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Pyrethrins
and Your Cat's Health
"Pyrethrins are considered "non-toxic,"
but you still need to be careful when using this flea killer."
In Flea Control Products
Flea control products containing this insecticide (natural pyrethrins, synthetic pyrethroids, allethrin, resmethrin, and permethrin) are labeled "non-toxic." They are derived from chrysanthemums and are considered to be the least toxic to mammals of all insecticides, but they are toxic.
What Flea Products Use Them?
Pyrethrins are found in both conventional and "natural" flea control products. They are mostly found in aerosol sprays, and also in
flea shampoos
 and sprays.
How Do They Kill Fleas?
These insecticides work by causing rapid paralysis of the insect nervous system. Many fleas will die from this, but many also recover in a few hours, so repeat applications are necessary.
Some products with these insecticides add other ingredients that inhibit the flea's detoxification process and increase the effectiveness. These include Piperonyl Butoxide, N-octylbicycloheptene, and dicarosimide E. These are not insecticides, but large doses may cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pet.
Cat Allergies
Some cats are allergic to these pyrethrins and can develop allergic dermatitis and systemic allergic reactions. Large amounts of the insecticide may cause nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, headaches, and other central nervous system disturbances in your cat. These reactions are rapidly detoxified in your cat's intestines.
Prolonged use may cause slight liver damage. And studies on mice have shown that permethrin may be a slight carcinogen.
Consult your trusted veterinarian if any negative symptoms occur. Or better yet, consider using truly
natural flea control products
and methods to control and get rid of fleas.
Related Topics:
Common Flea Insecticides Information about other insecticides commonly used to kill fleas.
Search My Healthy Cat or the Internet for more feline information.
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