What should I do if the cat has licked a flea treatment? - briefly
If your cat ingests a flea medication, call your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away and follow their instructions, which may include inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal. Monitor the animal for symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, or lethargy and seek veterinary care promptly if any appear.
What should I do if the cat has licked a flea treatment? - in detail
If a cat has swallowed a flea product, act immediately. First, remove any remaining medication from the mouth with a clean cloth or gauze. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional, as some flea agents can cause additional harm when expelled.
Next, contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal poison hotline (e.g., ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center) without delay. Provide the following information:
- Cat’s weight and age
- Exact product name, active ingredient(s), and concentration (e.g., fipronil, imidacloprid, selamectin)
- Approximate amount ingested and time since ingestion
Follow the expert’s guidance precisely. They may advise:
- Monitoring at home for signs such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or lethargy.
- Bringing the cat to a clinic for decontamination, which could include activated charcoal administration to bind the toxin.
- Intravenous fluids or supportive care if systemic symptoms develop.
Observe the animal closely for any abnormal behavior. Record the onset and progression of symptoms and report them to the veterinary team promptly. After treatment, discuss preventive measures with the veterinarian to avoid future accidental ingestion, such as applying topical products in areas inaccessible to the cat or using oral preventatives that are less likely to be spat out and consumed.