Bob Martin Petcare is reclassifying its products containing the insecticide permethrin as pharmacy-only over concerns that misuse of the ingredient could harm cats.

The supplier said permethrin had an excellent safety record in household products, such as head lice treatments and flea treatments, but was one of the most commonly reported causes of cat poisoning - often down to a dog-specific treatment being applied to a cat. Retailer pharmacy staff will give pet owners advice on the use of on-animal products containing permethrin.

Bob Martin is rolling out a new Clear range of products using margosa extract from neem oil as an alternative to synthetic insecticides.

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