Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on October 21, 2009, 19:26:51 PM
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I have just had this message sent to me, are you aware of thius product and any problems for cats?
I have just had brought to my attention that at least one (there may be more; I don't know) of Tesco's cleaning products is potentially lethal to cats.
The product is "Tesco Anti bacterial Cleanining Spray". the spray apparently carries a warning for animals, MOST PARTICULARLY CATS, but is as I understand it in very small print. I have just learnt of a couple who have lost one kitten and have another one in critical care, believed to be as a result of the product.
I have no idea whether any other Tesco products are the same, or indeed whether a similar product by a different manufacturer would also be the same; given how many of these generic brands are simply repackaged key brands.
Please forward to any of your contacts that have cats
I also have a question from me!
I am sure you posted a while back on someones thread about cleaning products or similiar with string smells that had dangers for some cats.....can you remember this and where it was please
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I have used that before !
OMG
Gill i have always been told that anything that goes cloudy in water is bad
(i have just added this to my facebook status)
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I think the Tesco product they are talking about is the clear onewhich is like Dettol antibacterial spray. I know there is a case on Fab Cat where a woman's cat died due to a build up over time where it kept licking its paws after walking over the worktops. This product doesn't go cloudy in water but is still dangerous. From what I remember, Dettol started putting a warniong on it. I think because it says it is safe to clean High Chairs etc, people assume it is safe for cats but not so. Also the disinfectants that go cloudy are lethal - things like cheap disinfectant and zoflora - also dettol and things like it.
Anyway, I stopped buying the Dettol one and the Tesco one a couple of years ago - I think they are the same. I would imagine other supermarkets do their own versions?
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i knew about dettol and thanks mark
ummmmm what about the second question :shify: :shify:
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I think the Tesco product they are talking about is the clear onewhich is like Dettol antibacterial spray. I know there is a case on Fab Cat where a woman's cat died due to a build up over time where it kept licking its paws after walking over the worktops. This product doesn't go cloudy in water but is still dangerous. From what I remember, Dettol started putting a warniong on it. I think because it says it is safe to clean High Chairs etc, people assume it is safe for cats but not so. Also the disinfectants that go cloudy are lethal - things like cheap disinfectant and zoflora - also dettol and things like it.
Anyway, I stopped buying the Dettol one and the Tesco one a couple of years ago - I think they are the same. I would imagine other supermarkets do their own versions?
I have bought the Tescos one once when they didn't have the dettol one, I think they are slightly different I would say the Dettol one stronger but meant to be same. Not good though about either.
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ummmm what about the second question :shify: :shify:
I don't know any cleaning products that smell like string :evillaugh:
Seriously, I don't know what that would have been other than things like Zoflora. I used Bugs Away until they stopped selling it in the shops. I emailed them last year to ask if it was safe for cats. They said it shouldn't pose any problems but recommended thorough rinsing "as with any other cleaning product" - I always rinse well then wipe over with kitchen towel to try to remove any remaining residue.
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The cattery I used to work at usd Bleach and Zoflora mixed to clean with ...... :censored: :censored: :censored:
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Bloomin hell LOL was supposed to be strong smell!
I dont think it was a cleaning product but it was things that smelt strong and you made a comment about an effect it could have on cats.......its been on my mind ever since cos of Franta
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Was it essential oils?
Apparently, most of them also contain phenols and most are dangerous for cats - I think pine and rosemary particularly.
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Another Purrs person posted this on their Facebook and another pointed out we should probably post here.
I have just had brought to my attention that a Tesco's cleaning product is potentially lethal to cats. The product is "Tesco Anti bacterial Cleaning Spray". the spray apparently carries a warning for animals, MOST PARTICULARLY CATS, but is as I understand in very small print. I have just learnt of a couple who have lost one kitten and have another one in critical care, believed to be as a result of the product.
Someone has checked a bottle they have and have confirmed there is a warning on the back of the bottle.
Another reminder we have to be so vigilant with our cleaning products.
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Maybe Mark
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:thanks: Shona
Gill has posted about this but the title doesn't really make it clear what it's about so I'll merge your thread with hers :)
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Cleaning products should never be mixed, they can have all sorts of chemical reactions to each other!
Thanks for merging Gill :thanks:
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What is the best cleaning product for worktops that is safe for cats?
