My Pet Folio

Insecticides & Pesticides

Critical

Insecticides and pesticides used in homes, gardens, and on pets can be toxic if misused or if pets access concentrated forms. Cats are especially sensitive to many insecticides due to their grooming habits and metabolism.

High-Risk Products:

  • Organophosphates & carbamates: Found in some garden products and older flea/tick treatments.
  • Pyrethrins & pyrethroids (including permethrin): Extremely toxic to cats.
  • Snail/slug bait (metaldehyde): Highly toxic, causing rapid neurological symptoms.
  • Ant/roach baits: Can cause gastrointestinal upset.
  • Lawn & garden treatments: Herbicides, fungicides, and fertilisers.

Signs of Insecticide Poisoning:

  • Organophosphates/carbamates (SLUDGE signs): Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, Gastrointestinal upset, Emesis (vomiting), constricted pupils, difficulty breathing, muscle tremors, seizures.
  • Pyrethrins/pyrethroids (especially in cats): Tremors and twitching, hypersalivation, vomiting, fever, seizures.
  • Metaldehyde (snail bait): Anxiety, uncoordinated movement, muscle tremors, seizures, hyperthermia.

Emergency First Aid:

  1. For skin exposure:
    • Wear gloves.
    • Wash pet with lukewarm water and mild dish soap.
    • Rinse thoroughly, dry, and keep warm.
  2. For ingestion:
    • Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian.
    • Collect product packaging.
  3. Contact your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control immediately.
CRITICAL - SEEK VET CARE

NEVER use dog flea/tick products on cats. Permethrin, commonly found in dog products, can be fatal to cats. This is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.

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