# How deadly are permethrin and tetramethrin to cats?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-deadly-are-permethrin-and-tetramethrin-to-cats/631406
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [August 13, 2012, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-deadly-are-permethrin-and-tetramethrin-to-cats/631406 "2012-08-13T20:51:15Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2012, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-deadly-are-permethrin-and-tetramethrin-to-cats/631406/1 "2012-08-13T20:51:15Z")
During this exceptionally hot and dry summer we seem to have a real problem with houseflys so I bought some Raid fying insect spray. Stuff works like a charm but out of curiosity I Googled the active ingredients and found they are toxic to cats – YIKES!
I’ve been spraying the little buggers when they land on windows and a few times right out of the air but now I’m afraid for the cat.
The percentages are pretty low (I think):
0.01% permethrin
0.35% tetramethrin
Will casual spray with this stuff hurt the cat? I’m sure I didn’t get any directly on her but I kind of lingers in the air. Should I get her to the vet? Keep an eye on her for any reaction? Not worry about it?
What’s the best course of action here?
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### Author:  [@lazybratsche](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lazybratsche)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2012, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-deadly-are-permethrin-and-tetramethrin-to-cats/631406/2 "2012-08-13T21:16:04Z")
IANA Vet, but my google-fu brings up this: [http://www.vspn.org/Library/misc/VSPN\_M01289.htm](http://www.vspn.org/Library/misc/VSPN_M01289.htm)
Apparently cats are unusually sensitive to permethrin, but those low levels aren’t a major cause for concern. The more serious problems happens when people directly apply **55%** permethrin anti-flea cream that’s intended for dogs – that can sometimes be fatal. Your .01% sprayed around the room is (obviously) far less, unless you emptied the entire can so there’s literally puddles.
I can’t find any data specifically about tetramethrin and cats…
If I were you, I’d call the vet only if I saw any tremors, seizures, or other possible symptoms. And ventilate the room to be safe.
(ETA: Reported for possible forum change)
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### Author:  [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)
#### Post date: [August 27, 2012, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-deadly-are-permethrin-and-tetramethrin-to-cats/631406/3 "2012-08-27T05:47:46Z")
Hitching a ride onto this thread, I was recently issued some work-clothes that come pre-treated with Permethrin. The clothing comes with an ingredients label (yes, really) that claims that these things are 5% permethrin and 95% garment (so everything else the things are made out of ).
Do I need to be concerned about the cat getting near these clothes, or am I fine if i just keep them in a bag by themselves for now?