HOUSTON -- A product designed to protect pets led to the death of a Houston family's cat, the family told Local 2 Tuesday.

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Family Says Flea, Tick Drops Killed Cat

Sandra Hineman said Shadow, her 16-month-old cat, had a violent reaction to the over-the-counter product, Hartz Advanced Care Flea & Tick Drops.

"He lost bowel movement. He wet all over his self," Hineman said. "I wish I'd never seen it."

"Are you convinced it killed your cat?" Local 2's Kym Alvarado-Booth asked.

"Yes, oh yes. I'm convinced it killed my cat," Hineman said.

She said she used three drops of the Hartz product, which cost $4.33.

"After a couple of hours -- after that started, he foamed at the mouth. I said to myself, 'What have I done?'" Hineman said.

Because of his suffering, Hineman decided to have Shadow euthanized at a Conroe veterinarian clinic.

His angel-adorned gravesite is in the family's front yard.

Hineman joined others on a number of Internet Web sites boycotting Hartz products and a Hartz victims' cyber-quilt.

When Local 2 contacted Hartz Mountain Corporation about the Conroe case, spokesman John Mullane said that Hartz offered to pay for all vet bills and to arrange a necropsy.

Hartz does not believe its product is to blame for Shadow's death, yet Hartz agreed that phenothrin, its main ingredient, is a pesticide that can cause adverse reaction in pets.

Dr. Ben Tharp, a veterinarian with Voss Road Animal Hospital, said that Hartz products contain a strong insecticide.

"They cause a very quick knock down. It's the same product that's in your wasp sprays," Tharp said. "I've seen some cats die."

He said adverse reactions are very rare and always in cats because they groom more than dogs.

"I always call (Hartz) and tell them," Tharp said.

The vet said that Hartz is always interested in adverse reaction reports.

Hineman found out too late how far Hartz will go with an affected pet.

"I found out that Hartz would've paid to try and save him," she said.

Now the Hineman family worries how to get rid of fleas for their other cats.

"I'm afraid to give them anything but a bath," she said.

Tharp recommends topicals marketed under the names Frontline and Advantage.

They are more expensive, averaging $65 for a 6-month supply, and they are not available over-the-counter.

Hartz said its products are affordable and safe if pet owners follow all the directions on the package.