Has anyone had a bad reaction to Cheristin flea meds?

red top rescue · Jan 1, 2017

@JaxTabby,what you can do if the safe topicals are not working on the fleas is (1) treat the environment (assuming they are inside) with DE (diotomaceous earth, the edible kind you can get at flea stores) and you can use it as a flea powder on the cats as well; and (2) daily flea combing and knocking live fleas out of the flea comb into slightly soapy water in a bowl (we call that making flea soup) may not have them 100% clear but will help them a lot. Remember, unless the flea infestation is massive and the cats are kittens, fleas are unpleasant but not life threatening. Some of these chemicals ARE life threatening to SOME animals. Just like humans, some people are allergic to things that others are not, and allergies (like to peanuts) can be bad enough to kill you. Cheristin has enough bad history that it is not something I would ever try on any cat.

@ADoug, your vet is very narrow minded. After reading this thread, surely you can see that some cats have serious problems with this, and your vet should have considered this one cat may be allergic. I think you should get her to another vet, preferably at an accredited animal hospital (AAHA, you can search them here: https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/about_aaha/hospital_search/default.aspx

It sounds like she needs immediate help and should have blood tests run to see if her kidneys and liver are functioning properly. Hopefully it isn't too late to save her.

jaxtabby · Jan 1, 2017

I can only testify from personal experience. I am not saying that cats are not being harmed.

Now my vet carries Cheristin and I mentioned the horror some are going though and she agrees with me that some cats are hyper sensitive, just like some humans.

bellel · Feb 21, 2017

Jules10 said:
I called up Elanco and told them my cat has died a horrific death and that I believe Cheristin for Cats is the culprit as it is a neurotoxin and her symptoms were neurologically based! Running around in circles and unable to jump or move -- she was paralyzed, just like the fleas that Cheristin kills. Throw in a batch of cats and bingo, you have not just dead fleas, but dead cats to go with the fleas!

I also told them it made all of them lethargic and they denied knowing of this side-effect. I told them that it says this ON THE BOX ok? They said it did not say it on the box! I said it states in can cause "inactivity" which is a synonym for "lethargic". Gotcha you liars!

They claimed it is not absorbed systemically. If it is not absorbed systemically, then why does it last for 30++++ days? Gotcha again you liars!

I have gotten rid of this crap! As of now, my other cats do not have any fleas as they are being kept indoors and I continue to comb them daily to be sure they don't have any.

As for my cat that has died, I am still very depressed about this. I cannot get over what happened to her! It angers me the way Elanco lies!

Do not trust Elanco! They had told me I had to use Cheristin on ALL of my cats for it to be effective for the one that died that has the FAD. I asked about this again when I spoke with them and their story has now changed! They said they recommend that "another product be used" and that I did not have to use the pricey Cheristin for Cats on all of them. Having to specifically purchase Cheristin for Cats has been a financial hardship for me as I live on a pittance unfortunately! Do they care? Hell no, they are in this for one thing and that is the $$$! Gotcha again you GREEDY LIARS!

That is three lies right there. How many more lies are there Elanco?

How many cats have died from this toxic poison?
:angry2:

My Pepper is having issues with her back legs. Took her to the neurologist to see what's up. While there I told him about issues that Cheristan may have and he said to call Elanco.

THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD NO RECORD OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT CATS WITH NERVE OR DAMAGE TO THEIR SPINE!!! Do you have any record as to when you called and who you talked to?

jimmycatlover · Feb 21, 2017

janets98 · Feb 23, 2017

My vet sold me a six pack of Cheristin so I used it on my longhaired cat all last summer. She always reacted as if the topical application hurt her but I couldn't see any signs of skin irritation and the vet said to continue dosing her every month, which I did.

