List of categories of products and sample of specific products containing phenol (carbolic acid) which is toxic to cats

I recently wrote about a cat poisoned by Germolene because this antiseptic product for humans contains phenol; otherwise known as carbolic acid. It is found naturally. I agreed with Adrian Paul whose cat, Felix, was poisoned by phenol to try and compile a list of products containing phenol or carbolic acid to help cat owners identify this very toxic substance. If the task was to compile a complete and comprehensive list it has proved to be impossible as it is too long. Phenol is in a huge number of household and commercial products from soap to lubricating oils. My guess is that the list would be in the 1000s worldwide.

Two useful tags. Click either to see the articles: Toxic to cats | Dangers to cats

Phenol aka carbolic acid is poisonous to domestic cats. Image: MikeB

I have produced a list nonetheless to give a feel for how prevalent this cat poison is in homes and elsewhere. The first part from 1-31 lists categories of products containing phenol. From 32-51 I have listed a sample of individual products containing it. This is a snapshot.

If this concerns you, you’ll have to check the label of contents of the product. Cleaners are potentially very dangerous as a residue can be left on surfaces where a cat might pick them up and then lick their coat.

This is one of the great enhanced dangers for cats: they are fastidious self-groomers, licking off the chemicals on their fur if they are there. Special caution is required for cats when it comes to toxic substances in the home.

1. Bronchitis sprays
2. chloraseptic spray antiseptics
3. deodorant
4. feminine hygiene products
5. air fresheners
6. aftershave
7. decongestants
8. mouthwash
9. aspirin and cold capsules
10. solvents
11. acne medications
12. calamine lotion
13. cleaning products, detergents and disinfectants
14. furniture and other polishes
15. hair products and cosmetics
16. aerosol disinfectants
17. anti-itching creams and lotions
18. lip balms
19. insecticides
20. sunscreen
21. cough syrup… And many more!
22. Adhesive dyes
23. Lubricating oils
24. Perfumes
25. Textiles
26. Various antiseptics
27. Various disinfectants
28. Various germicides
29. Carbolic soap, sometimes referred to as red soap
30. Adhesive dyes.
31. Lubricating oils.
32. Chloraseptic Sore Throat Spray
33. Castellani Paint
34. Unguentine
35. Cepastat Extra Strength
36. Phenaseptic Cherry
37. Blistex Ointment
38. Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment
39. Ulcerease
40. Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care Throat Spray
41. Chloraseptic Max Sore Throat Relief
42. Columbia Antiseptic
43. Domex Phenolic Floor Cleaner 500 ml
44. PRINCE PHENYLE | Nathpeters
45. Buy Domex Floor Cleaner 2 In 1 Phenolic 500 Ml
46. Phenol Disinfectant Spray, 16 oz
47. Model 8470 Replacement Phenol Red Solution in 1/2 Ounce Bottle
48. PHENOLIC PINE DISINFECTANT | JENNYCHEM
49. SURAKSHA Black Phenyle (Black Disinfectant Fluid Phenolic type)
50. TCP
51. Germolene

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