Hartz Flea & Tick Drops Plus: a public service announcement for cat owners

[domesticzookeeper]

I know that spring season will soon be upon many of us, and with it often comes the threat of fleas and ticks. Many owners will be stocking up on good topical treatments, such as Advantage, Frontline, or Revolution. But many will also be using generic brand remedies, which can prove dangerous (or even fatal) to your cat.

"Hartz Mountain Corp manufactures a product known as 'Flea & Tick Drops Plus,' an anti-flea remedy which is applied to the animal's back, like Frontline or Advantage. The difference is that Frontline and Advantage use a much newer chemical, which DOES NOT HURT the animal. Hartz uses phenothrin which --- according to my vet --- has been around for 50 years, is not nearly as effective, and can be toxic. Cats apparently are much more likely to be sensitive than dogs.

"After using this product cats may show the following symptoms; go into convulsions, become dizzy, uncoordinated and having trouble walking and loose weight if used over a prolonged time..." (read more)

This product has killed or made seriously ill hundreds of cats (www.HartzVictims.org), and many veterinarians feel it should be pulled from the shelves entirely, but the Hartz company has resisted all efforts from consumers to get them to reformulate their product. Rather, they've simply relabeled it with a stronger warning.

For more information, go to the website mentioned above (www.BoycottHartz.com), which contains a wealth of valuable facts and links to check out.

Here's to a safe and healthy spring!

[boonpnutsmom]

My cats use revolution (selamectrin) it protects against; fleas (cats and dogs), ticks(dogs), heartworm (cats and dogs), ear mites (cats and dogs), sarcoptic mange (dogs), Intestinal hookworm (Nemoatode treatment in cats). It is a on the back of the neck treatment if anybody is looking for a different treatment method.

[cheri]

Thank you for sharing that. I actually know someone whose cat had seizures and almost died after using over the counter flea remedies.

I absolutely agree that you should never use any flea medication except for what you can only purchase from your vet.

[Peepsqueak]

My vet told me that caused problems with dogs too. Cats are quite more sensitive and cannot use the same strength as dogs. I am surprised Hartz has not been sued for this, because it happens a lot.