Greycoat Research

알아보기

Cats with CKD: The Hidden Summer Risk in Mosquito Products

Hello from Greycoat Research,

Recently, we have been receiving consultations related to sudden changes in kidney-related bloodwork or overall condition in cats.

So far, Greycoat Research has provided more than 4,000 feline kidney care consultations.

Through these consultations, we sometimes notice an unexpected pattern.

As the weather gets warmer, some families begin using mosquito coils, plug-in vaporizers,
or other insect-repellent products indoors.

Of course, we cannot say that these products are the direct cause of changes in kidney-related bloodwork.

However, if your cat already has CKD or is currently following a kidney care routine,
it is worth taking a closer look at the products used around your cat during summer.

Are Mosquito Products Always Safe Around Cats?

Mosquito coils and plug-in vaporizers are common household products during the summer.

For many guardians, they may seem harmless because they are used routinely every year.

But cats can be more sensitive than humans or dogs to certain chemical ingredients.

In particular, pyrethroid-based ingredients commonly used in mosquito products, insecticides, and insect-repellent products require extra caution around cats.

Ingredients to Watch For

If you see any of the following ingredients on a product label, please use extra caution in a home with cats.

  • Permethrin
  • Prallethrin
  • Tetramethrin
  • Phenothrin
  • Allethrin

Depending on the product, these ingredients may be found in mosquito coils,
plug-in vaporizers, insecticide sprays, or insect-repellent bands.

Depending on the product type and level of exposure, adverse reactions may occur if a cat licks the product, comes into skin contact with it, or stays in a space where residues may remain in the air or on surfaces.

Products to Be Especially Careful With

❌ Wearable mosquito-repellent bands
❌ Plug-in vaporizers used in rooms where cats are present
❌ Mosquito coils used for long periods without ventilation
❌ Insecticide sprays used near floors, bedding, or cat trees
❌ Strongly scented insect-repellent patches or fragrance-type products

For cats with CKD,
even small environmental changes may affect their overall condition.

That is why, during summer,
it is not only mosquitoes themselves that require attention.

The products used to repel mosquitoes also need to be checked carefully.

If These Signs Appear After Exposure, Contact Your Veterinarian

  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Sudden lethargy
  • Tremors
  • Loss of balance
  • Dilated pupils
  • Seizures
  • Abnormal breathing

These signs may not be simple tiredness or a temporary change in condition.

If your cat already has CKD, or has recently shown reduced appetite, vomiting, dehydration, or lethargy, it is better to contact your veterinarian promptly.

How to Manage Mosquitoes More Safely Around Cats

✅ Use mosquito nets and window screens first.
✅ Avoid using vaporizing products in rooms where cats are present.
✅ If use is necessary, keep your cat in a separate space and ventilate the room thoroughly afterward.
✅ Check product labels for ingredients such as Permethrin, Prallethrin, and Tetramethrin.
✅ Avoid using insecticide products near food bowls, water bowls, litter boxes, bedding, or cat trees.

For cats with CKD,
summer kidney care starts with careful environmental management.

In Summer, Cats with CKD May Become More Sensitive to Changes

As the weather gets hotter, your cat’s appetite, water intake, activity level, and digestive condition may vary more than usual.

For cats with CKD, even small changes can place extra burden on the body.

That is why, during summer, it is important to be careful with environmental factors such as mosquito products while also maintaining the daily care routine your cat is already following.

Please Take Extra Care This Summer

For cats with CKD, summer is a season that calls for more attentive care.

Products that may seem familiar and safe to us, such as mosquito coils, plug-in vaporizers, and insect repellents, may create unnecessary burden for cats.

Please manage the environment more carefully and keep your cat’s daily care routine consistent.

Wishing your cat a healthy summer,
Greycoat Research