The scary ordeal of a little kitten called Cloudy is a lesson for all pet parents who mean well but might not always know what’s safe. Thankfully, this story ends with a silver lining!
Cape Town, South Africa (06 October 2026) – Cloudy is a 6-week-old kitten who was recently rushed to the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa’s hospital after she was accidentally given a spot-on tick and flea treatment made for dogs.
Her owner just wanted to keep her baby safe from ticks and fleas. There was no bad intention. She made a mistake, made easier by the fact that some pet products are sold without customers being properly told that certain treatments aren’t safe for cats and kittens.
“What started as a simple attempt by her owner to protect her from ticks and fleas quickly turned into a terrifying emergency.” shares the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa. (AWS) “Cloudy began fitting and needed urgent veterinary intervention. Her owner never intended for this to happen…”
It soon became a fight for life, and Cloudy was taken to the AWS.
The hospital team moved fast and started treatment immediately. They kept her under close watch in their high-care unit. Cloudy fought back!
The silver lining to this story is that she has recovered beautifully and has gone home to her family. She has also been sterilised, giving her the safest and healthiest start to a long life!
The lesson from this story is one for all pet parents, everywhere. Never assume that what’s safe for a dog is safe for a cat. It is also important to know what’s poisonous to your particular pet – whether you have a cat, a dog, a bunny or a budgie, a few minutes of reading now can save you and your beloved four-legged from a stressful, heartbreaking ordeal later along the line.
The AWS’ checklist is a good one to remember:
- Read the packaging and instructions carefully.
- Make sure the product is specifically safe for your pet’s species, age and weight.
- Never assume a dog product is fine for a cat.
- If a product has no proper label or instructions, don’t buy or use it.
- When in doubt, ask a registered vet or veterinary clinic first.
“We would strongly encourage pet owners to purchase veterinary products from a veterinary practice or registered veterinary outlet, where you can ask questions and receive proper guidance.” it adds.
And if you ever suspect your pet has been exposed to something harmful, call your vet straight away. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse!
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