When it comes to keeping your home safe and pest-free, pest control in New York is often a necessary service. But if you’re a cat owner, it’s not as simple as scheduling a visit and letting the professionals handle the rest. Cats are naturally curious, sensitive to smells and chemicals, and can easily come into contact with harmful substances. That’s why taking the right precautions before, during, and after pest control is essential to protect your feline friend’s health and well-being.
Here’s everything you need to know about what to do with your cat during pest control.
Before Pest Control: Plan Ahead
1. Notify the Pest Control Company
Always inform your pest control provider that you have a cat in the home. Reputable companies will take pet safety into account and may offer alternative, pet-friendly treatment methods. They can also give specific advice based on the type of pest they’re treating and the chemicals being used.
2. Get the Product Details
Ask the technician for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) or product labels for the pesticides or treatments they’ll be applying. These sheets include information about toxicity levels, exposure risks, and safe reentry times. Share this information with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about any risks to your pet.
3. Make a Temporary Relocation Plan
In many cases, the safest option is to remove your cat from the house during the pest control treatment. Arrange for them to stay with a trusted friend, family member, or pet sitter. If that’s not possible, prepare a clean, untreated room for them to stay in—one that’s sealed off from the areas being treated.
4. Remove Food, Water, and Toys
Take away any pet items from treated zones. This includes food and water bowls, litter boxes, toys, blankets, scratching posts, or bedding. Even small traces of pesticide residue can be dangerous if licked off or ingested.
During Pest Control: Keep Cats Away
1. Remove Your Cat From the Home for Major Treatments
For more intensive treatments—like fumigation, whole-home spraying, or flea bombs—it’s critical that your cat is completely out of the home. These types of pest control applications involve chemicals that linger in the air and can be extremely toxic to pets.
2. Confine to a Safe Space for Spot Treatments
If the pest control company is using targeted treatments, like bait traps or perimeter sprays, they may allow your cat to remain in the home—as long as they’re confined to a non-treated, well-ventilated room. Make sure to let the technician know where your cat will be and ask if that area will be safe.
Seal the room by closing doors and placing a rolled towel at the base to block fumes. Turn on a fan or open a window to improve airflow if necessary.
3. Minimize Stress
Cats are sensitive animals, and the unfamiliar smells and noises from pest control work can cause stress. Consider using a calming pheromone spray or diffuser in your cat’s safe space to help them stay relaxed while the work is being done.
After Pest Control: Reentry and Monitoring
1. Wait the Recommended Time
Your pest control technician will provide guidance on how long you should wait before your cat can re-enter treated areas. This can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the chemicals used and the extent of the treatment. Do not rush this step—wait the full recommended time to ensure your home is safe.
2. Air Out the Home
Open windows, turn on fans, and ventilate the home as much as possible. This will help disperse lingering fumes and speed up the drying process of any sprayed chemicals. Cats have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, so fresh air is important for their comfort and safety.
3. Clean Surfaces (If Safe)
Wipe down surfaces your cat might walk or sleep on—especially floors, counters, and baseboards—if the pest control company confirms it’s safe to do so. This will help reduce the chance of chemical exposure through their paws or grooming habits.
4. Monitor for Symptoms
Even after taking all precautions, watch for signs of pesticide exposure in the days following treatment. Symptoms in cats can include drooling, vomiting, lethargy, tremors, coughing, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Ongoing Pest Control Tips for Cat Owners
- Use Pet-Friendly Products: Whenever possible, choose pest control companies that offer non-toxic or natural treatments that are safe for pets.
- Prevent Rather Than React: Keep your home clean, store food in airtight containers, seal entry points, and regularly empty trash to minimize pests without chemicals.
- Be Careful With DIY Products: Many over-the-counter pest control sprays and powders can be dangerous to cats. Always read labels carefully and never use a product unless you’re sure it’s pet-safe.
Conclusion
Cats are family—and just like any loved one, their safety comes first. By preparing ahead, removing them from danger, and carefully monitoring your home after pest control treatments, you can eliminate pests without putting your furry friend at risk. Whether it’s a short trip to a friend’s house or isolating them in a pet-safe room, a little planning goes a long way in keeping your cat happy, healthy, and pest-free.