When I gave her the last dose last fall she cried and the next day the skin at the application site was red. That redness only lasted one day. The vet told me to stop it for the winter months but to start up again in the spring. I'm undecided about whether or not to buy another six pack. I'm terribly allergic to flea bites so I have to give her something but, even though the vet swears by Cheristin, I'm not sure that's the best thing for her.

jules10 · Feb 28, 2017

I opened THREE CASES w/Elanco as all three of my cats were sickened by this poison. They are liars ok? See my extensive review under Cheristin for Cats on this site under reviews amazon.com. I suggest you print out the link on there which identifies the ingredient as a toxic poison! It is all right there under the name of this same product called ASSURITY that was pulled off the market due to deaths! It was reintroduced as Cheristin for Cats in a weakened form.

Read my extensive post(s) on Cheristin for Cats here: http://www.thecatsite.com/products/cheristin-for-cats

If you put this on your cat and it gets sick and dies, it is on you because YOU WERE WARNED.

As for the person with the Siamese cat, this particular breed of cat is especially highly sensitive to the chemical that is in this crap. Do not buy another 6-pack!!

I am using nothing now at all but a comb and a bit of butt busting work to keep fleas out of my home. At present, I have had no fleas for well over a year by doing the work to keep the house clean and the cats flea free. Do not allow them to go outside as that is where the fleas come from is my advice.

DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT! IT IS A KILLER!!

The vet that noted no sensation in her spine retired recently and I do not know where he now lives but I do have the records on my visit to his office that day and she was dead 2 weeks later due to NEUROTOXIC PARALYSIS! Not a sweet way to go that is for sure!!

jules10 · Feb 28, 2017

Don't do it! Please do not do it!

Spinetoram (XDE-175-J) - Identification, toxicity, use, water pollution potential, ecological toxicity and regulatory information
http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC41693

Click on this link above and READ what it says about ASSURITY, the weakened form of spinetoram and the fact that it is cancer causing (among other things!).

jules10 · Feb 28, 2017

If you call Elanco they will tell you they have never heard of a problem like this. The vet I talked to was rude and condescending and as mentioned by RED TOP RESCUE, it is a waste of time to call them. You can do this any way to report the side-effect you are noticing as they will have to open a case # on it but they will do nothing! Their phone number is: 1-888-545-5973. Being it is not regulated by the FDA you are out of luck with them and they will not help you. As for info., good luck because Elanco does what they are paid to do and that is LIE!

Ask YOUR VET or the neuro IF they have HEARD about the Trifexis for dogs deaths. If they have not, find another vet/neuro. This is on Facebook under "Does Trifexis Kill Dogs?". The chemical in Trifexis that DOES KILL DOGS is very similar to spinetoram and is called spinosad and is aka COMFORTIS tweaked with a heart worm component FYI.

johnbonnard · Feb 28, 2017

IMO the drug companies will say anything to protect sales of their products. Certainly quite a lot of cats seem to tolerate Cheristin, but for how long remains to be established. I believe that the best place to break the fleas' life cycle is OFF THE CAT - by way of good housekeeping such as frequent vacuuming of furniture and bedding. This with the occasional use of Advantage has worked for me. I don't want my cats to face premature death for my convenience - quite a few of my cats have lived to 20.

lauowolf · Mar 28, 2017

I applied Cheristin to four cats to deal with fleas.

They all just hated the application, reacting as if I was hurting them.

They ran off and hid, and flinched from me if they thought I was heading for their necks.

They seemed a little out of sorts the following day, but nothing outrageous.

Then one of them, about two weeks later, started shedding a huge patch of skin from where I'd applied the Cheristin.

This is a thick layer that looks more like leather than a scab, a bit over an inch in diameter.

About half of it has detached and is hanging loose, while the rest is still connected.

I don't know what he'll be left with when it finally all peels off, whether he'll ever get fur back there.

But I do know this is not at all okay, and that I will not be applying this drug again.

I would not recommend anyone use this product on their cat.

