Is Cats Safe?
Is Pine-Sol (pine-oil cleaners) Safe for Cats?
No — Pine-Sol (pine-oil cleaners) is toxic to cats.
Pine-Sol and similar pine-oil cleaners are toxic to cats. Cats cannot safely process the compounds in these products, and exposure can cause drooling, vomiting, ataxia, tremors, liver/kidney injury, and CNS depression. These cleaners should not be used in areas where cats roam, and any suspected exposure warrants immediate veterinary contact.
| Category | Household |
|---|---|
| Also known as | pine sol, pinesol, pine oil cleaner, -sol cleaner |
Signs to watch for in cats
- Cats can't conjugate the phenols/pine-oil monoterpenes (the SDS still lists pine oil, isopropanol, glycolic acid). Drooling
- Vomiting
- Ataxia
- Tremors
- Liver/kidney injury
- CNS depression. Shelter-medicine consensus: don't use phenol/'-sol' cleaners where cats roam
If your cat may have been exposed to Pine-Sol (pine-oil cleaners):
- Don't wait for symptoms; don't induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
- Note what and how much, and take any packaging with you.
- Call your vet or a 24/7 line now — Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 · ASPCA 888-426-4435.
Cat-safe alternatives
Browse all Household for cats · or check another item.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pine-Sol (pine-oil cleaners) toxic to cats?
Yes. Pine-Sol (pine-oil cleaners) is reported toxic to cats by UW–Madison Shelter Medicine; ASPCApro. Keep it away from your cat.
What are the symptoms if a cat is exposed to Pine-Sol (pine-oil cleaners)?
Reported signs include: Cats can't conjugate the phenols/pine-oil monoterpenes (the SDS still lists pine oil, isopropanol, glycolic acid). Drooling, Vomiting, Ataxia, Tremors, Liver/kidney injury, CNS depression. Shelter-medicine consensus: don't use phenol/'-sol' cleaners where cats roam.
How much Pine-Sol (pine-oil cleaners) is dangerous to cats?
There is no established "safe" amount — sensitivity varies by cat, and small exposures can still cause signs. Treat any exposure as potentially serious rather than waiting to see how much was involved.
What should I do if my cat ate Pine-Sol (pine-oil cleaners)?
Contact your vet or a 24/7 animal poison line right away: Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435).