In the homes of millions of Americans, cats aren’t just pets; they’re cherished family members. Yet, a concerning study from Washington State University has shed light on a hidden risk that could be lurking in the medicine cabinets of cat owners across the country. This risk involves an ingredient commonly found in flea and tick medications — eprinomectin — which, while effective at keeping pests at bay, could pose a severe threat to a significant number of cats.
The study, spearheaded by the university’s Program for Individualized Medicine, discovered that cats with a particular genetic mutation, known as MDR1, are unable to prevent this ingredient from entering the brain, potentially leading to “serious neurological toxicity.” Symptoms observed in affected cats range from tremors and paralysis to a loss of coordination, with some unable to retract their tongues for extended periods following exposure to the medication.
“Every week, we hear about cats suffering from serious reactions to eprinomectin. The issue isn’t with the drug itself but lies in the genetics of approximately 1 percent of cats. Considering the U.S. is home to over 60 million pet cats, the impact is far from negligible,” explained Katrina Mealey, a veterinarian and pharmacologist at WSU, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The revelation came after the team reviewed records of 33 cats that experienced extreme illness or death after exposure to eprinomectin, pinpointing the MDR1 mutation in eight of these cases, three of which resulted in death. This alarming data underscores the urgency of raising awareness among cat owners about the potential dangers of widely used flea and tick products.
The findings, published in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, underscore the need for caution and have spurred calls for warning labels on products containing eprinomectin. Until such measures are in place, genetic testing remains the only foolproof method to determine a cat’s susceptibility to the adverse effects of this ingredient.
Mealey emphasizes the importance of testing all cats, advising that it be done ideally when they are kittens. “If your veterinarian is aware that your pet has the MDR1 mutation, they can ensure that only safe medications and doses are administered,” she advises.
As cat owners, it’s our responsibility to safeguard the well-being of our feline companions. By staying informed and proactive, we can protect them from unseen dangers, ensuring they live happy, healthy lives by our sides.
