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Should I worry if I used clove/peppermint oil flea spray on my cat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 16 years and 6 months old

I’ve been using flea/tick spray for cats & dogs that contain clove oil or peppermint oil. Now I’m reading this is toxic to cats! Do I need to worry? I have not seen any side effects. I saw your posting about indorex. Can the pets remain in the home when this is used? Thanks for your advice!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 21st, 2018

Clove and peppermint only annoy your cats' and dogs' sence of smell. Since they have a much more keen sense of smell these aromas are overpowering to them. Fleas do not get repelled by peppermint and clove. I would not use it near my pets. The best way to get rid of fleas is as follows: Unfortunately fleas only hop on the body of your pet when they want to feed, then they hop off again and stay in your pet's environment. So you need to treat all pets in the household as well as the environment (which contains the fleas, their eggs and larvae). Flea treatment:  1) Get some flea medication such as a Flea spray or a spot on from a pet shop or your veterinarian and apply monthly 2) get flea powder, put some in your vacuum cleaner bag and vacuum your house and furniture and also non-carpeted areas frequently to remove flea larvae and eggs which live off house dust., Dispose of the bag in the trash outside. Hot-wash all the pet's bedding, If you do this diligently for a few months you will get rid of the fleas. Flea products: Spot-ons and/or chews Advantage, Advantix Advantage Multi (Advocate in the UK) Frontline (ticks as well) Bravecto spot on (ticks as well) - for cats, in tablet form for dogs Simparica, Nexgard Revolution (stronghold in the UK) Tablets: comfortis (will only kill fleas once) Collar: Seresto (ticks as well) Indorex: The active ingredients of the product are Permethrin, Pyripoxyfen and Piperonyl Butoxide. Between them, these three substances kill adult fleas and stop the development of eggs and larvae of fleas and house dust mites. However, as permethrin is toxic to cats, I would not use it regularly and certainly would not leave the cats in the house while spraying it.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Yes, certain essential oils are toxic to cats and should not be used. In addition, they do not work at all to kill fleas or ticks. If you have been using it on Lucky and she's had no side effects, she will likely be ok but I would not use it any longer. I can give you a safe flea treatment program for her that is effective. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. As for the Indorex, I would take her out of the room where you are using it, and do not let her back into the room until the product is completely dried. If you use it on the whole house, take her out of the house until the product is dried. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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