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.

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.
Useful links |
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Anxiety - reduce it |
FULL Maine Coon guide - lots of pages |
Children and cats - important |
- Bronchitis sprays
- chloraseptic spray antiseptics
- deodorant
- feminine hygiene products
- air fresheners
- aftershave
- decongestants
- mouthwash
- aspirin and cold capsules
- solvents
- acne medications
- calamine lotion
- cleaning products, detergents and disinfectants
- furniture and other polishes
- hair products and cosmetics
- aerosol disinfectants
- anti-itching creams and lotions
- lip balms
- insecticides
- sunscreen
- cough syrup… And many more!
- Adhesive dyes
- Lubricating oils
- Perfumes
- Textiles
- Various antiseptics
- Various disinfectants
- Various germicides
- Carbolic soap, sometimes referred to as red soap
- Adhesive dyes.
- Lubricating oils.
- Chloraseptic Sore Throat Spray
- Castellani Paint
- Unguentine
- Cepastat Extra Strength
- Phenaseptic Cherry
- Blistex Ointment
- Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment
- Ulcerease
- Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care Throat Spray
- Chloraseptic Max Sore Throat Relief
- Columbia Antiseptic
- Domex Phenolic Floor Cleaner 500 ml
- PRINCE PHENYLE | Nathpeters
- Buy Domex Floor Cleaner 2 In 1 Phenolic 500 Ml
- Phenol Disinfectant Spray, 16 oz
- Model 8470 Replacement Phenol Red Solution in 1/2 Ounce Bottle
- PHENOLIC PINE DISINFECTANT | JENNYCHEM
- SURAKSHA Black Phenyle (Black Disinfectant Fluid Phenolic type)
- TCP
- Germolene
Some more on toxic stuff to cats:

Are shower diffusers safe for cats?
Read More

Call center worker allegedly got 200-300 complaints daily on Hartz flea treatment killing pets
Read More

PBDE and decaBDE dust remains a health risk for domestic cats?
Read More

Is cat litter dust potentially harmful to cats and cat owners?
Read More

Hair bobbles (hair ties) are dangerous to cats as too often they like to ingest them
Read More
Wow – that is so scary! I wonder how many of these products have warnings about use on or near animals?
I was shocked to be honest and I suspect that there are no warnings about dangers to cats or other animals. Typical of manufacturers. Phenols are everywhere. As soon as I dived in, I drowned in a mass of products but there is no definitive list. I had to visit numerous sites to compile this list.