TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Chemicals Administration urged cat owners on Monday to keep their pets away from areas where insecticides are being used, according to a press release.
The agency said some bug sprays contain pyrethrins, which are more toxic to cats than to humans and most other mammals. It issued a public reminder telling owners to protect their cats from direct and second-hand exposure.
The agency said cats are less able to metabolize the chemicals and are therefore more likely to develop severe symptoms after exposure. It warned owners not to spray insecticides directly on their cats and instead use approved veterinary flea treatments according to a veterinarian’s instructions.
The agency decided with experts and vendors to add warning labels. Existing products will not be subject to a mandatory recall, though retailers are encouraged to provide additional warnings at points of sale.
The agency recommended that owners keep cats away after spraying and sufficiently ventilate treated areas until the chemicals have dried to minimize exposure.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Taiwan had an estimated 1.74 million pet cats in 2025, a 32.8% increase from 1.31 million in 2023. The number of households owning two or more cats has also increased.
