Why decluttering your home of hidden toxins could save your cat’s life.
As loving cat owners, we often go the extra mile to make our homes clean, fresh, and welcoming — but did you know that many popular household products contain ingredients that are toxic to cats? Unlike humans, cats can’t metabolise certain chemicals and scents, making them far more sensitive to products we consider harmless.
To help you create a safer home environment, we’ve compiled a list of well-known household brands and products that contain ingredients known to be harmful to cats.
1. Household Cleaners
Is Clorox Original Pine-Sol (Old Formula) Safe for Cats?
No — Highly toxic. While the old pine oil-based formula has been discontinued, it's still in circulation and sold online.
Why It’s Unsafe: Pine oil is extremely toxic to cats, even in small amounts. It can cause vomiting, drooling, ataxia (loss of coordination), and liver damage when inhaled or ingested.
Is Lysol Disinfectant Spray Safe for Cats?
No — Avoid use entirely.
Why It’s Unsafe: Lysol contains phenol, a chemical rapidly absorbed through a cat’s skin or paws. It’s especially dangerous on floors or bedding, and can lead to liver failure with prolonged exposure.
Is Mr. Clean Multi-Surface Cleaner (with Febreze) Safe for Cats?
Use with caution.
Why It’s Not Considered Fully Safe for Cats: Contains synthetic fragrance and benzisothiazolinone — both respiratory irritants and skin sensitizers for cats. Over time, buildup on surfaces can stress a cat’s organs.
Is Clorox Bleach Safe for Cats?
No — unless highly diluted and fully rinsed.
Why It’s Unsafe: Sodium hypochlorite can cause drooling, burns, and vomiting if ingested. Even fumes from improperly ventilated cleaning can irritate a cat’s respiratory system.
2. Air Fresheners & Sprays
Is Febreze Odor-Fighting Fabric Refresher (Pet Odor Fight) Safe for Cats?
Use sparingly and with caution.
Why It’s Not Considered Fully Safe for Cats:
Fragrances + Preservatives: Cats are extremely sensitive to synthetic fragrances and preservatives like benzisothiazolinone, which can cause respiratory distress, allergic reactions, or even long-term organ stress with repeated exposure.
Disinfectant Compounds: Ingredients like Didecyldimonium Chloride are toxic if ingested, which is a major concern since cats groom themselves constantly and can ingest residue from sprayed surfaces like beds, furniture, or blankets.
Alcohol: While it evaporates quickly, if sprayed in areas where cats lie or lick, alcohol denat. can irritate mucous membranes or cause digestive upset.
Is Glade PlugIns or Automatic Spray Safe for Cats?
No — Avoid use.
Why It’s Unsafe: Phthalates, VOCs, and synthetic fragrances in Glade products are major irritants to feline lungs. They may cause wheezing, eye discharge, or lethargy over time.
Is Air Wick Plug-In Scented Oils Safe for Cats?
No — Considered dangerous.
Why It’s Unsafe: Air Wick products often include lavender, citrus, and eucalyptus oils — all of which are toxic to cats, leading to vomiting, drooling, and tremors.
3. Scented Candles & Wax Melts
Are Yankee Candles Safe for Cats?
Use unscented options only.
Why It’s Unsafe: Scented versions may include toxic essential oils (like eucalyptus and lavender) and paraffin wax, which emits carcinogenic soot and irritates lungs.
Are Scentsy Wax Melts Safe for Cats?
Not recommended.
Why It’s Unsafe: Contain synthetic fragrances and essential oils that can emit vapours irritating to your cat’s respiratory tract, especially in small or poorly ventilated spaces.
4. Perfumes, Colognes & Body Sprays
Is Bath & Body Works Fragrance Mist Safe for Cats?
No — Highly unsafe.
Why It’s Unsafe: These mists contain ethanol and perfume oils. If your cat rubs against or grooms skin that’s been sprayed, it can lead to vomiting, disorientation, or even neurological symptoms.
Is Old Spice Aftershave Safe for Cats?
No — Keep far away.
Why It’s Unsafe: Contains isopropanol and synthetic fragrance. These alcohol-based products are highly toxic if ingested or absorbed through your cat’s skin.
5. Essential Oils
Are doTERRA, Young Living, or Plant Therapy Oils Safe for Cats?
No — Many blends are toxic to cats.
Why They’re Unsafe:
Popular “wellness” oils like tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and citrus oils can cause:
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Vomiting
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Drooling
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Respiratory distress
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Lethargy
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Liver damage
Even passive diffusion of essential oils in the air can harm cats over time.
Safer Alternatives for a Cat-Friendly Home
Here are a few safe swaps to detox your home:
|
Unsafe Product for Cats |
Cat-Safe Alternative |
|
Pine-Sol, Lysol |
White Vinegar + Water |
|
Febreze, Glade |
Activated Charcoal Bags, Air Purifier |
|
Yankee Candle |
Unscented Soy or Beeswax Candles |
|
Bath & Body Sprays |
Aloe-based Natural Mists |
|
Plug-in Air Fresheners |
Open Windows, Ventilator |
Detox Your Home, Protect Your Cat
Cats rely on us to protect them — and many toxic exposures come from the very products we use every day. By learning to read labels and choosing safer alternatives, you’re not just making your home smell better — you’re making it a safer haven for your feline friend.
If your cat shows any signs of poisoning (drooling, vomiting, wobbliness, or breathing difficulty), contact your vet immediately and remove the suspected item from the environment.