An evaluation of the acute toxicity of an insecticidal spray containing linalool, d-limonene, and piperonyl butoxide applied topically to domestic cats
Powers, K.A.; Hooser, S.B.; Sundberg, J.P.; Beasley, V.R.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 30(3): 206-210
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 3388747 Document Number: 312923
A study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity to the cat of a citrus extract-based insecticidal product, a ready-to-use spray-can formulation containing d-limonene and linalool, the synergist piperonyl butoxide and a fragrance (D-8364) in propylene glycol and ethanol. One cat each was treated (i.e. sprayed until throughly wet all over, but not dripping wet) with formulations in which the above first 3 ingredients were at 1, 5, 10 and 20 times the normal product concentration, while in a fuller study, 6 cats each were treated at 1, 2 and 5 times that concentration. All cats were monitored for clinical effects until day 6 when they were culled for detailed pathological study. At the recommended dosage, all cats exhibited slight or (in 1 case) severe salivation immediately after treatment; they did not groom themselves. Mild muscle tremors consistent with normal shivering was also commonly noted. At higher dosages the most adverse symptom was ataxia in the 10 and 20x pilot study cats, although the fact that these animals eventually recovered without treatment gives some indications of the spray's safety even at these high concentrations. Similarly, the absence of serious toxic effects in the 5x group indicates a reasonable margin of safety. However, the presence of a degree of ataxia in 1 of the 6 2x and 2 of the 6 5x cats in the full study gives cause for concern.