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Good question! I use the Tesco wipes for my surfaces. Checked the pack and says nothing about being dangerous to cats, although it says not tested on animals. I guess they leave that up to us. :doh:
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I put it on my FB status and my friend Jo replied with this
"OMG. Thats the exact one I use and have done for ages! Sophie was sick most days and that is what I cleaned it up with. The vet put it down to age. I bet it was that then!"
and then
"Just looked and I can't believe it. There is a warning but I never looked. Bet thats why she was always sick. Ah poor love.Feel really guilty now. Bless her!"
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This is what it says in tiny writing ....
"Do not allow pets (especially cats) to walk on treated surfaces until they are dry or to lick surfaces that have been sprayed or wiped with this product"
It does also say keep out of the reach of children and pets in bold but you'd assume that meant they shouldn't drink it :scared:
How do I know? I bought some months ago but have never got around to using it at all. It is now in bin. Blimey!
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It seems that most of these new products are not safe for cats but they are hiding it in the small print!
Thinks its back to good old soap and water......sigh
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I never use any of the shop anti bac products - best thing to use for worktops etc is something that is used in veterinary practices etc, like Trigene or Virkon. I use Trigene, its quite cost effective too, because the litre bottle is concenrated so all you have to do is use a small amount topped up with water in a spray bottle - so it last for ages. I wash the floors and clean litter trays with it too. http://www.medi-chem.com/Default.asp?Page=49 . You can also get Trigene wipes.
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I never use any of the shop anti bac products - best thing to use for worktops etc is something that is used in veterinary practices etc, like Trigene or Virkon. I use Trigene, its quite cost effective too, because the litre bottle is concenrated so all you have to do is use a small amount topped up with water in a spray bottle - so it last for ages. I wash the floors and clean litter trays with it too. http://www.medi-chem.com/Default.asp?Page=49 . You can also get Trigene wipes.
I used to use Trigene, think i will go back to it !
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This is what it says in tiny writing ....
"Do not allow pets (especially cats) to walk on treated surfaces until they are dry or to lick surfaces that have been sprayed or wiped with this product"
JUST FOUND AN ASDA ANTI BACTERIAL CLEANER IN MY CUPBOARD AND IT SAYS EXACTLY THE SAME THING (SAME WORDS)
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:scared: I think all the product's I use are animal friendly....Will check in the morning though to be on the safe side! :shify: :hug:
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Mine never get on worktops so should be ok :shify:
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I use the dettol one >:( I've got to admit I've never looked at the bottle! **** I won't be using it anymore!!!!!!!!!!
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I use Stardrops antibacterial spray (pound shops) and that doesn't have any specific warning about cats, just "keep out of reach of children and pets". HTH.
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I use Stardrops antibacterial spray (pound shops) and that doesn't have any specific warning about cats, just "keep out of reach of children and pets". HTH.
sounds like another on to put on the beware litst then grrrrrrrr
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I use trigene most of the time as i know its safe around the cats, i really struggled to find any cat safe surface sprays or wipes, the only brand i found was Milton, it leaves no residues but the wipes are more expensive than other brands
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Where do you buy trigene and how much does it cost?
I cant stand the smell of milton, makes me sick
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I paid about £10 for a 1l bottle of concentrate, think i got it from a site that also does crates as it meant i had no postage, it sells on quite a few websites now and theres a similar called safe 4.
The bottle has lasted me ages as you make it up in a spray bottle, i dilute at 1:100 for general use so you get 10 1 litre spray fulls out of 100ml of concentrate ;D
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I wipe kitchen surfaces on a daily basis with Tesco's anti-bacterial washing-up liquid, which contains no warnings about pets
I wonder now though if that too is unsafe :scared:
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One of the problems about warnings is that they shove everything on, apropraite or not just to cover themselves and I would far prefer the warnings that are relevant.
Just going off topic a moment cos I feel for nut allergie sufferers cos of the really daft things that are on food...ie made in a factory not using nuts but cannot guarantee to be nut free!! What do the poor people eat cos its on most things now.
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I wipe kitchen surfaces on a daily basis with Tesco's anti-bacterial washing-up liquid, which contains no warnings about pets
There have been warnings about Fairy Anti Bac washing up liquid, so I would think own brand ones use similar/same substances.
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I used to use a Marks and Spencer one that was completely natural so safe for cats but they seem to have stopped doing it now :censored: and their reformulated one which still calls itself natural now has a warning on the back so please don't use that one. I have previously used products from a company called Method which were all natural/no chemicals and am going to check them out again to see if still ok. Will post back on here when I've checked.
