I’ve read about a cat that nearly died after their owner accidentally used a counterfeit flea treatment. Is this something I should be worried about?
Bryony, Haxby.
Hi Bryony,
Unfortunately, we can confirm that this story is true, as validated by the Intellectual Property Office and the Veterinary Medicine Directorate (VMD), who are both urging caution when buying common medicines online.
The alert comes after toxic pesticide traces were found in a fake flea treatment that caused a pet cat to become seriously ill, prompting the owner to have the product tested. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Pirimiphos-methyl, a dangerous insecticide, toxic to cats.
How do I know if a product is counterfeit?
Look out for:
· Poor quality or damaged packaging.
· Spelling or grammar errors.
· Missing leaflets or expiry dates.
· Instructions not provided in English.
· Suspicious smell, colour or texture.
· Poor quality tablets, capsules, vials or pipettes.
All online sellers of prescription-only animal medicines must be registered with the VMD – if you are in any doubt, you can check retailers on the VMD’s Register of Online Retailers.
In recent years, UK vets have scaled back on routine flea treatments due to growing sustainability concerns, aligning with broader environmental goals. Flea treatments often contain potent insecticides like fipronil and imidacloprid, which can contaminate waterways, harm aquatic life, and disrupt ecosystems. Research has shown these chemicals, found in 98% of UK river samples, contribute to biodiversity loss, affecting species from insects to songbirds.
So, how often should I de-flea?
At Bishopton Vets, as Silver Investors in the Environment, we have been at the forefront of adopting a risk-based approach, treating pets only when fleas are present.
This shift benefits customers in several ways. Firstly, it reduces unnecessary costs! By treating only when needed, pet owners save money without compromising their pets’ health. Secondly, it minimises health risks to pets and humans – overuse of insecticides can lead to prolonged exposure, with residues lingering on pet fur and owners’ hands for weeks, potentially causing adverse reactions. We now recommend alternatives like flea combs and regular bedding washes, which are effective and eco-friendly, reducing the risk of flea-related issues like tapeworms or dermatitis without blanket chemical use.
In 2025, we relaunched our Lifetime Care Club, offering all our members an individual parasite risk assessment, developed exclusively by our vet team. With these results, we can determine the most appropriate parasite prevention plan for you and your pet, which balances pet health, human health and care for the environment.
We’ll guide you through the risks and benefits of different testing and treatment options to ensure effective, appropriate parasite control. As part of our newly relaunched plans, we have also introduced Lifetime Care Club Unlimited – which gives members access to unlimited consultations with our fantastic team of vets, allowing you to bring your pets to us whenever you feel concerned – and helping us to nip problems in the bud.
If you’d like further information, scan the QR Code, or call our Easingwold practice on 01347 821377
Dr Laura Pearce
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