FLBobcat · Apr 15, 2017

Hi to all! Found this site while trying to find side effect information on Cheristin. We live in central Florida and have 27 cats, mostly rescued. As Advantage and Advantage II were no longer controlling fleas in our cats the vet recommended Cheristin about two years ago. We've been using it faithfully since then. One of our cats began exhibiting unusual behavior, pulling out her fur, sores on her body, scraped blotches on nose, etc., around the same time (in hindsight). She's been to the vet, and the dermatological specialist, numerous times, and has been on Atopica for the problem for the past two years, with limited success. Our oldest male, Butterscotch (almost 13 y.o) did exhibit the scaly, red "patch" at the application site, and subsequent "peeling" after dosing, on the 2nd application, but I had surmised it was due to the application (the other half in this family vigorously applied it, at neck nape). Two days ago everyone received their latest Cheristin dose. Master Butterscotch began vomiting, and developed bleeding sores on, inside, and behind his ears. Eyes are red rimmed and swollen. Am now wondering if the Cheristin is the cause. He was into the vet yesterday and we were told it's an allergy of some sort. This is beginning to look very familiar, after reading this thread....back to Advantage for our motley crew.

dustydiamond1 · Apr 15, 2017

Oh how horrible. Such terribly sad experiences!
We have been using Pet Armor for the last 3 months with no fleas and no side effects on Gypsy.

clw01 · Jun 6, 2017

I've used Cheristin for several years on two of my cats - but both are indoor cats. I also feed 8-10 ferals but, I don't have the money to apply to all. To help the ferals use DE on the ground around all feeding sites. I don't put it in their food because then they won't eat their food and, it also keeps the ants away from the food. (they walk through it and it gets on their paws. Usually they lick it off when they are cleaning themselves after eating) Only problem is you have to reapply a lot because once it is wet it is no longer effective. I have been really hesitant about continuing to use cheristin because my cat, like lauowolf above, acts like I am hurting her when I give it to her. She runs and hides and I don't see her for the rest of the day. Only way I can get her over her panic is to sit and pet her. I've read all the comments but not had any problems like those mentioned, just concerned that the chemicals are burning her. My other concern is that the product stays wet on her neck and since she is a contortionist, she is able to turn and lick the base of her neck where I apply the product. I just went through a flea infestation and don't see any fleas but she sure is scratching like crazy!. I just feel really bad about how much she is scratching. She is a semi-feral cat so won't let me handle her in any way. I think I'm supposed to feel lucky that she lets me pet her!

I bought several products to try that I either spray on her (no way - she hates spray bottles), rub it through her fur (again, don't touch me, scratch!). I am able to brush her back just a few strokes but that doesn't really help. I vacuum a lot and had the house sprayed but she still scratches like crazy. The only thing I can think of is that the scratching is an allergic reaction to the fleas? Any suggestions on what to use?

bellel · Jun 14, 2017

This exact thing happened to a cat I had who passed in 2010 (he was 23 years old), except we were using Advantage at the time. His hair did grow back and we used something else for fleas after that (though I can't remember exactly what at this moment). Advantage seemed to hurt my cats more than Cheristin does.

lauowolf said:
I applied Cheristin to four cats to deal with fleas.

They all just hated the application, reacting as if I was hurting them.

They ran off and hid, and flinched from me if they thought I was heading for their necks.

They seemed a little out of sorts the following day, but nothing outrageous.

Then one of them, about two weeks later, started shedding a huge patch of skin from where I'd applied the Cheristin.

This is a thick layer that looks more like leather than a scab, a bit over an inch in diameter.

About half of it has detached and is hanging loose, while the rest is still connected.

I don't know what he'll be left with when it finally all peels off, whether he'll ever get fur back there.

But I do know this is not at all okay, and that I will not be applying this drug again.

I would not recommend anyone use this product on their cat.

clw01 · Sep 5, 2017

I used Cheristin for a little over a year on two of my cats. Neither was very fond of it, but they are not fond of putting anything on them anyway. I use DE for my ferals. I didn't have any troubles with Cheristin but after reading everything on here I decided to switch. I've been using Advantage but I don't think it does as good a job or lasts as long. I think I have more of a problem with mesquitos than fleas though. They are terrible this time of the year. They just swarm around the cats. It breaks my heart to see them scratch so much.

