Can You Use Dog Flea Products on Your Cat?

Is there a big difference between the flea products that you put on your dog and the one that you put on your cat? The answer to this question is "yes". There is a difference and the flea product that you use for your dog or dogs should not be used on your cat or cats. In fact, using the same flea products for both dogs and cats can be unhealthy for your cat and it may not work as well for protecting your cat as it does for your dog. It is just a better idea to use what is produced for each pet.

There are three very valid reasons for not using the same flea products on both cats and dogs. These three reasons are the ingredients used in the flea product, the weight difference between dogs and cats and the environment difference between dogs and cats.

The difference in ingredients used in dog flea products and cat flea products is the probably the most important difference between the products. Flea products for cats generally contain Pyrethrin, while flea products for dogs will usually have Permethrin in them. Permethrin is a much stronger form of Pyrethrin and can be toxic to cats that have been exposed to it. This toxicity is the main reason for not using dog flea products on your cat.

The last two factors to consider when comparing dog and cat flea products are the weight difference between the dog and the cat and the environment being different where the dog and cat live. The weight difference is easy to see. Most dogs, although not all, are bigger than most cats, this is easy to see, but this is not the reason. Size matters because cats have a metabolism that is very sensitive making it very important to weigh them and only administer the amount of flea product that is recommended by the manufacturer. If you use the wrong amount of flea product on your cat you can make it very ill.

The environment difference between dogs and cats is the last reason for using the proper dog and cat flea products. Cats that get flea products are not generally your outdoor cats, meaning these cats never get to go outside. These cats will not be exposed to fleas as often and will not need a flea product that is as strong or effective as a dog that either lives outside or goes outside regularly will need.

There are differences and reasons for using flea products that are produced specifically for dogs on dogs only and never on your cat. The bottom line is the ingredient in the flea product and how it will affect the health of your cat. Making your cat sick is just not worth what you may save in dollars by using your dog flea product.