Permethrin poisoning in cats
Also known as Dog spot-on used on a cat, Pyrethroids.
One of the most common poisonings in cats: applying a spot-on treatment meant for dogs. Permethrin causes tremors and seizures within a few hours.
If you have applied a dog spot-on to your cat, go now and take the packaging with you.
- System
- Poisoning and accidents
- Is it urgent?
- Usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Emergency care and hospitalisation, €300–1,200.
Symptoms
- Tremors and muscle twitching
- Drooling
- Dilated pupils
- Fever
- Seizures
Causes
Spot-on treatments or parasite collars for dogs, or close contact with a recently treated dog.
How it is diagnosed
Based on the signs and the exposure.
Treatment
Emergency care: washing off the product, muscle relaxants, seizure control and other supportive treatment.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Good if treated early.
Prevention
Use only cat-specific parasite treatments. Keep the cat away from a dog after applying its spot-on until it has dried.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I suspect permethrin poisoning?
If you have applied a dog spot-on to your cat, go now and take the packaging with you. At the vet: emergency care: washing off the product, muscle relaxants, seizure control and other supportive treatment.
Can a cat recover from permethrin poisoning?
Good if treated early. Emergency care: washing off the product, muscle relaxants, seizure control and other supportive treatment.
How much does it cost to treat permethrin poisoning?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Emergency care and hospitalisation, €300–1,200. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
How can permethrin poisoning be prevented?
Use only cat-specific parasite treatments. Keep the cat away from a dog after applying its spot-on until it has dried.
More in poisoning and accidents
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.