Mely · Sep 5, 2017

Hi, I read your review and you have discribed my same experience. Before going to the Pet Dermotologist my cat was on a different flea med which now I cannot recall. However, we did the same med and Atopica. I started using Cheristin about 4 doses with no issue. This month he started ripping out his fur on his neck and scratching. I have heard of some adverse reactions being that the cat is more itchy. I do not see fleas but both of my pets, cat and puppy are on meds and still scratching. I guess Cheristin does not protect against flea bites so I was looking for another treatment that I could give to him to ease the flea bites. I was considering Comfortis but after reading the horrible reviews and finding out that it is really the same drug just in chewable form. Now I am back to square one. All my vets are recommending Bravetco and one is really new and barely has any cat reviews and horrifying dog reivews. I am so confused, so I thought I would ask you what flea treatment you are using now.
Also, My heart goes out to you and all the stress you have been throught after years and years of experiencing the same every Summer I understand your pain and heartbreak going through all of what you discribed. I have spent so much time worrying, watching, bandaging, switching foods, cones, ointments, more bandages..I get it.
Please let me know if you have found something that works with no side affects. Much appreciated!
Anyone out there willing to share or help in any way I welcome your info, opinions, and recommnedations.

Mely

Do NOT use this product! My cat was in to the vet in May 2015 because his Frontline Flea med wasn't working well and he was so itchy. The vet gave my Simba a sample of Cheristin. 24 hours later there wasn't a flea within miles of my cat. But when the fleas went away, the scratching continued and got worse- MUCH WORSE. Picture my fluffy chubby orange haired cat scratching around the clock and so miserable that he began to actually pull his fur out by the roots! It was horrifying. The Vet was certain the problem was not the Cheristin. It didn't get better.

By the time Simba was due for his monthly allergy med in June, he was getting worse and now the fleas were coming back. He was missing most of the fur on his tummy, and patches of bald skin were showing in other places too. I didn't want him to be any more miserable than he already was, so I used a second sample of the Cheristin so that at least on top of all his itch issues, he didn't have fleas. Once again, fleas were gone in 24 hours but my Simba was even worse. He was loosing weight, scratching around the clock and ripping large chunks of hair out by the roots. The vet prescribed something to help Simba relax, but then he was just a drousy cat scratching around the clock and ripping chunks of fur out. We would check on him to find small piles of fur everywhere.

The vet suggested that I take him to a animal dermatologist that practiced two hours from my home. In desperation, I made an appointment. But, it would be weeks before he could be seen there.

By July, I had been back and forth to the vet many times. Simba was furless on his legs, ears, spotches of his back, tummy, and tail. He had lost a couple of pounds and had completely lost his usually personality. He was on Prednisolone for the itch but it didn't help. I had to go out of town for a couple of days, and I actually instructed my family where to bury him while I was gone because I didn't expect him to live. At this point, I had him in a cone collar to try to prevent the scratching, but he would just rub so intently on anything around him that his skin would bleed. His skin was scabby, crusty, and flaking like nothing I had ever seen before.

Early August, I finally got my Simba to the animal dermatologist who had no idea what could possibly be going on with my poor cat. He was almost completely bald, still scabby, crusty, flaking and bleeding from rubbing so hard that his fur was gone. He looked sick and was down at least 3 lbs in weight.

The animal dermatologist did a skin biopsy and looked at the results of all the previous blood work that had been done on Simba with our own vet. A week later, she called to tell me that the results of the skin biopsy showed Simba had a severe drug reaction. Since the only drug Simba had been taking was Cheristin, it had to be the Cheristin. This vet suggested that I keep him on Prednisolone, which he had been given by our own vet.

But, Nothing helped. Simba continued to loose weight and was completely miserable with the scratching and sore skin. After several weeks of the Prednisolone, the animal dermatologist suggested I try Atopica for the itching. I was told it would take a couple of weeks to make a difference. But, by day 3 we could see huge changes in Simba. He wanted to spend time with us again as his personality was returning. He could sit quietly for a couple of hours without scratching, although I was hesitant to remove the cone collar for fear that we would look away for a few minutes and he would start at the scratching again. But, now we are into the second week of September and he has been on the Atopica for two weeks.

I have my cat back! Well, sort of. He still is missing fur in a few places, but has begun to grow short fur in most of the previously bald spots. He wants to be cuddled and held. He keeps getting into things he knows he shouldn't as he is getting bored in the house. I'm hesitant to let him go outside just yet. I don't want him to get cold without his usual coat of thick fur. And, I'm just plain over protective of him now.

