- Department:Comprehensive Planning Division
Recent public feedback has indicated that some mosquito-repellent and insecticide products on the market containing "natural pyrethrins" (commonly known as pyrethrum) are labeled as "low toxicity to mammals." However, this ingredient is more highly toxic to cats, and the current labeling may mislead pet owners. In response, the Chemicals Administration, Ministry of Environment (hereinafter "the Administration") specifically reminds cat owners that when using environmental agent pesticide products containing pyrethrins (both natural and synthetic) indoors, they must remain vigilant and ensure cats do not come into direct or indirect contact with these agents, in order to protect pet safety.
The Administration explained that natural pyrethrins are active ingredients extracted from pyrethrum flowers and are widely used in environmental sanitation and pest control. Humans and most mammals generally have a relatively good capacity to metabolize and quickly eliminate natural pyrethrins, resulting in comparatively low toxicity, which is why approved products are labeled "low toxicity to mammals." Cats, however, have an innately limited capacity for glucuronidation-based metabolism, making them less efficient than most other mammals at metabolizing natural pyrethrins. As a result, cats are more prone to adverse reactions such as neurotoxicity after exposure, and the ingredient is indeed more toxic to cats than to humans and most other mammals.
The Administration therefore convened an expert advisory meeting on environmental agent pesticides and consulted with manufacturers of pyrethrin-based products, resulting in a decision to uniformly add the following warning to the warning symbol or warning statement field on the labeling and instructions of pyrethrin-based products: "This product poses a hazard risk to cats; read the label before use" (each character of this warning must be no smaller than 0.5 cm and must be printed in a color different from the rest of the label text). Pyrethrin-containing products (general environmental agent pesticides) already on the market will not be subject to mandatory recall; however, retailers are encouraged to supplement point-of-sale displays with the relevant warning information.
The Administration reminds the public that when using environmental agent pesticides containing natural or synthetic pyrethrins (such as spray insecticides, liquid formulations, or mosquito coils), direct contact between cats and the agents should always be avoided, and products should be applied strictly according to the label and instructions for use. Following application, pet owners should also prevent cats from entering the treated area immediately until the agent is dry and the room is fully ventilated, as well as clean areas frequently contacted by cats to reduce exposure risks.
