Nicola Robinson works for Animal PoisonLine. She believes the potential risks of Permethrin should be much clearer, so people can make informed decisions.

Amanda from Mold bought a Beaphar flea collar for her 5-month-old cat Tiffany from a high street store. Which is what Stephen from Portsmouth thought he’d done when he bought a collar for cat Cato from a high street store. It was also made by Beaphar and contained permethrin.

It says on the very bottom that it contains permethrin…. you can hardly read it. it should be on the front in big bold letters. This can cause seizures, burns, death.”

She told us “ it's the right age because it says over 12 weeks and it’s got a picture of a cat on, so what harm could that possibly do?” Wait two hours before re-entering the room ensuring the smoke has cleared, and then ventilate for one hour. After this time, people and pets may re-enter the room, and aquariums can be returned or uncovered. Having previously used flea collars, Amanda had no concerns fitting Tiffany with the product made by pet medicine company Beaphar.With some cats, in some households, these work very well they are safe when they're used correctly. But in other households, they’re outdoors, they may get the collar off.” She said.

Remove food and food utensils. Keep pets and people out of the room, and remove or cover aquariums. Nearly 10 years on the Directorate told us they’ve a better understanding of the risks of permethrin to cats, there’s been a significant reduction in the number of adverse reactions and all medicine must be used in accordance with its labelling. There were no warnings about the permethrin, but the collar did say do not let your animal chew. That's never gonna happen. Cats will do what they like.”

If using one Beaphar Flea Fumigator, place in the centre of the room on a heat resistant surface such as a plate on top of a sheet of aluminium foil. If using multiple fumigators, ensure they are spaced out on the floor surface. The risks aren’t new. In 2014 the Veterinary Medicines Directorate warned cat owners against using some permethrin products, prompting major pet healthcare brand Bob Martin to remove their flea collars containing permethrin from sale. Using the information below, mix the recommended amount of Beaphar Dog Flea Shampoo with 300ml of lukewarm water. Treated animals should not be allowed to sleep or play with people, especially children until the coat is fully dry. Once you’ve got the infestation under control, you may wish to consider a combination flea treatment as an alternative. Combination flea treatments target multiple flea life stages using a single product. Beaphar FIPROtec® COMBO is a vet strength, spot-on flea treatment that contains both fipronil and S-methoprene (an IGR). It works on your pet (killing adult fleas) and in your home (preventing flea eggs and flea larvae from developing).