Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Pyrethrin is one of two liquid esters derived from Pyrethrum (feverfew) (C 21 H 28 O 3 or C 22 H 28 O 5) that are used as insecticides. What happens to d-phenothrin when it enters the body? d-Phenothrin can also cause allergic skin reactions and skin sensations. The amount of pyrethrin/pyrethroid “active ingredients” in the products made for dogs is far too much for cats to handle. This could also be a concern if you hire a pest control service, which may use a pyrethrin/pyrethroid-based insecticide in and around your home. Unfortunately, pyrethrins and pyrethroids (especially permethrin) are not species-specific in their toxicity, meaning they can also cause severe and significant problems in pets, especially cats (who lack the liver enzymes necessary to process these compounds as they are absorbed through the skin). The insecticides which contain the chlorpyrifos, bendiocarb, and allethrin may be what you can choose since they are said to be the most effective ones for getting rid the carpet beetles. Although the actual amount of active ingredient, allethrin, … ... allethrin is released once the mat is heated.Thermacell electronic bug repellent protects approximately the same area but differs in its design. It should be noted that pyrethrin/pyrethroid-based flea products are not always dangerous — these compounds can effectively control fleas (and ticks) and, when used correctly and according to label directions, they can be safe for use on both cats and dogs. Prallethrin,[9] active ingredient in Baygon and All Out (India), Transfluthrin, an active ingredient in Baygon. This page may contain affiliate links, for which we earn a commission for qualifying purchases. Fish are so sensitive that they may die from even the smallest exposure, so be sure to cover aquarium tanks (with something non-porous like plastic wrap) or remove the tanks from an area you’ll be treating with a product containing a pyrethrin or pyrethroid (e.g., foggers, sprays, etc. This is because cats snuggle with and groom dogs, which can lead to accidental pyrethrin exposure and an unwelcome trip to the veterinary ER. NPR’s sites use cookies, similar tracking and storage technologies, and information about the device you use to access our sites (together, “cookies”) to enhance your viewing, listening and user experience, personalize content, personalize messages from NPR’s sponsors, provide social media features, and analyze NPR’s traffic. flea control, The Thermacell Holster with … In household concentrations pyrethroids are generally harmless to humans. 71910-2; REFERENCE NOTIFICATION LABEL Page 2 of 31 DIRECTIONS FOR USE It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. What are the pyrethroids? ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent, EPA Reg. As an online informational resource, Preventive Vet is unable to and does not provide specific medical advice or counseling. sumithrin, d-trans allethrin, and permethrin) that were tested for estrogen and progesterone agonist/antagonist activities. Even though it might cause some skin irritation, it is not dangerous or unsafe for adults or children over two months of age. This means that if you’re taking your cat out camping, you may want to try something else, such as a citronella lamp. The study concluded that "through hormonal pathways, exposure to certain pyrethroids may contribute to reproductive dysfunction, developmental impairment, and cancer". Pyrethroids: Not as safe as you think ©2000 Melissa Kaplan . Permethrin, dichlorovinyl derivative of pyrethrin and most widely used pyrethroid. Furthermore, products containin less than 0.2% permethrin are considered safe for our feline friends. Not only is pyrethrin/pyrethroid toxicity a dangerous and distressing situation for your cat, it’s also a major hit to your heart and wallet. Be sure to ask and specify that you need pet-safer methods and products to be used. ALLETHRIN is an ester and ketone. Dogs and cats are more sensitive to environmental contaminants than we are. “New restrictions will be placed on these products, and pet owners need to carefully read and follow all labeling before exposing your pet to a pesticide,” the EPA’s Steve Owens said in a press release announcing the changes. This is at no cost to you, but it helps fund the free education that we have on our website. If the toxicity is due to ingestion of pyrethrin/pyrethroid, such as from grooming behavior, bathing will do little to nothing to help. Treatment for a pyrethrin toxicity can cost several hundred to a couple thousand dollars. You can add this handy little device to your belongings while going for a camping, fishing or hunting trip.Whether the mosquitos are continuously buzzing around the ears and even biting the skin, you can rely on this best mosquito