Finding Safe Cat Insect Repellents

The most common cat bug complaint is, of course, the flea. Fleas can cause intense itching and hair loss, and they also contribute to the spread of tapeworms.

Popular Cat Flea Products

• Oral medications such as Program, an insect growth regulator;
• Topical flea adulticides such as Frontline, Advantage and Revolution;
• Flea collars, sprays and dusts.
• Some products also help to control cat tick populations, mites and internal parasites.

Insecticide Dangers

When treating fleas, be sure to treat indoor and outdoor living areas. When choosing an insecticide for this purpose, avoid any that contain permethrin. Permethrin is a commonly used insecticide, and it is very toxic to cats.

Cats are also be very sensitive to organophosphate insecticides. Some chemicals to avoid include:

• Permethrin
• Phosmet
• Diazinon

Used around your cat, wasp, hornet and ant sprays can be lethal. If you are battling these insects in and around your yard and garden, consider some natural alternatives. Products that contain borax, mint oil or sodium laurel sulfate will kill these pests while protecting your pet.

Also consider wasp traps, artificial wasp nests and other forms of non-toxic control.

Read and follow labels to keep your cat, your yard and your house bug-free and healthy.