What are the symptoms of Laundry and dishwasher pods poisoning in cats?

drooling, mouth pain, vomiting, foaming

Laundry and dishwasher pods

Q: Is Laundry and dishwasher pods toxic to cats?

Toxic: Toxic — concentrated detergent packets cause chemical burns if bitten. Pods look like toys or treats. A bite releases surfactants that burn the mouth and can cause vomiting and breathing difficulty if foam is inhaled. Dishwasher tablets are the same idea with different builders. Source: ASPCA.

Q: Is Bleach also safe for cats?

Toxic: Toxic — household bleach is a corrosive irritant, not a “tiny lick is fine” product.

Toxic

Verdict

Toxic — concentrated detergent packets cause chemical burns if bitten.

Toxic principle: concentrated detergents and surfactants

Also called: tide pod, dishwasher tablet, laundry packet, dishwasher pods

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-08-13

If your cat ate this

Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.

1. Call your veterinarian immediately
US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

Pods look like toys or treats. A bite releases surfactants that burn the mouth and can cause vomiting and breathing difficulty if foam is inhaled. Dishwasher tablets are the same idea with different builders.