In early April of 2009, I applied Sergeants Flea & Tick Powder to my 5 year old Tabby, Oliver. A couple days following, I noticed that he was having muscle spams. When I took him to the vet, I was asked if I had applied any topical powder to him and was then told that Permethrin-- one of the active ingredients in Sergeant Flea and Tick Powder for Cats—is harmful to animals and was causing the “tremors.” Oliver was diagnosed with Permethrin poisoning.

At the end of May, I took Oliver in to discuss treatment as the tremors have not ceased. My vet suggested that we may be looking at extensive neurological damage, and that he needs to stay on meds. Since he had been taking Diazepam (Valium®) for more than a month, a full blood work up on him was necessary to be sure the drugs weren’t harming his liver. As I waited for the results, I watched my once energetic, playful kitty tremor away feeling completely helpless and saddened that he may never be the same. All I want is for him to be well—and wished I could get back the day I dusted him with that poison. 15 minutes passed and my vet entered the room with a somber look on her face. Olivers blood work showed he was in the advanced stages of Kidney Failure (CRF)

We aggressively treated Oliver at the animal hospital and at home. He was fed and watered via syringe. He required a saline drip twice a day. He was "pilled" four times day. My kitty who once ran to the door to greet me every day-- ran FROM me as he knew what seeing me meant. I was the one closest to Oliver, so Im the one that did his treatments. One Saturday afternoon, while sitting with him in our backyard comforting him after a "pilling" session, the thing I knew was coming, yet dreaded, happened. Oliver looked at me and let me know that he was tired. He needed me to let him go. On August 10, 2009 we gave Oliver his wings. We were with him until he closed his eyes for the last time. Although it is difficult, we know he is at peace. Now he's our Angel.

Jeff Balion, a FOX9 investigative reporter, followed Olivers story. The FOX9 cameras were with him the remaining few hours of his life recording him doing what he loved-- walking around the yard and watching the birds and butterflies. As of right now, it will air September 23 on the 9pm newscast.

In doing research about Permethrin Poisoning/Toxicity, I have come across hundreds of horrible, heartbreaking stories not only about the Sergeants product I used on my cat, but other Hartz Mountain products that have caused skin burns, skin irritations, neurological problems, seizures, kidney problems & even death in cats AND dogs. Why Hartz Mountain has products on the shelves that are harmful to the animals they are supposed to protect is beyond my scope of understanding, but I do know this: They need to be held accountable.

I have started a Facebook page in his name to serve as a petition. Adding Oliver as your friend (facebook.com/oliver.d.cat) means that you agree that the sale of over the counter products that hurt, permanently damage and kill our pets needs to be stopped. Please, join the PROTECT OUR PETS cause on that page. You will not receive any emails from me other than to remind you of the broadcast.

Additionally, I would like you to view the links below so that you may see what these products do to our pets. Also visit www.Hartzvictims.org to read the HUNDREDS of stories submitted by pet owners.

Please send your questions and comments to: [email protected]

Thank you for reading.

I URGE YOU TO VIEW THESE LINKS. Please be warned that they are disturbing!

This clip shows Olivers reaction to the Flea & Tick Powder 48 hours after I applied it to him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79v_kw5lg0M

This one shows the tremors two weeks later:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE_CVYSFmzI

Two cats' reaction to Hartz Flea & Tick Drops (VERY DISTURBING):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0HK24wG_mA&feature=related