No one enjoys getting pests or flies inside their house. These could even be harmful to your cat if you are a cat owner. It’s only natural to want to get rid of the small bugs before they may cause trouble. Using insecticides like Raid around pets makes many pet owners anxious. I’m sure there might be a question running in your mind. Should I be concerned? Can Raid make cats sick?
Yes, cats can become sick because of Raid. While some individuals and businesses see Raid as “pet safe,” it includes chemicals that, if consumed by cats, can be very dangerous.
Cats are safe near the chemicals in Raid, but if they lick something that has been treated with the substance, get it on their fur, wipe it out, or consume something that has been contaminated with Raid, issues may arise.
Here are the details you need to know about Raid and your cats, including whether you can use it safely and when Raid will leave your house.
Is raid toxic to cats?
Raid is highly hazardous to cats if they consume the bug spray, but not otherwise. Pyrethrins and Permetherin, two of Raid’s main chemicals, are both at proportions meant to kill cockroaches and ants and remain in the environment.
Those two substances are far more toxic to cats than dogs, although they can be dangerous for any creatures at the required amounts.
Technically, Raid is meant to be harmless for humans, cats, and dogs after the spray has dried. Unfortunately, in reality, it isn’t always the case.
To begin with, Raid is made to linger in the environment for several weeks to kill as many pests as possible. It can be difficult to regulate Raid and exactly know where it is and where it isn’t. For example, ants that have been infected with the spray can make their way into your cat’s food, producing difficulties from secondary exposure to the insect spray.
By chasing and consuming the insects, your cat may also expose itself. Or even just from licking a little of the residue off their fur after exposure.
Nevertheless, some people have had success using Raid in tiny quantities at home. Utilizing modest amounts in places where cats do not assemble and preventing your cats from entering any treated regions for at least a few hours after spraying seems to be the keys to success.
It is recommended to keep your cat as far away from the treated area as possible for as long as possible if you need to spray for pests while there are cats present. In order to assist prevent second exposures through their food, water, and toys, pay strict attention to those items as well.
When you need to spray your home for pests, you can also discuss other choices with your veterinarian to help keep your cat safer. Sending your cats to stay with a friend for a few days to help prevent exposure can be preferable in extreme circumstances or if you have a serious infection.
How soon after bug spraying is safe for cats?
The challenge is that there isn’t a single straightforward response to the question of how long cat owners should keep their cats away from an area treated with bug spray.
Some chemicals are more dangerous than others, and some chemicals stay longer in the environment. This indicates that there is a lot of variation among various bug sprays.
Generally speaking, you should keep your cats away from an area treated with bug spray for at least one to two hours after the spray is completely dried.
Keeping your cat away from the affected area for 6 to 12 hours after the bug spray has dried completely would be a safer estimate.
You should also store their food and drink as far away from the treated area as you can, put away all of their toys, and otherwise isolate the bug spray from your cat. In this manner, the chance of cross-contamination with the bug spray is reduced.
Which indoor insect repellent is safe for cats?
Although many pet sprays claim that they are safe for cats, this does not always indicate that they are. Only some sprays made with less toxic essential oils may be less dangerous than those made with standard chemicals. For instance, peppermint and eucalyptus are both poisonous to cats and frequently used in essential oil bug sprays.
Ortho pet-safe bug spray typically receives positive reviews from users, however, there is still a toxicity risk.
Although the specific rating for cats is unknown, Wondercide‘s line of indoor pest control sprays is also said to be safer for pets.
Consult your veterinarian and a qualified exterminator if you’re unclear about the solutions that might be the safest for your pet. Both might be able to offer product suggestions or advise you on health precautions to take for your cat.
Things that you need to consider
Knowing how to spot the symptoms of exposure and the toxicity of bug spray in cats is crucial if you’re thinking about spraying your home for pests and have cats. Some of the most typical signs of unintentional pesticide exposure are listed below:
- Tearing eyes
- Dizziness
- Unsteadiness walking
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Lack of Interest
- Dilated Pupils
- Effortful Breathing
- Abnormal Head Tilt
- Twitching
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Rapid Collapse
After using insect spray to eliminate pests in your home, if you have any of these symptoms, you should call your veterinarian right away and transport your cat to an emergency vet hospital. In this manner, patients will receive the comfort care they require to manage the toxicity and get through the symptoms.
The unpleasant truth is that pesticide exposure can be lethal for cats and should be handled as a severe condition. You don’t want to wait to see if your cat heals on its own. The likelihood is that untreated pesticide exposure will worsen, not improve.
Conclusion:
There are therapies available for pesticide exposure in cats, including treating symptoms and helping avoid seizures, delivering IV drugs and hydration, and treating subsequent issues like liver failure or anemia if they emerge. The likelihood of recovery for cats, however, depends on the extent of their exposure and how promptly you seek medical attention.
The good news is that as new techniques and medications are created, veterinarians are becoming more and better at treating toxic responses in cats. In the end, it’s still preferable to keep your cat from being exposed in the first place.