Cockroach treatment and cats

Schtroumphy
Schtroumphy Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

Even though we've never actually seen any, a pest control worker came round on Monday at 8 am to treat our whole block for cockroaches. They treated the kitchen cupboards with a spray and a bit of gel in certain spots; we had to air the place out for 4 hours before we could put the crockery and everything else back in the cupboards.

Obviously, our cat doesn't usually go in the cupboards, so we weren't really worried. However, this evening, for the first time ever, he managed to open one of the bottom cupboards—which was, of course, treated on Monday morning.

I got him out quite quickly, but he was still in there for 2 or 3 minutes. Is there any risk to our cat nearly 40 hours after the treatment if he had the 'brilliant' idea of licking the bottom of the cupboard?

If so, how long should I keep an eye on him for potential symptoms? (I'm guessing vomiting?)

Just to clarify, we can't see or smell anything; there’s no trace of the insecticide and the cupboards are obviously dry.

I’m trying to reassure myself by thinking that if we were allowed to put the dishes back after 4 hours, then after 40 hours on a dry surface there shouldn't be much risk for the cat, but I’m still quite worried.

Thanks.

Translated from French
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6 answers
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    • E
    Elenata Icon representing the flag French
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    No, it's not some miracle cure, but I can tell you it works a treat. All the food shops and other businesses use it. It's actually quite hard for the general public to get hold of—it’s about £45 a bottle. I promise you it works; I saw it for myself in a shop that had an infestation one year, and at my place, as soon as they put it down every year, the creepy-crawlies are gone. I'm not trying to promote the brand, just sharing what I’ve seen. If you don’t have cockroaches where you are, there's no point putting it down, but sometimes you don’t have a choice depending on where you live. Yeah, you need to keep an eye out and see where they're putting it, or tell them not to put any in certain spots. I'm glad your cat is doing okay, because yeah, if it’s strong enough to kill a cockroach, it can kill other animals too.
    Translated from French
    Schtroumphy
    Schtroumphy Icon representing the flag French
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    Anyway, there were no issues this time around. The little monster wasn't sick, but one thing's for sure: next time I'll be much more careful.

    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    +1, there’s no way that’s harmless.

    We’d need to know the brand to be sure, but these products usually contain Fipronil.

    (It’s the same stuff that caused a scandal not long ago when it was found in eggs and egg products, despite there being zero tolerance for it in our food. It’s the same ingredient that’s been making quite a few cats ill with Frontline.)

    I get the same kind of "bloke" turning up every year with his miracle cure; he can stay firmly on the doorstep.

    Cheers

    Translated from French
    E
    Elenata Icon representing the flag French
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    Same here, but I doubt that's true. When I was told that, I also found it hard to believe that pets wouldn't be at risk. I didn't do any research myself, but I moved the gel bait spots he could reach straight away, before the product had a chance to dry. But if your cat is fine after 40 hours, he probably hasn't licked any of it. I'm not sure whether it's dangerous or not—the best thing to do is look up the product—but I reckon any insecticide is bound to be risky because it's full of chemicals, and Goliath is one of the most potent ones out there. I'm not saying this to scare you; your cat almost certainly hasn't swallowed anything, seeing as he hasn't been sick or shown any symptoms after 40 hours.
    Translated from French
    Schtroumphy
    Schtroumphy Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for your reply.

    Yeah, I asked the person who came round on Monday and they assured me it would be fine since it's only inside the cupboards and the smell is meant to keep cats away. But apparently not mine! 😁

    Having done a bit of research online, it seems that for most products they'd need to ingest a certain amount, like several dozen millilitres. Even if he did lick something (and I'm not even sure if he did) during those 2 or 3 minutes at the back of the sprayed cupboard, it's impossible for him to have had several ml; the wall is bone dry. :) But I'm still going to keep a close eye on him anyway; it's no trouble and I'd feel terrible if he ended up getting poorly.

    Translated from French
    Blue_Cat
    Blue_cat Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    My flat was also treated, but there was no spray used, just a few dots of gel (Goliath) in strategic spots, some of which my pets could get to (around the bathroom pipes). The technician assured me there was no risk to my 3 cats or my ferret. None of my pets were at all interested in the product (I kept a close eye on them at first). It’s been 3 months since the treatment and I’ve had no issues at all with my animals.

    Translated from French

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