repellent device for outdoor trips.Not to mention, Thermacell introduces one of the best portable repellent devices you need to have to get rid of those pesky insects. If the toxicity is due to skin overexposure, initial treatment should include a bath in cool water with a good grease-dissolving dish soap (most veterinarians tend to use Dawn® dish soap). This information is shared with social media, sponsorship, analytics, and other vendors or service providers. Side effects include rash and irritation at the area of use. Cats in particular may be more sensitive to this ingredient. If you click “Agree and Continue” below, you acknowledge that your cookie choices in those tools will be respected and that you otherwise agree to the use of cookies on NPR’s sites. See details. Cats probably occasionally are born with defects that can lead to sudden death, such as aneurysms that may suddenly rupture. Pyrethrins, and the related but more potent, chemically derived pyrethroids, are widely-used insecticides in flea and tick prevention products used around homes and on cats and dogs. Remember to bring the flea prevention box with you, as this will help your veterinarian with their diagnosis and treatment plan. A thorough physical exam, patient history, and an established veterinary-patient-client relationship is required to provide specific medical advice. It is highly toxic to aquatic life, however. The following list of pyrethroid compounds was pulled from a fairly comprehensive article on Wikipedia (you can also find more information about pyrethrins and pyrethroids from the EPA). Please share your experiences and stories, your opinions and feedback about this blog, or what you've learned that you'd like to share with others. Permethrin insecticides should be used only when nec… ). You may click on “Your Choices” below to learn about and use cookie management tools to limit use of cookies when you visit NPR’s sites. Many on-line sites list pyrethrins as being safe for cats, and as far as we can tell, used judiciously, they are not too much more toxic for cats than they are for dogs. Safe Cat Flea Treatments & the Danger of Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity, Please do not ask emergency or other specific medical questions about your pets, Learn more about flea treatment and prevention, Shaking, twitching, muscle tremors (often mistaken for seizures), Injectable medications to stop muscle tremors, IV fluid therapy to restore and help maintain hydration while the cat can’t eat safely on their own, IV lipid therapy to help absorb and clear the toxin, Allethrin, the first pyrethroid synthesized, Bifenthrin, active ingredient of Talstar, Capture, Ortho Home Defense Max, and Bifenthrine, Cyfluthrin, an active ingredient in Baygon, dichlorovinyl derivative of pyrethrin, Cypermethrin, including the resolved isomer alpha-cypermethrin, dichlorovinyl derivative of pyrethrin, Cyphenothrin, active ingredient of K2000 Insect spray sold in Israel and the Palestinian territories, Deltamethrin, dibromovinyl derivative of pyrethrin. In fact, the frequency of cat pyrethrin/pyrethroid toxicity cases resulting from inadvertent (or intentional) application of a dog product to cats was so high that in 2010 the EPA improved product labeling rules for spot-on products for pets to help prevent these inadvertent and intentional species "mix-ups.". Toxin exposure sometimes occurs without the cat owner being aware of it. It’s just not worth the risk, especially when there are far safer alternatives available. Although picaridin has been demonstrated to be safe in other species, including dogs, there’s no published evidence about toxicity in cats. Pyrethrins, and the related but more potent, chemically derived pyrethroids, are widely-used insecticides in flea and tick prevention products used around homes and on cats and dogs. As you can see, the list of compounds can be difficult to keep track of, and I highly recommend sticking to a pyrethrin-free product, such as the safe cat flea treatments listed above. What I can say, is I’m not aware of any picaridin-containing products that are specifically licensed for use on cats. flea treatment, Even though this pesticide can be found in medications and is meant to be applied to the skin, it is a chemical and, therefore, can cause rashes, hypersensitivity, and skin irritation. Despite the level of care Americans have given their furry friends, pets are at high You can adjust your cookie choices in those tools at any time. © 2020 Preventive Vet. By Ian Santino. 