Methoprene Cats

According to the EPA, the chemical methoprene is considered an insect growth regulator. It works by not allowing the target insect from reaching the point of maturity, which will halt the potential that it can reproduce. This chemical is extremely effective when used for several different types of insects and pests, which include:

• Mosquitoes
• Fleas
• Fire Ants

When methoprene is used in insecticides specifically for your cat, it may be referred to as Zodiac, Biospot and Frontline. Much like any type of medication that you may use on your animal, methoprene can cause some side effects on your cat. Knowing what these side effects are and understanding their effect may help you to determine if it is the right product for eradicating your cat’s flea or pest problem.

Here is an article on commercial pest control in your house that could educate you on side effects for your pets.

Some of the side effects that may appear on your cat with the use of methoprene include:

Appearance of the Fur – The fur of your cat may look oily or wet directly after the treatment is applied. This look can actually last for up to 24 hours while the product absorbs into the cats skin.

A Temporary Area of Irritation – There are some cats that will experience slight irritation where the medication is applied. If the irritation does not fade relatively quickly, you should take your cat to a veterinarian, as it could indicate the presence of an allergic reaction.

Consistent Itching – After applying methoprene to your cat, you may notice they have a consistent itch. If he itching does not subside within a few hours, you may need to visit a veterinarian, as this too may be an indication of an allergic reaction.

Redness If your cat is constantly scratching the area of application, you are likely to notice redness appear. This redness may or may not dissipate, depending on if your cat is allergic to the product or not.

Inflammation Scratching of the area where the medication was applied on your cat can lead to inflammation if the skin becomes broken and infected.

Loss of Hair For some cats, loss of hair will appear where the medication is applied. This could be permanent or temporary. In most cases, hair loss on your cat will be an indication you should find another product to use.

Understanding the effects that methoprene can have on your cat can help you determine if this will be an effective flea treatment. While it is important to keep your pet healthy and pest free, you should also consider their overall health prior to using the medicine.