I'm lucky my cat survived this horrible drug!

I would NEVER EVER use Cheristin for any pet again. In fact, one of the vets that has treated my Simba told me something frightening about this product. I was told that Cheristin isn't really new. The active ingredient was on the market a couple of years ago under a different drug name, but they had to take it off the market because of all the problems it was causing. Vets words, "it was reformulated and released under the name Cheristin". Only problem here is is that it still contains the same active ingredient.

Do NOT use this product! [/QUOTE]

Mely · Sep 5, 2017

I have understood that you should not breathe this substance that it is detrimental to the lungs and that is why I have not sprinkled and used around my home outdoors.
Have you not heard this?

Mely · Sep 5, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss! My cat runs from me even before I open the cheristin med.
He hates all the topicals and I am now afraid of using the chewable Comfortis. 1-800 Pet meds highly recommended Comfortis. Recently my vet seemed a bit put off by Cheristin. What flea med do we use if they all have terrible reviews.
My heart goes out to you and your loss. I hope you are finding peace and your others kitties are doing well.
Have you found a better option?

Take care,
Mely

jules10 said:
My cat has died! I am so very sad! She had FAD (Feline Allergic Dermatitis) and I'd been using Cheristin on her along with the other 2 cats I have since late 2014. She was 10 years old and an indoor cat.

I'd noted after application that they all would be rather lethargic for a day or so afterwards and the flea problem was gone quickly. It worked like a charm it seemed but wow, what a toxic odor it has and all 3 cats hated the odor except the one that is now dead.

My girl got sick last year in August after using Cheritin on her for about 1 year. She began hiding and was really confused. I took her to the vet and he told me to use Feliway around the house. It did not help but gradually, she got better and I continued to use Cheritin for cats on her.

In March 2016, she fell ill with a fever and I took her to the vet again and he ran $500 worth of tests on her and found nothing wrong.

She was so sick when I got her back it was horrific! She was scared to death, hiding and having trouble jumping up to the sofa or bed.

Fast forward to June 2016. More money spent on more vets and no answers. She began to vomit blood and would no longer eat nor drink. I had her put down not long after that as she'd gone from a hefty 13 lb. cat to a mere 7 lbs. She could no longer walk and turned in circles in the end and she could no longer jump or hardly move.

Here is the particularly odd thing about her case: She no longer seemed to have the ability to meow or purr. Its as if she no longer could meow or purr! Why?

I have 2 other cats that are brothers age 3 years. I've been using the Cheristin on them too but now I am afraid it will kill them as they become lethargic too after applying Cheristin to them. They are both indoor cats as well.

This is an issue. My sweet dear girl is gone now and is it because of this flea treatment called Cheristin?

Does anyone have anything they can suggest I do?

I am DEVASTATED.

jimmycatlover · Sep 10, 2017

threecatowner said:
Vet just gave me this for cats, I've always used Frontline or Revolution (which I can only get by prescription). Apparently there were so many complaints of Frontline no longer being effective, they switched to Cheristin.

I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with this med - I don't want to use if it's causing bad reactions.

I don't use Cheristin. Successfully using Advantage II. Indoor kitties, I don't even use it monthly.

TallyLu · May 6, 2018

I know this is an old thread but I have to comment. Currently sitting at vet with cat who can’t walk without falling over and is in liver failure since using cheristin two days ago. It was watery and hot everywhere I think he ingested it. My other cat is fine but Lu is so sensitive to everything. Never had this issue with advantage or frontline. Called aspca - it’s $65 for the call but you talk with a toxicologist who speaks with a dr and they pulled several cases of cats reacting in just this way. Aspca contacted my vet and they are reviewing what treatment to do. Luckily I will Ben able to take him home for treatment and not leave him in hospital. I would never recommend this product to anyone. After reading the horror stories and going through my own right now I am shocked this medicine is in the market (and recommended by my vet!!!)

Has anyone had a bad reaction to Cheristin flea meds?

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