Press Releases

June 22, 2006
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Jeffrey Raddatz
Phone: (414) 431-6121
E-mail: jraddatz@wihumane.org

Fleas, Fleas, Fly Away

MILWAUKEE – Summer has finally arrived and so begins flea season. Many guardians are beginning to treat their dogs & cats with products that prevent the nuisance of fleas. However, cat owners need to be aware of the extreme danger of treating their cat with flea powder intended for dogs only.

According to the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, many flea powders intended for dogs contain a common chemical called permethrin, which can be toxic to cats. In products made for dogs, permethrin is usually concentrated at levels of 45 percent to 65 percent. Flea sprays intended for cats contain much lower and safer concentrations, often about 2 percent. Symptoms of permethrin toxicity in cats include excitability, twitching and seizures. Cat owners noticing signs should quickly bathe their pet in mild dishwashing detergent and call their veterinarian immediately.

The Wisconsin Humane Society offers these tips to protect your furry friend from these small parasites and other potential dangers:

• Never treat your cat with a flea medication designed for dogs. Treat your companion animal with a flea medication designed particularly for your type of animal.

• Always consult your veterinarian before applying an over-the-counter product to your animal, especially cats; some products which can be deadly.

• Always keep your cat indoors. This tip applies year round. Cats kept indoors not only keep away from parasites and disease, but also avoid danger posed by larger predators, cars and even people.

• Remove all ticks from your companion animal as soon as you find them. Wear rubber gloves and use tweezers to remove the tick, which helps to prevent disease transmission. Be sure and remove the entire tick; any part that is left behind could cause an infection. Apply antiseptic to the area once the tick has been removed. It is also recommended that you take your animal to the veterinarian because the ticks may have been harboring diseases that need to treated.

# # #

Note: The Wisconsin Humane Society can arrange an interview opportunity with a veterinarian that can give tips of how to keep your animal safe from fleas, To schedule an interview, please contact Jeffrey Raddatz at (414) 431-6121.