Cat accidentally given dog flea medication

[PolyChocolateSyndrome]

Hi everyone. This is not for me but for my sister who is beside herself as she’s accidentally given her cat flea medication meant for dogs. She’s only just noticed the symptoms of tremors in her cat but she gave the treatment 3-4 days ago. She’s called her 24/7 vet but they’ve basically told her there’s nothing they can do. She can’t wash the stuff off now as her cat might go into shock. She’s waiting for her normal vet to open up in the morning. Her cat Mia is not swim but drinking a little, is acting very tired and still has tremors although I’m not sure how bad they are or if they’re getting worse. She’s feeling immensely guilty and worried and I fear the worst for her poor little cat. Please does anyone have any experience of this happening and the cat being ok? Or should we steel ourselves for the worst? Praying there’s someone out there that can give a little ray of hope. X

Meant to say not eating* not swim
Apparently she’s a grazer at best so difficult to tell whether her eating is reduced or not

Surely it could be wiped off? I'd give 2 out if three of my cats a bath in this situation because they'd just be disgruntled rather than scared, the third cat would be terrified so depends on your sisters cat really if they'd tolerate it.
Although I'm guessing almost all of it would be absorbed by now.
She could try another vet, not sure what the treatment would be but sooner rather than later has to be better.

The vet has a duty of care to see you, I would ring back and say you want to be seen.
Also, she can have a bath but a majority of the product is absorbed within 48 hours. But it will remove residue.

Bath her, but its already in her system, Poor cat its horrific for her. They could admit her and sedate her to make it easier for the poor cat, and put her on fluids to counteract shock

Is your sister able to shave the area? might be less stressful for the cat but at least would remove any remaining medication from the hair. Best of luck

What was the medication? Do you know the active ingredient in it?

The vet should absolutely see the cat. Supportive treatment may be needed (fluids, anti-seizure medication, removal of remaining product etc) and if so, as soon as possible.

Do you know what product it was and what size dog? She should be seen asap, especially if she has tremors and is not eating. Would echo what someone else has said that she needs supportive treatment atm, i don't see the point of bathing her as the product has long been absorbed BUT has she ingested any of the flea medication? .
S
Either way, I'd take her in .

Thank you all so much for your messages.
Not sure of the brand of flea treatment as all this happened overseas but it was definitely for dogs 😔 Shaving her was a really good idea but also a good point that much would have been absorbed already. After the vet advised not to bathe her, my sister have Mia a thorough brushing to reduce her temptation to lick any residue off herself. It is very likely that she did ingest some we think as she’s big on grooming (most cats are I think?) but she did bring some stuff back up so hopefully most of what she swallowed came up with it.

Just to update you all after you so kindly showed such concern in your replies and advice, that after seeing the vet and showing a video of her tremors, Mia has been kept at the vets all day. They’ve taken bloods to look a whole range of things including liver and kidney function as well as glucose levels, been put on a drip for fluids and been observed all day. Her vitals are good, she’s snoozing a lot but is more relaxed now. There have been no more tremors, she’s tired but otherwise seems stable. She’s been taken home and my sister will be notified when the bloods come in.
Fingers, and everything else, crossed that she will come out the other side ok, poor little thing. She’s been through such a lot.

Fingers crossed for Mia.x