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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Two cats died after skin exposure to fenvalerate and Deet toxins

By Dorman, D C et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1990·Department of Veterinary Biosciences, United States·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Fenvalerate/N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (Deet) toxicosis in two cats.

Species:
cat

Plain-English summary

Two cats developed severe symptoms after being exposed to a pesticide containing fenvalerate and the insect repellent DEET. Within 4 to 6 hours of contact, they showed signs like excessive drooling, difficulty walking, and lethargy. One of the cats even had seizures. Unfortunately, both cats passed away, and tests confirmed the presence of these toxic substances in their bodies. This case highlights the dangers of using certain flea and tick products on cats.

People also search for: cat pesticide poisoning symptoms · why is my cat drooling · cat seizures after flea treatment

Abstract

Toxicosis attributable to fenvalerate and N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (Deet) exposure was suspected in 2 cats. Clinical signs of toxicosis developed within 4 to 6 hours of dermal application of the pesticide. Clinical signs of toxicosis seen in both cats included hypersalivation, ataxia, and depression. In addition, seizures were seen in 1 cat. Both cats died. Analysis of skin, kidney/urine, liver, and brain tissues confirmed the presence of fenvalerate and Deet. The pyrethroid fenvalerate and the insect repellent Deet are used for the control of fleas and ticks on cats. Suspected fenvalerate/Deet toxicosis in cats is associated with tremors, hypersalivation, ataxia, vomiting, depression, and seizures.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2295539/