Counterfeit flea treatment nearly kills Persian cat; authorities warn pet owners

A counterfeit flea treatment bought online left a Persian cat critically ill and forced into emergency intestinal surgery, prompting warnings from government regulators and animal welfare groups about the risks of fake veterinary medicines.

Alan Wall said his long-time pet Smokey became violently ill within hours of a treatment he believed was the genuine brand he had used for years. The cat began vomiting and refused to eat or drink, and after an initial veterinary examination that found no obvious abnormality, a scan revealed an intestinal blockage that required emergency surgery.

Veterinarians identified pirimiphos-methyl, an organophosphate insecticide known to be toxic to cats, in samples linked to the treatment. Dr. Heilin-Anne Leonard-Pugh said exposure to the chemical can prevent the body from breaking down acetylcholine, causing overstimulation of the nervous system and symptoms that include vomiting, tremors, weakness, difficulty breathing and seizures. She warned that in some cases exposure can be fatal and urged owners who suspect their animals have been exposed to counterfeit medicines to seek immediate veterinary advice.

Wall said the ordeal left his family "heartbroken" and took a heavy emotional toll. He has paid roughly £3,000 in surgery and follow-up veterinary costs to save Smokey.

The case reflects a growing enforcement challenge for regulators. The Intellectual Property Office and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate have published guidance on how to spot suspicious animal medicines, noting that counterfeit products often mimic the appearance of genuine brands while containing harmful substances or lacking proper active ingredients. Warning signs include poor or damaged packaging, spelling or grammar errors, missing leaflets or expiry dates, instructions not provided in English, unusual smells, colours or textures, poor-quality tablets or applicators that appear homemade, unusually deep discounts or flash-sale offers, and sellers requesting sensitive information or payment by bank transfer.

Last year the IPO and the VMD issued 122 seizure notices targeting unauthorised animal medicines and supplements, preventing about 18,000 illegal items from reaching consumers, the agencies said. New research (Wave 4) cited by the IPO found that counterfeit goods are frequently purchased through global e-commerce platforms and that in 2024 nearly one in five consumers bought an item that later proved to be fake.

Helen Barnham, deputy director of enforcement at the IPO, said criminals selling counterfeit animal treatments are "targeting pet owners with complete disregard for the animal’s wellbeing," and urged vigilance when purchasing treatments online. She advised consumers to be wary of offers that "look too good to be true" and to report suspected counterfeits to local Trading Standards or to Crimestoppers Online.

Caroline Allen, chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA, said the charity is "very concerned about counterfeit vet treatments on sale which can be highly toxic to pets" and urged owners to seek professional veterinary advice if they have any concerns. Allen said she understands that financial pressures may lead some owners to look for cheaper treatments online, but that doing so can put animals at serious risk.

Regulators and veterinary groups recommend checking packaging and product information carefully, buying medicines only from reputable suppliers or direct from a veterinary practice, and seeking immediate veterinary care if an animal shows symptoms after treatment. Consumers who suspect they have purchased a counterfeit product are encouraged to preserve the packaging and any remaining product and to report the purchase to enforcement authorities.

Smokey remained under veterinary care as he recovered from surgery, and his owner said he hopes sharing his experience will warn others and prevent similar incidents.