Phenol cleaners

Q: Is Phenol cleaners toxic to cats?

Toxic: Toxic — cats are unusually sensitive to phenols. Some pine and “disinfectant” cleaners historically used phenols. Cats have limited glucuronidation, so phenolic compounds linger and can damage liver and red blood cells. Formulations change — read the label. If it lists phenol, cresol, or “pine oil disinfectant,” keep it away. Source: ASPCA.

Q: Is Pine oil also safe for cats?

Toxic: Toxic — pine-oil cleaners irritate the gut and can affect the nervous system.

Toxic

Verdict

Toxic — cats are unusually sensitive to phenols.

Toxic principle: phenols (cats have limited glucuronidation)

Also called: lysol, pine-sol, phenolic cleaner

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

Some pine and “disinfectant” cleaners historically used phenols. Cats have limited glucuronidation, so phenolic compounds linger and can damage liver and red blood cells. Formulations change — read the label. If it lists phenol, cresol, or “pine oil disinfectant,” keep it away.