Are mosquito coils dangerous for cats? A veterinarian explains safe usage and precautions in detail.

It's gotten quite hot, and the rainy season has ended in various parts of Japan. As the weather gets hotter, aren't you bothered by mosquitoes? This year, the winter was warmer than usual, so mosquitoes have started to appear earlier. Many people probably keep mosquito coils burning constantly during this season.

This time, we will explain mosquito coils.

Basic Information on Mosquito Coils and Their Effect on Cats

Ingredients of mosquito coils and how they work

Coil-shaped mosquito coils contain an insecticide called pyrethroid.

Pyrethroids enter through the mosquito's mouth or skin, act on the nerves, and paralyze them, thus killing them. Pyrethroids are fast-acting, so their effects appear quickly. They also have the effect of deterring mosquitoes from approaching the space where the insecticide drifts.

Pyrethroids are highly safe for mammals, quickly decompose in the body, and are excreted. Therefore, they can be safely used in households with cats.

Harmfulness to cats

Most household insecticides, such as mosquito coils, use highly safe pyrethroid-based chemicals, so they can be used safely in homes with cats. There are also spray insecticides, but if a large amount is inhaled, drooling, tears, and vomiting may occur, so avoid spraying them directly on your cat's body.

Insecticides for gardening contain strong ingredients called organophosphates and carbamates, which can cause poisoning not only in cats but also in humans if inhaled, so absolutely do not use them.

Also, there are insect repellents that use essential oils, but cats can get poisoned by essential oils, so do not use them.

How to choose a safe mosquito coil for cats

What are cat-friendly mosquito coils made of?

If it's a commercially available mosquito coil, it uses highly safe pyrethroid-based ingredients, so you can use it with peace of mind even in spaces with cats. If you are concerned, check the active ingredients listed on the product and choose one that says "pyrethroid." It is also effective to check the manufacturer's website. They always answer questions about "use for pets" on their "Frequently Asked Questions" page.

Advantages and disadvantages of natural material mosquito coils

The pyrethroid chemical contained in mosquito coils was synthesized from pyrethrin, a natural ingredient. Pyrethrin is a natural insecticidal component found in the flowers of the insecticidal chrysanthemum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium). Mosquito coils using pyrethrin are commercially available.

Since pyrethroids are artificially produced compounds, they can induce attacks in people with allergies or asthma. Therefore, natural material mosquito coils are considered safer to use. However, there have been reports of strong allergic reactions to pyrethrin, even though it is a natural ingredient.

Some natural mosquito repellent products also use essential oils. Essential oils have plant fragrance components dissolved in oil. Cats have a weak glucuronidation ability, which is a detoxification mechanism in the liver, and cannot detoxify essential oils. Therefore, it is known to cause poisoning, and cases of death have also been reported.

When using natural material mosquito coils, always check if they are safe for cats, and avoid using products that contain essential oils.

Safe use of mosquito coils

Choosing a place to use

Since coil-shaped mosquito coils are used by lighting them, if a cat knocks one over indoors, it could cause burns or a fire. It is best suited for outdoor use. There seems to be a method of burning mosquito coils outdoors and opening the windows slightly to keep mosquitoes out of the room.

Burning time and importance of ventilation

The burning time of mosquito coils varies depending on the product. Coil-shaped coils burn for a certain period, and some burn for a long time. Since fire is used, when the owner goes out or sleeps at night, be sure to extinguish the fire completely to prevent unexpected accidents.

Mosquito coils can be used in a closed room, but the manufacturer's instructions state "ventilate occasionally." If you feel unwell due to the smell, ventilate immediately.

Distance between cats and mosquito coils

If a cat comes into contact with a lit mosquito coil, it can cause burns or a fire. It is best not to use mosquito coils indoors if possible. If you must use them indoors, liquid or spray types would be better.

Are other mosquito repellent products safe?

In addition to mosquito coils, there are liquid, mat, and spray types. Their active ingredients are pyrethroids, so they can be safely used in homes with cats. They are characterized by their long-lasting effect.

Liquid and mat types use electricity to heat and diffuse the active ingredients, which can pose a risk of burns, fires, or electric shock. When using these products, you need to place them where cats cannot tamper with them and take measures to prevent them from chewing on cords.

Spray-type mosquito repellent products are used by spraying the chemical, and they are effective not only by having the chemical drift in the air but also by adhering to walls and ceilings, thus providing a long-lasting effect. Although safe chemicals are used, direct inhalation can cause symptoms such as drooling, tears, and vomiting.

When using sprays, spray when the cat is not present, and let the cat re-enter the room after a while.

Summary

Mosquito coils have been around for a long time, and there are also products that use naturally derived ingredients. Since they use fire, it is best to use them outdoors if possible. For indoor use, liquid, mat, or spray types that do not directly use fire are recommended.

Always carefully check the precautions for use to see if they can be used around cats and enjoy a comfortable summer.