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.
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.
- 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:
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.