Is mosquito repellent harmful to cats?

The answer to whether mosquito repellent is harmful to cats mainly depends on its ingredients. The insecticide pyrethrin in mosquito repellent is toxic to cats, causing symptoms such as drowsiness and drooling. In severe cases, it may cause hypothermia, seizures, opisthotonus, and acute liver injury. It is recommended for cat owners to pay attention to the ingredients of mosquito repellent and avoid using those containing pyrethrin.

Is DEET harmful to cats?

DEET, as an insecticide, is harmful to cats. When applying DEET to clothing, people should avoid cats from accidentally inhaling it. After use, it is also recommended to store DEET in a place where cats cannot reach it to prevent them from licking it out of curiosity. Even if cats accidentally come into contact with DEET, there is no need for excessive worry, as a small amount of DEET will not cause poisoning.

Can cats smell mosquito coils?

It is not recommended to let cats smell mosquito coils. The mosquito repellent ingredients in mosquito coils may cause upper respiratory tract irritation in cats, resulting in symptoms such as teary eyes, sneezing, and runny nose. If cats have already smelled mosquito coils and show the above symptoms, it is recommended to take them to a pet hospital for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible to avoid delays in treatment.

What to do if a cat is bitten by a mosquito?

If the cat just develops a rash, simply disinfect with alcohol and keep the cat indoors. If the cat shows allergic symptoms due to mosquito bites, such as hair loss, crusting, or nose swelling around the ears, inject an anti-allergy shot promptly and use water-soluble pyrethrin spray in the environment, applying once every 24 hours. Be cautious when using pyrethroids to treat cats, as some over-the-counter human insecticides like dichlorvos are usually ineffective and toxic to cats.