Warning after household product left kitten 'clinging to life'

A stark warning has been issued after a household product left a tiny kitten close to death. The 11-week-old cat, called Princess, was rushed for emergency treatment after being sprayed with flea spray on Saturday (October 21).

The moggy was floppy and unresponsive when animal charity Kitty Rescue Bury collected her from her home in Wigan.

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Volunteers didn’t think she would make it as they drove to the nearest vet but Princess miraculously clung to life.

The kitten was rushed for emergency treatment and remains in a critical condition. It’s hoped she will stabilise following several days of care.

Staff at Kitty Rescue Bury have now warned cat owners to never spray their pets with flea products intended for use around the house. Most household flea sprays contain the chemical permethrin, which is toxic to cats.

“Once she was in veterinary care, I had time to speak to the owner and find out what had happened,” volunteer Jennifer Morley said.

“He thought she had licked some oil from his plate which had salmon on it. However, we didn’t feel this was the cause. We checked ingredients and none were toxic.

“I asked lots of questions to figure out the cause. It turned out he had recently used household flea spray. This contains a chemical toxic to cats.

“This explains why this kitten was so poorly. We can’t for definite be sure this was the reason, but it seems the most likely cause.

“It’s scary how dangerous and toxic to cats these flea products and sprays are. Please always read the label. Never spray household sprays on cats or in the same room as pets.”

J