• Spring Cleaning and Cats - Re-Post

    From Peter W.@21:1/5 to All on Wed Mar 13 05:45:28 2019
    Now that spring is just around the corner, some of you might be
    itching to do the traditional Spring Cleaning, usually a good thing.
    But your cats may not think so:
    Liquid Lysol (or any phenol-based disinfecting cleaner): Harmful or
    fatal to cats of all sizes from Tigers to domestics in any
    concentration including residue for several days after application.
    This cleaner should not even be in the same county as a cat, much less
    your residence.

    Pine-Oil based cleaners (containing Terpenes): As above, but very
    slightly less toxic and not toxic if rinsed and fully dry. If you can
    keep your cats away from areas cleaned with these materials for a full
    24 hours they may be used with great caution. They are better just
    avoided. If you are on a septic system and a well, just don't use them
    at all.

    Cleaners containing Triclosan: There is mixed information in the
    literature about this compound - suffice it to say that it is now
    being found in Human mother's milk, is persistent (does not break down natually) and causes thyroid complications when tested on rats. There
    are many alternatives as well.

    Bleach, alcohol-based compounds and Ammonia (not all together, of
    course): About the best general cleaners available when combined with appropriate detergents and the dangerous compounds in them are highly
    volatile, objectionable to cats and not persistent. Windex contains
    alcohol and ammonia, Clorox contains bleach for two examples. If your
    cats have a normal sense of smell (for them), they will avoid these
    compounds naturally if they are in sufficient concentration to be
    harmful.

    Murphy's Soaps, Dr. Bronner's Soaps and similar: Good if used as
    directed. Not terribly strong which may be a good thing.

    Petroleum-based waxes (Butcher's Paste Wax, many car-waxes): Keep cats
    away for at least 12 hours after application to allow the hydrocarbons
    to evaporate. Or use a water-based product.

    House Paints (Oil and Latex): Keep cats away during application and
    for 24 hours until fully cured. True also of all non-water-based
    caulks, glues, stains and varnishes.

    Broad-spectrum Pesticides and Chemical Fertilizers: Nearly every one
    of these compounds is toxic to cats in one way or another and must be
    used with great caution indoors and out - or not at all if possible.

    Most of you already know this, of course.

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