Can You Use Mosquito Coils Around Cats?

1 Why Mosquito Coils Are Dangerous to Cats

Homes with cats should not burn mosquito coils. They contain pyrethroid additives that are toxic to cats; inhaled in quantity they cause poisoning because a cat’s body cannot break them down. Signs include tremors, vomiting, drooling, and an unsteady gait, and severe cases threaten life.

If you must use a coil, fully isolate the cat so it can’t smell the smoke—but the safest choice is simply not to burn them indoors with a cat present.

2 Safe Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away

1. Screens and nets. Fit window screens and put nets over beds and the cat’s nest to block mosquitoes at the source—screens also stop escape or falls.

2. Cat-safe plants. Lemongrass or mint repel mosquitoes and are harmless to cats; place pots where the cat can’t wreck them.

3. Trap lamp and swatter. A mosquito lamp draws insects with light and heat then dehydrates them—no harmful odor—but keep the cat from touching it. An electric swatter uses current, a pure physical method, but don’t handle it while on.

Before sleep, close doors and screens and lower the temperature, then clear the room with a swatter. Pick the method that suits your home; a mischievous cat may ruin nets, so adapt as needed.