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My cats are sick after flea spray. Could it be permethrin poisoning?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hi, I have two cats, one about 13/14 weeks. I used a flea treatment for cats on them which seemed fine other than a bit of hypersalivation in the young cat, but I unwittingly used a flea spray containing permethrin in the house and on their bedding. I did keep them out/ away from sprayed areas for a number of hours but they seem the presenting symptoms of poisoning. Lethargy and gagging in the older cat, and diarrhea and vomiting in the young cat. Its possible that the older cat has too, unsure

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 19th, 2017

If your cats are showing signs of poisoning, this is a medical emergency and they need veterinary treatment now. There is nothing you can do at home for them, as cats are very sensitive to flea treatments and any time they show signs of poisoning, veterinary treatment should be sought right away. Please take them into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.
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