What should you do if a cat licks flea drops? - briefly
Contact a veterinarian or an animal poison‑control hotline without delay. Observe the cat for vomiting, drooling, or lethargy and keep all flea products out of reach.
What should you do if a cat licks flea drops? - in detail
If a cat consumes spot‑on flea treatment, act immediately. First, determine how much was ingested and the product’s active ingredient. Many flea liquids contain fipronil, imidacloprid, or selamectin, which can be toxic in large doses.
- Call a veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control line without delay. Provide the cat’s weight, the brand name, concentration, and the estimated amount swallowed.
- Follow professional instructions. Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly advised, as some formulations can cause further irritation.
- If advised to vomit, use a safe method such as a small dose of hydrogen peroxide (1 ml per kilogram, not exceeding 3 ml total) and monitor the cat closely.
- Keep the cat hydrated. Offer fresh water, but do not force intake.
- Observe for signs of toxicity: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, lethargy, or loss of coordination. Record the onset time of any symptom.
- Transport the animal to a veterinary clinic promptly if any abnormal signs appear or if the professional recommends immediate examination. Bring the product label and any remaining container.
Prevent future incidents by applying flea medication only to the back of the neck, away from the cat’s reach, and storing the product securely out of reach of pets. Regularly check that the cat cannot lick the treated area until the medication has fully dried, typically 5–10 minutes.