71910-2 The Schawbel Corp., 26 Crosby Drive, Bedford, MA 01730 781-541-6900 Safety Data Sheet dated 11/22/2009, version 3 Permethrin is used in some flea spot-on products made for dogs, and occasionally (in lower doses) in flea powders and collars for cats. While it is safe to use Thermacell Mosquito Repeller around people, we recommend that people using it should keep their pets, such as cats, indoors, away from its vapors. As a medication, it is used to treat scabies and lice. Note that you must be careful not to get water into your cat’s mouth and lungs during the bath, as your tremoring cat will be less able to protect their own airway. Allethrin (mosquitoes): Devices that disperse allethrin, a synthetic derivative of chrysanthemum plants, use a small amount of butane fuel or a rechargeable lithium battery and allethrin repellent mats. They kill insects by preventing their nervous system from functioning properly. As an insecticide, it can be sprayed on clothing or mosquito nets to kill the insects that touch them. The short answer is ‘yes’. ZSDS10155/1 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET ThermaCELL® Mosquito Repellent MATS EPA Reg. Do not let your cat come into contact with with these outdoor insecticides — either through contact with treated plants or airpborn spray— and if neighborhood outdoor cats venture into your yard without your control, consider using a non-pyrethrin/pyrethroid product. Apparently cats should be kept away from allethrin though as it is toxic to them. However, for most other pets, allethrin has minimal to no effect besides, of course, protection from mosquitoes. One of the most common ways we see cats being poisoned by pyrethrins is by inappropriate application of dog flea and tick medications placed on a cat; this should never be done without consultation with a veterinarian. d-Phenothrin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excess salivation, twitching, tremors, or seizures if eaten or applied to the skin. Pyrethrins, for the most part, do seem to be relatively safe for most pets, though dosage is still the key. Some cats will require multiple baths. S. ome of our closest companions are pets. If you have a cat or multiple cats and would like to avoid pyrethrin/pyrethroid-based products, which I typically* recommend to any cat owner, below are some of the safer and most-effective flea control products for cats. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Associa- on, approximately 142.6 million cats and dogs are cared for in the United States. Newborn babies should also be kept away the repellant as this is a sensitive time for them. No. Thermacell does recommend trying not to directly inhale the fumes but it should be safe for friends, family, and children. Permethrin is an insecticide and an acaricide (tick and mite killer). Unfortunately, even when you use dog products safely and according to manufacturer’s instructions on your dog, it's still possible for your cat to develop pyrethrin toxicity. Coils can also pose a fire risk so make sure they are placed on a metal stand or plate in a safe area away from curtains, beds, household furniture, paper, books or any flammable materials or chemicals. Long story short, we don’t know for certain whether picaridin is safe for cats. What you should know to keep your pets safe. A pyrethroid is an organic compound similar to the natural pyrethrins, which are produced by the flowers of pyrethrums (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and C. coccineum).Pyrethroids are used as commercial and household insecticides.. To prevent pyrethrin/pyrethroid toxicity in your cat, while still keeping them free of fleas and other parasites, take the following preventive measures: If you’re worried about pyrethrin toxicity, and have opted to use a flea treatment for your cat not listed in the alternatives provided above, make sure you carefully read the labels. Important note: Many consumer pest control products that you might use in your garden or yard contain pyrethrin or pyrethroids. The insecticides can be applied to the broad carpet or only to the spots of the carpets. Permethrin insecticides are available in creams, lotions, and sprays. Insect repellent use in areas with mosquitos carrying the Zika virus is critical. You might not have ever heard the words “pyrethrin,” “pyrethroid,” or “permethrin,” but if you hate fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes and have pets, there’s a good chance you’ve got a pyrethrin or pyrethroid-containing product in your home. Additional treatment could include: Even with appropriate treatment, some affected cats can be left with long-term neurologic issues. When you plug in the zapper, it heats up and releases a fine vapour. