I’m posting because while I was trying to kill a mosquito, I gave it a blast of Raid spray. The problem is that my cat appeared at the exact same time and I’m worried he might have inhaled some of it. I know that certain products can be dangerous for cats, and the out-of-hours vet advised me to wait and see, but I’m really not at ease.
If anyone knows whether the ingredients in Raid mosquito spray are toxic for cats or not, I’d be very grateful if you could let me know.
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After two days, my cat still has a great appetite and his behaviour hasn't changed at all. I did have a bit of a scare this morning when I heard him trying to cough up a hairball, but he went straight back to his bowl immediately after 😅
I’m going to follow your advice and buy an electric fly swatter because after this episode, I’m done with mosquito sprays – I was far too worried about my cat.
I get mosquito repellent bands from the chemist, to wear on your wrist or ankle. They’re based on essential oils and come with two refills; they’re really effective.
(I first came across them one year when I went to the Amazon to work with animals and the only strict requirement was: zero chemical repellents.)
The products you’re using are incredibly dangerous individually, and also for the planet as a whole.
They should have been banned ages ago, considering it’s common knowledge how harmful they are!!
Thanks so much for all your replies. He doesn't have any symptoms at the moment and is acting just like his usual self, but I’ll keep a close eye on him.
YOU CAN GET chemical-free bug killers that you plug into a socket – it’s a light that attracts them and they’re killed (burnt by the heat I think, not 100% sure).
There are other systems available too, but putting fly screens on the windows is the most effective way; no more bugs can get in then.
Hello,
Even if your cat inhaled some, the amount is unlikely to have been very significant. Just keep a close eye on them, change their water and dry food if they were in that room, and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly so they don’t lick any of the product off you. As long as your cat doesn't show any symptoms over the next few days, there's no need to worry.
You could try using plug-in insecticides instead, as these are less toxic than aerosol sprays. However, the chemicals involved are always slightly toxic for both us and our pets.
I hope this reassures you,
Cyanne - Vet student, project manager for ProVéto Junior Conseil
Thanks so much – I have to admit I was terrified when I saw my cat jump in to try and catch the mosquito just as I was trying to blast it with some Raid 😅
Honestly, I was so worried about him that I’ve chucked the can out. It’s been about 2 hours since he might have inhaled some; he’s sleeping soundly for now, but I’m going to keep a close eye on him tonight.
It’s permethrin and its derivatives that are lethal for cats.
If he isn’t vomiting, that’s good. Just make sure to air the room out well. For a small spray, he’ll probably be fine, but keep a close eye on him in case he starts vomiting or shows any changes in behaviour.
Yes, under no circumstances should you use aerosols containing permethrin or its derivatives. However, some don't have it and can be used as a last resort for a proper insect infestation. You’d need to spray in a room without the cat, air the place out thoroughly afterwards (with no cats or humans inside), then wipe down every surface the cat might come into contact with—floors, tops of furniture, the lot—before letting the cat back in.
For a single mosquito, there’s no need for a spray that pollutes everything; a swatter or a trap is better, and you can get electric ones.
When you have a cat or any pet, you really SHOULDN'T use any aerosols at all, or if you do (like perfume or deodorant), do it in the bathroom and air it out well. The best thing is definitely zero aerosols.
It's just as harmful to your cat as it is to you!
Ideally, you’re supposed to spray, keep the room shut for 10 minutes, and then give it a good airing out before going back in. But I’m the first to admit, as soon as I hear a mosquito, I just blast it!
I think the main thing to watch out for is making sure you don't spray in a room where there’s food, water, or even toys left out without covering them, as the product will settle on everything.
Don’t worry, breathing it in occasionally isn't the end of the world, and anyway, cats absolutely hate the hissing sound of the spray.
