Lysol products which contain benzalkonium chloride are toxic to cats. Exposure causes corrosion and irritation to the skin and mucosa.
Poisoning typically occurs when the cat comes into contact with recently disinfected surfaces, the cat ingests the product during grooming or if they lick a surface with disinfectant residue. Exposure to concentrated or incorrectly diluted solutions can induce a more severe clinical response.
If you are concerned about using Lysol in your home because of your cat, we would like to invite you to view our list of disinfectants that are safe for cats and cat-friendly cleaning products.
What is Lysol?
Lysol is a popular disinfectant (chemical agents designed to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces). Lysol can be poisonous to cats as some of its products may contain phenol, cresol, or ethanol. The active ingredient in many Lysol products is also benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a wide-spectrum cationic detergent and a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC). Benzalkonium is present in many household products including cleaners, mold removers and disinfectants.
Toxicity class – how dangerous is it for my cat?
Lysol comes in many different forms, so the toxicity depends on which product is being used and how it was consumed. Swallowing the liquid form would obviously be much more dangerous than rubbing against a wipe.
Phenol does not evaporate as quickly as water does, and it can remain in water and air for extended periods of time. Cats are unable to metabolize phenol.
If benzalkonium chloride ends up on your cat’s feet or fur, it could be ingested while your cat is grooming itself. A high enough concentration could damage your cat’s tongue and mouth. If a cat walks on a surface that has been recently treated with Lysol, there is a possibility their paws could be exposed, since phenol does not evaporate as quickly as water does. If a cat should then lick their paws, the phenol could be ingested.