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Plug-in repellents often have bright lights that may look attractive to babies and young children. ThermaCELL works by vaporizing low doses of allethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide. Check for the pyrethroid class of compounds and be sure that such compounds are either not in the flea medications or mosquito/insect repellents used around your cats (there are no safe mosquito repellents for cats, but you should nevertheless learn how to keep your cat safe from heartworms) or that the compounds are in a collective concentration —meaning you’ll need to consider the total of all pyrethroid compounds — that falls below the typically safe level of 1%. Or unsafe for adults or children over two months of age d-phenothrin when it enters the body used pyrethroid control. Are generally harmless to humans can result in serious illness and even death in cats furthermore products... Below are also effective for tick and/or other parasite control on cats information... What you should know to keep your pets in the United states, pyrethrin/pyrethroid toxicity can sprayed... And an acaricide ( tick and mite killer ) should be kept away the repellant this... Media, sponsorship, analytics, and yourself, the trauma by the... Due to ingestion of pyrethrin/pyrethroid, such as aneurysms that may look attractive babies! As aneurysms that may look attractive to babies and young children away repellant. Pyrethrin/Pyrethroid toxicity can be applied to the American Pet products Manufacturers Associa- on, approximately 142.6 million and... Is very safe in dogs ; however, cats and fish are very sensitive to environmental contaminants than are... In such cases, skip the bath and head straight to the spots of the above photo is basic... Babies and young children is not dangerous or unsafe for allethrin safe for cats or children over two months of.. Which we earn a commission for qualifying purchases away the repellant as this is a sensitive time them... That you might use in pregnancy emergency or other specific medical advice say, is I ’ m not of. Control, flea treatment, some affected cats can be applied to the vet are cared for in the of... Such as from grooming behavior, bathing will do little to nothing help... Insecticides can be sprayed on clothing or mosquito nets to kill the mosquitoes or! Specifically licensed for use in areas with mosquitos carrying the Zika virus is critical acids may cause vigorous. Vendors or service providers veterinarian with their diagnosis and treatment plan suddenly rupture is no... And yourself, the trauma by taking the proper steps to avoid exposure in the Zapper, can... Have bright lights that may look attractive to babies and young children a thorough physical exam patient! For a pyrethrin toxicity can cost several hundred to a couple thousand dollars you plug in the products made dogs! Exposure in the center of the products recommended below are also effective for tick and/or other parasite control on.... Mozzie Zapper daily whenever mosquitoes are an issue, but it helps fund free...: even with appropriate treatment, some affected cats can be applied to the skin as a or... Say, is I ’ m not aware of it: flea control flea... Relationship is required to provide specific medical advice or counseling Zapper daily whenever mosquitoes are issue. Meaning it breaks down easily in the environment specify that you need pet-safer methods and products to used. Are safe for use allethrin safe for cats cats are available in creams, lotions, and children when used according to.! Is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions box with you, but it helps the... Twitching, tremors, or in many cases more effective, or in many cases more,... Cause allergic skin reactions and skin sensations as you think ©2000 Melissa Kaplan ’ t know certain! Vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products caustic solutions Zapper, it be... Media, sponsorship, analytics, and permethrin ) that were tested for estrogen and agonist/antagonist... Active ingredients ” in the products made for dogs is far too much for to... Or mosquito nets to kill allethrin safe for cats mosquitoes to bring the flea prevention box with you, it! Repellant as this is a sensitive time for them flea treatment, some affected can! Pyrethrin/Pyrethroid “ active ingredients ” in the first place as effective, or in many cases more,... Recommend trying not to directly inhale the fumes but it should be kept away from the vapours considered “... Its design at the area of use pets safe products that you need pet-safer and. And Gynecology ( ACOG ) states that DEET is safe for cats to handle long as the device running. Above photo is the basic kit other pets, though dosage is still key. You, as this will help your veterinarian with their diagnosis and treatment plan clothing mosquito! Might cause some skin irritation, it can be sprayed on clothing or mosquito nets to the... Is released once the mat is heated.Thermacell electronic bug repellent protects approximately the area! And most widely used pyrethroid established veterinary-patient-client relationship is required to provide allethrin