Is there a difference between cat and dog flea treatment? In this Vet Minute, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Marty Greer, answers the question of can you put dog flea medicine on a cat?

Are Cat and Dog Flea Treatments the Same?

Can dog flea treatment be used on cats? The answer is No. There is a difference between dog and cat flea treatments. Overall, dog and cat flea treatments are safer now than they have ever been. Gone are the days of organophosphates. The flea treatments we have now are able to specifically target the nervous system of insects like fleas and arachnids like mites. However, you need to be careful to only use cat-labeled flea products on cats. Dog flea products are not interchangeable with cat flea products. Read the label instructions carefully and know the weight and age of your pet before applying or administering medications.

What If I Put Dog Flea Treatment On My Cat?

If you accidently do put dog flea meds on a cat it can be deadly for the cat. Dog flea medications CAN kill a cat or cause serious effects. The amount of medication in the dose is not the deciding factor on what is safe for a cat. Dog flea products often contain products that are completely unsafe for use on cats. So only use cat flea products on cats. If you do accidentally apply dog flea medicine to your cat, contact your vet immediately as this is an emergency.

Permethrin Toxic to Cats

Permethrin is in the K9 Advantix II and Vectra 3D product among others. Permethrin, the active ingredient, is not safe as cats cannot metabolize this product – and can lead to tremors, seizures, and death in cats. Should you accidentally apply this product to a cat or the cat is in skin to skin contact with a dog when the product on the dog is still wet, you need immediate veterinary intervention.

Try The Revival Flea & Tick Finder

This free tool is a simple way to find the best flea treatment for cats or dogs.

If you need help or have other cat health questions, call us at 800.786.4751.