Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Are Raid Fly Ribbons Poisonous to Cats? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Share

flies caught in a flycatcher tape

It can be tricky to care for our pets while attempting to get rid of pests. If you have many bugs intruding on your home, finding the right way to repel or kill them without endangering your cats can be tricky. Many insecticides are poisonous to cats, and some pet owners do not want to run the risk of their cats accidentally ingesting anything dangerous.

Luckily, there are some safe forms of insect control out there, including Raid Fly Ribbons. The Raid Fly Ribbons are a safe choice for cats. These ribbons trap flying insects with poison-free glue that is much safer to have around cats—just make sure your cat does not get stuck on one!

divider cats oct 2024

What Is a Raid Fly Ribbon?

Raid Fly Ribbons are a type of flypaper. These ribbons are long strips of paper or plastic covered in sticky glue. When flies or other insects try to land on the ribbon or brush up against it, they get stuck and can’t fly away. You can hang the ribbon indoors or outdoors to catch all kinds of flying insects, like flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and moths.

Raid Fly Ribbons are a much safer alternative to other forms of pesticide because it’s a physical fly trap instead of a poison. These ribbons use sticky glue to trap flies. This glue is designed to be non-toxic, although if ingested, it might give your cat a slight tummy ache. You should still keep the ribbon out of reach, though—its sticky glue can catch cat fur as easily as flies. Regardless, some lost hair is far better than being poisoned!

Raid Fly Ribbons vs Other Brands

There are lots of brands of flypaper or fly ribbons out there, and not every brand is the same. Although Raid Fly Ribbons don’t use any toxins to kill flies, some brands do use a poisonous insecticide mixed with the glue. When you buy fly paper, make sure to check the product ingredients to make sure there aren’t any toxins. Look for labels like “non-toxic” or “no insecticides” on the packaging to make sure that the fly ribbon is poison-free.

Removing Flypaper from Your Cat’s Fur

Even though it won’t poison your cat, it is still annoying to get flypaper stuck in your cat’s fur. If your cat is stuck fast and you can’t loosen the ribbon easily, try rubbing vegetable oil into the ribbon where it’s touching fur. The oil should break up the glue and help you loosen your cat’s fur from the ribbon. Once that’s done, a bath or spot clean with water and pet-safe dish soap can remove any oil and glue residue so that your cat doesn’t remove it by licking itself. Although most glue isn’t dangerous, it can cause indigestion.

divider cats oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Raid Fly Ribbons are a common way to deal with flying pests, and they’re a great choice for cat owners. Although you should always keep them out of reach of your cats, you can have a lot more peace of mind knowing that the ribbons aren’t a real danger. If your cat does eat part of a Raid Fly Ribbon, you should watch for signs of an upset stomach, vomiting, or loss of appetite, and contact your vet for further assistance if any of these are seen.


Featured Image Credit: UncleFedor, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

What Feral Cats Actually Need From the People Who Feed Them

Feral cats are everywhere. Slipping between parked cars, darting under porches, appearing briefly at dusk before vanishing again. Most people see them, feel...

Capturing Catstanbul

Istanbul – famous for its bustling markets, unique architecture, and vibrant culture, there is one more feature of this Mediterranean capital that deserves...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Male Cat Gets Into Fights! (March 9, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Why Your Cat’s Poop Smells Like a Biohazard

Nobody enjoys litter box duty, but sometimes it gets unbearable. The smell hits you from across the room. You’re scooping faster, lighting candles,...

More related

Is Prescription Cat Food Necessary? Vet-Verified Health & Nutrition Facts

There are so many types of cat food on the market, and a glance at the cat food section in a pet store...

Why Does My Cat Chew on My Hair? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons for This Behavior

Have you ever been cuddling or cradling your cat when they start chomping on your hair? While this behavior may not be that...

Why Are Cats Drawn to Clutter?

It never fails. I get into a project and the rest of life piles up. And I mean piles up. There’s a stack...

Depression in Cats: Our Vet Answers Signs, Causes & Treatments

Clinical depression is a medically recognized and fairly common mental health disease of humans. Feelings of sadness and behavioral changes such as lack...

Keep reading

Intestinal Blockage in Cats: Vet Reviewed Signs, Causes & Treatment

If you suspect your cat may have an intestinal blockage, please know that your cat needs emergency treatment ASAP. Knowing the signs of an intestinal blockage is imperative for all pet owners. Puppies and kittens are especially prone to this...

cat recovering from spay surgery

Why Is My Cat’s Bottom Lip Swollen? 9 Vet Reviewed Reasons & What to Do

Your cat’s health is your responsibility—but sometimes you might not be sure whether anything is wrong. If you notice your cat has a swollen bottom lip, should you be worried about it? Should you call an emergency vet? The truth...

cat opening its mouth

Cat Pregnancy Timeline & Stages: Vet-Verified Week-by-Week Facts

Cats evolved to get pregnant very quickly, and the act of mating stimulates the release of eggs from the ovaries. So the odds of them getting pregnant are very high. Usually, the average feline pregnancy takes about 60 to 65...

Pregnant cat laying on a staircase

Can Cats Fall in Love with Each Other or Humans? Vet-Reviewed Feline Feelings

In all honesty, we don’t know how cats feel. We can’t ask them if they’re in love, and no scientific test can measure what a cat is feeling. Also, the definition of love is hard to agree upon! We do...

cat looking man's chin

How Long Do Sphynx Cats Live? Vet Reviewed Lifespan, Care Tips & FAQ

You can’t help but notice a Sphynx cat. The large ears and almond-shaped eyes command your attention. It’s no wonder that they are the 10th most popular breed! Of course, the kitty’s outgoing and energetic personality also helps endear them...

calico sphynx cat on the table

Can Cats Eat Pansies? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Pansies are a staple for anyone who appreciates a splash of color in their garden. These colorful, diverse, easy-to-grow plants are certainly popular with those who love gardening, but what if your cat also develops a liking for them or...

Can Cats Eat Pansies

Can Cats Eat Rawhide? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Rawhide chews are usually given to dogs to satisfy their urges to chew and keep them busy. Cat owners may wonder if they can give rawhide to their cats, too. Rawhide is widely debated as unsafe for dogs, with many...

Can Cats Eat Rawhide

Store Bought vs Homemade Cat Food: Vet-Reviewed Pros, Cons & FAQ

Even though hundreds of store-bought cat food options are on the market, many owners want to make homemade cat food for their cats. Whether it’s because it feels more personal or they believe it’s healthier, it’s not uncommon to want...

Store Bought vs Homemade Cat Food

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.