Bubble and Squeak were admitted to the surgery on Sunday because they were having seizures. Their owner had applied a permethrin-based flea treatment bought from the pet shop and intended for use in dogs. She realised her mistake immediately and did the very best thing possible, which was to wash it off with lots of soapy water. However, some damage was already done, and Bubble and Squeak soon began to show signs of permethrin poisoning.

With 48 hours of intensive care, they have pulled through,  though as you can see they still look a bit groggy! Because of their owner's quick thinking, they were not as severely affected as some we have seen, who have needed a full general anaesthetic for up to 72 hours to combact the neurological symptoms which would otherwise kill them.

These products are still being sold in pet shops with apparently no advice on how toxic they are to cats, and we and Bubble and Squeak's owner want more people to know about this because it is a mistake made regularly and can kill. At our surgeries we do sell a permethrin-based product, Advantix, as it is the only product which will repel ticks on dogs as well as kill them. However, we have luminous stickers on every box and we are very reluctant to sell it to anyone who has cats in the household. If we do, we make sure they are aware how toxic it would be, even without direct application to the cat - for instance if the cat has contact with the dog before the product is dried.

There is no need for permethrin-based products except in very specific circumstances. Please be very aware of what you are applying to your pets and always ask for veterinary advice.