Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

Why is my cat panting and scratching after flea and worm treatment?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year old | 12 lbs

I gave my cat piperzine for worms a week ago and today i gave him nitenpyram for fleas today now hes panting heavy and scratching what do i do?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2017

Panting is usually a sign of serious respiratory distress in cats and I would not expect this as a side effect of nitenpyram or piperazine. I would recommend taking Pudge to an emergency veterinarian if you continue to see him panting. If he has fleas it's not uncommon for them to cause discomfort or increased itchiness as they start to die so I wouldn't be concerned about scratching. Nitenpyram only lasts about 24 hours so you should follow up with a longer term flea preventative.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored