Many cat parents are unaware of the dangerous flea products that are out on the market. Many of these products are even vet recommended.
The vast majority of commercial flea products (topical and internal) use isoxazoline compounds or fipronil based pesticides. Pesticides with known links to cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, ADHD, and even birth defects in humans. Pesticides with the potential to harm the nervous system, reproductive system, and the endocrine system. Yet these same products are prescribed by vets, approved by the FDA, and promoted in cute commercials to use on our pets.
Thankfully, new research and more studies are being done that expose the dangers of these products for our cats. Even the FDA has issued a warning about their own approved products.
So let’s talk about the short-term and long-term side effects these products can cause for our cats.
Short-term side effects are usually experienced within 24-48 hours of application or ingestion. They can include skin burns, muscle tremors, ataxia, seizures, and even death from adverse reactions. Manic behaviors, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and other neurological, nerve, and muscle damage may also occur.
Cat parents that contact us after experiencing any of these horrifying side-effects from one of these dangerous flea products are shocked. Understandably, if a vet recommends a product, or we find it on a reputable website with thousands of reviews, it should be safe – right?
Long-term side effects are equally heartbreaking. Just as with humans, these pesticides are linked to various cancers – lymphoma, mammary and bladder cancers – as well as long-term neurological damage, seizures, allergies and death.
Please. If you are using – or thinking of using – a flea treatment on your cat, read the fine print. Ask your vet to list possible adverse reactions. If you are purchasing a product online, don’t just look at a 4 star rating with 10K reviews. Read the reviews from the heartbroken pet parents that took the time to leave a 1 star rating. Look at the pictures and videos they share.
We know dealing with a flea issue is hard. It’s frustrating and it needs to be resolved quickly. Before turning to one of these pesticides, look into the natural solutions that are out there. Solutions that are effective and safe.
Recommended Natural Flea Control for Cats
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