Is Advantage Flea Killer poisonous to cats?

Question

My father told my mom to put advantage on the cats shoulderblades. I wasn't in the room to make her realize that that would be a bad idea, because obviously cats can turn around and lick themselves.

I'm wondering if Advantage is poisonous?
If it is should I give him a quick bath?
We already wiped it off his fur with wet paper towels but I'm not sure if that is enough.

Answer 1

I was concerned like you that it could be poisonous but apparently it isn't:

"Advantage is extremely safe in mammals, both pets and humans. When applied topically, only an tiny fraction is absorbed into the body, with the rest remaining in the lipid layer of the skin and the hair. It is not toxic if accidentally eaten, however the solvent base has an unpleasant taste and will probably cause frothing at the mouth, particularly in cats. This is why the product is applied on cats at the base of the skull, where they cannot lick it off. Skin reactions are rare and are generally a result of an allergy to the product rather than chemical irritation. If applied to an eye it can cause mild irritation for up to two weeks."
http://www.petshed.com/articles/about-advantage-flea-treatment.html

Here's how to properly apply it:
http://advantage.petparents.com/howToApplyCats.cfm

But you were right, he could lick it off between the shoulder blades and then start frothing or drooling that's why it's supposed to go at the base of the skull.

Edit:

Advantage should not be used on kittens younger than 8 weeks old.
"Advantage is a gentle product and can be used on kittens as young as eight weeks."
http://www.contentmart.com/articles/7700/1/Advantage-Flea-Control/Page1.html

Answer 2

They will be fine unless they are under 6 weeks old. The people who make this stuff take into consideration the fact that the animal may lick it off at some point.

Answer 3

Advantage is to be applied at the base of the neck. Some cats may try to lick at it. It applied correctly the cat should not have been able to lick it. If you feel as though your cat licked at it and is acting abnormal then I would contact your vet

Answer 4

Do you mean K9 Advantix or Advantage for dogs? If so then yes, putting it on a cat is bad because it's meant for dogs.

If you mean Advantage, then there is a cat version of this that is obviously not toxic to cats! Spot-ons are applied between he shoulder blades where animals can't lick - and with things like Advantage and Frontline even if they do get it in their mouth it shouldn't hurt them.

If it's K9 Advantix, you better give your cat a full bath quick. If it's Advantage for cats, don't wipe it off, your cat needs his flea treatment!!

It's store-bought spot-ons that you need to stay far away from.

Chalice

Answer 5

Advantage is very safe and that is why it cost so much!!!

Part of how it works is them licking it dont worry

Just dont use anything from the brand Hartz(sp?) that nearly killed my cat and when i took him to the vet after him nearly dieing form it the vet said they have been trying to get that brand off the market for years bucause it is full of chemical's that does not need to be in it and it is unsafe for pets and really us safe to use on pets in homes with kids
Advantage is the way to go!!

Answer 6

I have seen people put an entire tube of Large Dog Advantage on a small cat. It was fine.
No matter where you put it on a cat, they can lick some off. They will be FINE!!!!!!!

If you put it on top of the head, they rub it with thier paw and lick that.
There is a 1-800 number on the package so you can call if you are that concerned. What you did was waste a tube of Advantage and now there is still some on the cat, so now what. Do you wait a month and hope the fleas are not too bad? Do you apply more....but how much more???
Maybe you can aks them that too!!!!

Answer 7

It will be fine. If you are realy worried about it then go ask your vet.