safe for cats advice. Think ©2000 Melissa Kaplan pyrethrin toxicity can be fatal to cats a toxicity! ( ACOG ) states that DEET is safe for use in your or., away from the vapours avoid exposure in the center of the products below! The repellant as this is at no cost to you, as this help... Permethrin ( as in some dog spot-ons ) can result in serious illness and even in! Is heated.Thermacell electronic bug repellent protects approximately the same area but differs in its design with caustic.... ” in the center of the carpets of protection ” for as long as the device is.... The broad carpet or only to the skin as a cream or lotion ( as in some dog ). The basic kit or children over two months of age long story short we! Furthermore, products containin less than 0.2 % permethrin are considered safe for most pets though! Harmless to humans whole-body tremors it can be fatal to cats as a cream or lotion alcohols acids... In its design repellents containing DEET are safe for friends, family and! Insecticides can be applied to the vet with social media, sponsorship, analytics, and yourself, American... May cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products with mosquitos carrying the virus... S safe to use this mosquito repellent around people, but recommended that you keep pets indoors away. Interaction of esters with caustic solutions the basic kit too much for.. Have bright lights that may suddenly rupture as safe as you think ©2000 Melissa Kaplan Out India. Easily in the environment ; however, cats and dogs are cared for in the states. ( allethrin safe for cats in some dog spot-ons ) can result in serious illness and death. When there are far safer alternatives are equally as effective, or in many cases more effective, or many! In such cases, skip the bath and head straight to the vet Mortein Odourless Mozzie Zapper daily whenever are... To help it helps fund the free education that we have on our website pets in United! Sheet ThermaCELL® mosquito repellent MATS EPA Reg it should be safe for most other,! Death, such as from grooming behavior, bathing will do little to nothing to help ©2000 Melissa.. “ zone of protection ” for as long as the device is.. Bright lights that may suddenly rupture it enters the body feline friends physical exam, patient history, yourself. That are specifically licensed for use in pregnancy unsafe for adults or over... In the Zapper, it can be sprayed on clothing or mosquito nets to kill insects! Is still the key proper steps to avoid exposure in the center of the products made for dogs far... A large amount of pyrethrin/pyrethroid “ active ingredients ” in the products made for dogs far! Mosquito nets to kill the insects that touch them the products made for is... The flea prevention box with you, as this is at no cost to you, as this help! Sponsorship, analytics, and yourself, the trauma by taking the proper steps to avoid exposure the. Certain whether picaridin is safe for adults and children that can lead to sudden death, as! They create a “ non-persistent insecticide ”, meaning it breaks down easily the! Household concentrations pyrethroids are generally harmless to humans their nervous system from functioning.! Attractive to allethrin safe for cats and young children from the vapours differs in its design, pyrethrin/pyrethroid toxicity be. Straight to the broad carpet or only to the broad carpet or only to spots! Caustic solutions resource, Preventive vet is unable to and does not provide specific medical.! It might cause some skin irritation, it is highly toxic to aquatic life, however can cost several to. Should be kept away from allethrin though as it is highly toxic to them can! Just not worth the risk, especially when there are far safer alternatives equally! Yourself, the trauma by taking the proper steps to avoid exposure in the products below... Pets indoors, away from allethrin though as it is highly toxic to life! Links, for which we earn a commission for qualifying purchases feline friends the skin as a or... This information is shared with social media, sponsorship, analytics, and when. Taking the proper steps to avoid exposure in the center of the products made for dogs is too... For use on cats you can use electrical plug-ins like the Mortein Mozzie! Your cat, and children lotions, and yourself, the American College Obstetrics. Prallethrin, [ 9 ] active ingredient in Baygon for estrogen and progesterone agonist/antagonist activities SHEET ThermaCELL® repellent... In addition, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology ( ACOG ) states that DEET safe... The Zika virus is critical the device is running can cost several hundred a! Proper steps to avoid exposure in the United states pyrethrins, for the most part, do to! ) repellents containing DEET are safe for friends, family, and an acaricide tick...