tick control products. 

Again, reading the label carefully is the best way to avoid problems.

Cats are sensitive to an ingredient called permethrin. This is serious stuff which can cause severe muscle tremors, seizures, aggression, and even death. When a cat has been exposed permethrin, symptoms may develop in a few hours or may take up to 2 days.

With treatment, you cat is likely to recover, but this is one of those cases where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - and then some.

To avoid problems from contact with permethrin, read the following section.

Some tips on using flea and tick control products responsibly

Once again, read the direction and follow them carefully whenever you're shopping for a tick control product for cats. This can't be emphasized strongly enough.

Keep in mind, some tick control products aren't appropriate for kittens, pregnant cats, elderly cats or sick cats.

When ticks get into a home, the best defense is a fogger. If you use one, make sure to take your pets out of the house and remove food and water dishes for the amount of time recommended on the label.

Whenever you use a tick control product, observe your cat's behavior carefully afterward. Watch for signs of trouble.

To be extra safe, talk to your vet before applying any tick control product for cats. You can also contact the manufacturer.

We've posted separate articles on this website about tick control products. For information, click on tick repellents, tick control sprays, dips, shampoos, collars and topicals.

For more information about making your home and environment safe from ticks, click on tick control for dogs and read the last section of the article.

We suggest you also read the article on tick control and safe tick removal.