https://www.google.com/search?q=PYRETHRINS+AND+CATS&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=ubuntu&channel=fs&gws_rd=ssl

http://vetbook.org/wiki/cat/index.php/Pyrethrin_toxicity

http://www.icatcare.org/permethrin/vet-info

Don't spray the cat, carefully spray the TREE, and follow directions carefully.

Yes, a tree spray containing pyrethrin can be fatal to cats, and other pets. You need to keep the cat away while you're spraying and until the spray has dried.

What insects are you needing to get rid of?

Pyrethrins are found in most all flea control dusts, because these are among the lowest in toxicity for mammals. But, as with any poison, the does determines its toxicity. Most likely a spray used on most plants, including trees, would not be a large enough dose to be toxic to most mammals, but some cats have shown adverse reactions to the flea powders.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1677&aid=2252

kimmq is kimmsr

Permethrin is the synthetic form of pyrethrin. It is not "more lethal" to anyone or anything than the natural form which is not "pretty benign". Either one can be quite toxic in the right dose.

kimmq is kimmsr

Yes, permethrin is one of a number of synthesized pyrethrins. However it is certainly more dangerous to use on cats than the natural compound (essentially ground up petals of chrysanthemum plants).

For years feline flea powders had pyrethrin as the active ingredient, and instructions were to dust the animal thoroughly along with rugs, beds, etc. It was also the active ingredient in most flea shampoos for both cats and dogs. I never had an adverse event with my cats, and no veterinarian ever warned me against its use.

Permethrin is another issue altogether. In this article note the warning "DO NOT use permethrins on cats and DO NOT use any product on a cat unless it is specifically made for cats." I've had veterinarians echo this advice. One expressed her fear to me that someone would use one of the newly marketed, over-the-counter permethrin-based spot on canine flea products on a cat. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1677+1684&aid=2252

I have used permethrin-based fly spot-on meds on my horses but never would use advantix or any of the other permethrin based canine flea products on my dogs because they shared the house with my cats. Now that I am cat-less, I may add permethrin to my potential arsenal of dog meds, but it doesn't belong anywhere near cats.