What should I do if the cat has swallowed a flea medication? - briefly
Contact a veterinarian immediately and follow their specific instructions; do not attempt home remedies or induce vomiting unless directed by a professional. Monitor your cat for signs of distress and be prepared to provide details about the product and amount ingested.
What should I do if the cat has swallowed a flea medication? - in detail
If a cat ingests a flea control product, act immediately. First, identify the medication: brand name, active ingredient, concentration, and amount consumed. This information is essential for the veterinarian and the poison control center.
Next, call an emergency veterinary clinic or the Animal Poison Control Hotline (1‑800‑555‑TOX). Provide the details gathered and follow the professional’s instructions without delay. Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly advised, because some flea products contain substances that can cause additional damage when expelled.
If the expert recommends inducing emesis, use a safe method such as administering 1 ml of 3 % hydrogen peroxide per kilogram of body weight, not exceeding 30 ml total. Perform the procedure only under veterinary guidance.
Afterward, monitor the cat for clinical signs, including drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, seizures, or respiratory difficulty. Record the onset and progression of any symptoms and report them promptly.
The veterinarian may prescribe activated charcoal to bind residual toxin, intravenous fluids to maintain hydration, or specific antidotes depending on the active ingredient (e.g., pyriproxyfen, imidacloprid, selamectin). Hospitalization may be required for severe cases.
Prevent future incidents by storing all flea medications out of reach, using child‑proof containers, and administering the product directly according to the label instructions. Regularly check that the cat cannot access discarded packaging or leftover doses.