Don’t use dog dip on cats

The SPCA appeals to the public not to use dog dip on cats because it usually kills cats.

Senior SPCA inspector Salomé Bruyns was contacted by a concerned cat owner who said that her cat was acting strangely after she had dipped it with dog dip.

Inspector Bruyns knew immediately, from experience with previous cases, that most cats treated with dip designed for dogs do not survive.

Bruyns immediately collected the cat and began emergency treatment. The cat had symptoms associated with poisoning: vomiting, foaming from the mouth and convulsions.

After receiving medication the cat was washed thoroughly to remove any remaining dip.

The cat received intense treatment for the following days and was on a drip for 24 hours. The cat recovered.

“This is truly a miracle,” said Bruyns. “We strongly urge the public not to treat their cats with dog dip and never use any medication on your animals not dispensed by a vet.”