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

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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
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

Some more on toxic stuff to cats:

2 thoughts on “List of categories of products and sample of specific products containing phenol (carbolic acid) which is toxic to cats”

  1. 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.

  2. Wow – that is so scary! I wonder how many of these products have warnings about use on or near animals?

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