Someone Pleas HELP! Cat having reaction to Advantage II Treatment

I applied Advantage II flea med to my cat earlier today.  About an hour ago he started hyperventilating! I don't know what to do for him. I washed the area where the treatment was applied with Dawn dish washing soap.  Can someone please tell me something else I can do.  He has breathing problems anyway.  Should I take him to the vet?

If he has a preexisting breathing problem and is hyperventilating then yes, take him to the vet. It could be a serious reaction. It could be nothing. I'd err on the side of caution though.

Thanks for the quick response!. I found an ER Vet.

Let us know how it goes. Best of luck.

Thank you for you suggestions.  Gizmo survived the night and I took him to the vet the next morning. The vet said he had an allergic reaction to Advantage II which is strange because it has been around quite awhile. By the time I took him to the vet he was out of the carrier walking around inspecting each corner of the office. The vet thought I was a hysterical mom but was very nice. I don't know what to do about fleas next time though. We live in Sw FL and although the cats do not go outside they do go on the lanai which is like being outside. 

gizyo2017 said:

 
Thank you for you suggestions.  Gizmo survived the night and I took him to the vet the next morning. The vet said he had an allergic reaction to Advantage II which is strange because it has been around quite awhile. By the time I took him to the vet he was out of the carrier walking around inspecting each corner of the office. The vet thought I was a hysterical mom but was very nice. I don't know what to do about fleas next time though. We live in Sw FL and although the cats do not go outside they do go on the lanai which is like being outside. 

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I am glad to hear everything worked out. I think the vet visit was worth it just to have the vet say it was likely an allergic reaction so you have confirmation not to use it again. People, and animals, can build up allergic reactions over time. Something that causes just a mild reaction can one day cause a major reaction even though the prior reactions were barely noticeable. Its a build up reaction almost like the body says "ummm....not right but okay" "ummmm.... still not right but maybe just one more." for a while and then one day goes "ENOUGH!" with a major reaction. Once that major reaction happens its a warning that the next could be even work. 

I had a cat that was allergic to topical flea medicines and there is an oral one we found that worked well. Ask your vet and see if they know which one it is. I can't remember what it was called and it's been a few years. Be careful of just grabbing any oral without vet approval as some can be really bad.

I think I will try to find some home remedy to use. I ordered the med from Petco and within 24 hours the full amount of purchase had been refunded...no request to send unused portion back - not even a request for refund.  I was shocked and pleased. The refund almost paid for the vet visit!

Yay!

Just be careful with home remedies. I'd call the vet and run it by them first. Some of those home remedies can be worse than the problem.

Was the advantage 11 purchased from the vet or a pet store? You have to be so careful with pet stores and flea products. I know advantage is a veterinary treatment but purchased elsewhere could be dangerous. I would look into revolution as an alternative treatment. It is Selamectin and has none of the properties of advantage.
I'm glad your kitty pulled through!

I'm glad your kitty is feeling better! That must have been so scary for you. Fleas are tricky and a frustrating problem, aren't they? They are certainly no joke when you live in Florida! I moved from there to Washington DC earlier this year and my kitty never had them until we lived in Florida for a year! The most effective treatment I found is prescription only and it's a topical treatment called Paradyne. I had it sent to my home each month and that was helpful to remember when to give it to my kitty.

I ordered Advantage II from Petco.  I contacted them when all of this was going and they immediately issued a full refund.  They also followed up with a call today.  I  am pleased with their service. they also gave me the manufacturer's phone number. I think I will contact mfgr to see if I can recover costs of vet visit. May not happen but unless you try, you never know.

Thanks to all of you for being so supportive. It really helped to know there was someone out there who understood what was going on and who offered suggestions.  It helped me make it through my crisis.