are pyrethrins toxic to cats
An adverse reaction to any of these toxins will affect the cat's nervous system, reversibly prolonging sodium conductance in nerve axons, which result in repetitive nerve discharges. These reactions occur more frequently in cats than in dogs due to a higher sensitivity. Exposure to even low doses may lead to toxicity in some cats. Exposure to pyrethrum in high levels in humans may cause symptoms such as asthmatic breathing, sneezing, nasal stuffiness, headache, nausea, loss of coordination, tremors, convulsions, facial flushing, and swelling. Because they are biodegradable compounds, pyrethrins are now widely regarded as being preferable to pyrethroids, which is the name of a group of synthetic analogues of pyrethrin that accumulate in the environment. Pyrethrins are considered to be low-toxicity pesticides from a human health standpoint. Pyrethrins are gradually replacing organophosphates and organochlorides as the pesticides of choice, since these other compounds have been shown to have significant and persistent toxic effects to humans. Cats are especially sensitive to pyrethroids. When treated with concentrated permethrin-containing products labeled for use on dogs, they typically develop muscle tremors, incoordination, seizures, hyperthermia, and death within hours if the toxicity is not treated. Pyrethrins can make your itty bitty kitty very sick. Your adult cat, too. Insecticides can be dangerous any time they're not used right, but pyrethrins and cats are an especially dangerous combination. Cats simply can't handle more than very tiny amounts of pyrethrin, and the toxic reaction can be severe. Pyrethrins are a natural substance extracted from chrysanthemums. Most pyrethrin poisoning happens when a well-meaning owner uses too much of a pyrethrin-based product or uses one that is too strong for a cat. Kittens, elderly cats and underweight cats are even more susceptible to pyrethrin toxicity. This is because their bodies can't process the chemical as well, and the lack of a protective layer of fat allows the chemical to soak right into muscles and tissues. Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity in Cats. Pyrethrin and pyrethroid are insecticides typically used for treating flea and tick infestations in pets. Pyrethrins are naturally-based and derived from the Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium plant and from pyrethrum-related plant species. In mammals, toxic exposure to pyrethrum can lead to tongue and lip numbness, drooling, lethargy, muscle tremors, respiratory failure, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, paralysis, and death. Unlike dogs, cats lack a liver enzyme that allows for glucuronidation that allows for metabolism of pyrethrin compounds. Therefore the use of pyrethrin in products such as natural insecticides and shampoos increases the likelihood of toxicity in mammals that are exposed. Medical cases have emerged showing fatalities from the use of pyrithrin, prompting many organic farmers to cease use.
Yes, Kittens, elderly cats and underweight cats are even more susceptible to pyrethrin toxicity.