My cat turns 1 next month and yesterday I gave him a flea and tick treatment, Sergeants gold squeeze-on for cats and kittens 5 lbs. and over, I followed the directions exactly and almost immediately he started trying to lick it off (I'm not sure if he ingested any of the medication or not) but he got really squirrly running around with dilated pupils. I thought maybe it was just burning him since it's a chemical so I didn't worry too much and figured he'd calm down soon. It's been about 17 hours and his pupils are still dilated and I'm noticing the tip of his tail is quivering and he's slightly shaking. He's not running around spastically anymore, now he's walking around really slow and seems kind of depressed.

I'm not really worried, just a little concerned. I've tried researching online, and have found lots of horror stories about this product, but only involving dogs, not cats, and people who didn't use it properly (most used it with another flea treatment).

Should I be concerned or is this normal behavior and side effects? I have never used this exact product on this cat or others, but I have used one other product for this cat, one that I got from the Vet (I think Revolution) and that one worked fine, no side effects. The other store bought products I've used on my other cat never effected him, but I read Seargent's uses a different ingredient than most other products.

shazamataz

I am not familiar with this product but no it is not a normal side effect.

Why did you not put it on a place where it could not be licked off?

Why are you not at the vets already???
Lets pour chemicals on you and not get you treatment.
He might be having an allergic reaction or as you said, getting a chemical burn!!!

stardust713

I put it on the back of his neck, where you're supposed to put all squeeze-on flea and tick treatments, I can't tell if the product dripped down the side of his neck or if his hair is just stiff from him trying to lick at it.

But I don't have money for a vet bill, that's why I got a store bought brand. They had always worked well for me before, so I didn't think I would have a problem with this one.

shazamataz

He really needs to go to the vets...
Chemical burns are very nasty and need to be treated by a vet, same with allergies.

I know this is going to sound harsh but owning animals is a privilege not a right... if you cannot afford vet care you shouldn't have the animal.

Put it on your credit card, ask them to make a payment plan for you, borrow from a friend or relative, cancel your internet, there's always options.

stardust713

Ok I didn't post to be chastised. I know how to take care of a pet, I've had many in my life and never had any issues. I just spent about 400 dollars 2 months ago to get my cat his vaccines, checkup, and neutering. That was the same month I lost my job, and 2 months after I moved out on my own. I'm 21 I don't have credit, I don't have a credit card, and unfortunately I still have rent, groceries, electric, phone, insurance, car, gas and prescriptions that I have to pay for. My mother lost her job about a year ago, my sister lost her job in March, and all of my friends are college students. I need the internet for school.

I love my cat, I already feel terrible that I bought a product which is causing him pain. I know there are vets that frequent these boards, If you're not going to offer me some professional advice then I really don't want to read a bunch of comments giving me guilt trips and haughty attitudes, which I really don't need right now.

I have medical conditions of my own which I can no longer pay for since my insurance was canceled last month and I'm still trying to pay for my prescriptions out of pocket. So maybe save the insults and attitudes for people who's situations you actually understand.

I want help. Not internet drama, so please, don't respond to my post anymore. If you don't know about this product then don't offer help about it.

shazamataz

Actually there are no vets on this board.

You cannot dictate who can answer your posts, I gave you advice and you chose to ignore it. Your cat NEEDS to see a vet whether you like it or not.

Take him to a shelter if need be so he can get medical treatment.

I do not understand how my answer was causing "internet drama" as you put it when I am simply trying to prevent you from getting reported to the SPCA for animal cruelty.

artlady

The ASPCA has an on line board for members and there are numerous horror stories about this product.
Evey one indicated the same side effects that you mentioned and some pets needed hospitalization.
Here is the link.
Clearly ,this product should be taken off the market.
Do not use SERGEANT'S GOLD FLEA AND TICK SQUEEZE ON - ASPCA Online Community

stardust713

The way you responded by automatically assuming I'm neglecting my pet instead of being understanding and suggesting I see a vet is "starting internet drama" I didn't want rude responses. I'm not ignorant, I know the best thing would be to see a vet, unfortunately as explained before at this point in time that's not an option.

I'm not extremely worried because he's not crying and doesn't seem to be in terrible pain, he's calm and responsive, eating drinking and using the bathroom normally, everything I have read says that the pets this product was used on had much more severe symptoms. I posted to see if anyone knew anything about this product and the side effects of it and whether or not I should be worried.

Some of these products have the side effects of hair loss in the area of application, I'm pretty sure that is from a chemical burn. The product that the vet gave me had this side effect, so I know there are occasional side effects of these treatments, I DON'T know which are normal and which aren't, that's why I posted.

If I don't learn anything here (which it appears I wont) then I'll call his vet and talk to them, I just wanted to see if it was cause for concern or not.

I'm not dictating who can post, I just told you I didn't appreciate the way you responded and would appreciate if you'd move on to another post since you're not helping my case and I would rather not waste time with an argument. You told me, "take him to the vet" that was your advice, I declined it, thanks, but no thanks, moving on.

artlady

Below is a link to treat your cat after a reaction.
Sergeant's Gold Squeeze-On for Cats & Kittens (over 2.2 and under 5 lbs.) Veterinary Information from Drugs.com

shazamataz

Yes there is the option of a vet... if you cannot afford one then take you cat to a shelter to see the vet there.
It's not fair on the cat not to receive treatment just because you do not have the money.

Then why bother posting if you think he does not need to see a vet?
You stated that seeing a vet is "not an option" anyway so what if he was dying, posting something here does not change that.

Again, I told you that they are NOT normal side effects, any side effects need to be seen to by a vet.

Yes you did learn something... animals are a big responsibility.

Actually yes you are because you told me not to respond anymore.
I am not trying to help YOUR case I am trying to get your cat the help it needs.

If you burnt your hand you would still eat and drink and act relatively normally but it would HURT LIKE HELL!!!