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back to Ecover it is then
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I've just found this when googling, don't know if its worth trying.
http://www.greeneast.co.uk/eco-hygiene/surface-spray-antibacterial.html#
http://www.newgenn.com/documents/Veterinary_Information/How%20to%20Use%20Surface%20Spray.pdf
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I wipe kitchen surfaces on a daily basis with Tesco's anti-bacterial washing-up liquid, which contains no warnings about pets
There have been warnings about Fairy Anti Bac washing up liquid, so I would think own brand ones use similar/same substances.
I couldn't find anything on this :scared:
mind you, i use virkon.
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I used to use a Marks and Spencer one that was completely natural so safe for cats but they seem to have stopped doing it now :censored: and their reformulated one which still calls itself natural now has a warning on the back so please don't use that one. I have previously used products from a company called Method which were all natural/no chemicals and am going to check them out again to see if still ok. Will post back on here when I've checked.
Just because something is natural doesn't automatically make it safe: many plants are toxic to humans or other animals. Unless it said on the bottle?
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Well Ive just thrown the spray and floor cleaner out! The floor cleaner is just the same! :tired: :scared:
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I nearly bought a bottle of this last week >:(
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Phew! Thank goodness I use Virkon too, which thankfully Angie gave me some to try. Use it all the time for general cleaning in pens and litter trays. :thanks: I keep an empty anti-bacterial sprayer filled with Virkon solution made up now - how ironic is that!
I am glad that I started using the Virkon as I had probably used Tesco's in the past or at least one of the leading brands of the stuff. Then started to use Bugs Away, but found it difficult to buy in some shops.
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I adored Bugs Away, but apparently this is now only available online at a ridiculous price! >:(
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I have a bottle of Dettol Anti-Bacterial spray and I can't see any warning on there about pets. I'm confused is this one dangerous or not? :-:
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They used to do one that was pet safe but that was a few years ago, try looking at their website and asking them
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I used to use a Marks and Spencer one that was completely natural so safe for cats but they seem to have stopped doing it now :censored: and their reformulated one which still calls itself natural now has a warning on the back so please don't use that one. I have previously used products from a company called Method which were all natural/no chemicals and am going to check them out again to see if still ok. Will post back on here when I've checked.
Just because something is natural doesn't automatically make it safe: many plants are toxic to humans or other animals. Unless it said on the bottle?
Have now managed to buy a new bottle of this and it says non toxic on the front of the bottle. Have checked the small print and no warnings about letting animals walk on surfaces, just the usual about if you get it in your eyes wash with cold water etc. Also it is not tested on animals at all and uses recycled materials for the bottles. I've used it in the past and Hobbes regularly gets on the workbench cos he drinks out of the tap and had no problems.
I know what you mean though Firefox, the new M&s one says it's natural but then has the warning on the back whereas the previous one was a different formulation and had no problems with it.
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I've started using Ecover and I quite like it.
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Ecover products arent all nice either, plant based chemicals can still contain cat dangerous substances :tired:
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I sent an email to Dettol asking if their Anti-Bacterial spray was safe for cats, last week, and I am still waiting for a reply >:(
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I know what you mean though Firefox, the new M&s one says it's natural but then has the warning on the back whereas the previous one was a different formulation and had no problems with it.
It's worrying when companies change formulation and don't make it clear, especially when you read threads like this! >:(
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I can't remember if it was dettol or savlon, but the label mentioned cats should be excluded from treated areas. The disinfectant includes camphor, which is apparently toxic to cats.
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Ecover products arent all nice either, plant based chemicals can still contain cat dangerous substances :tired:
I'm using the multi surface cleaner and it has no mention of keeping away from pets etc.
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Its optional to mention pets so no warning doesnt necessarily mean its safe :tired:
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Well I've emailed Ecover too see what they say. When looking in Sainsburys its was the only one without a warning for pets and children, all the others did, except another spray which I can't remember whats its called but the liquid was purple and a lavender fragrance and it was another Eco brand.
Edited to say it was a brand called method
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Just had this reply from Ecover:
Thank you for your enquiry regarding the safety of Ecover products used
in your home if pets are present. They are fine to use around the house,
although obviously when storing the products we advise to keep them out
of the way as with any cleaning products.
I have a cat and have always used a variety of Ecover products with no
problems.
I hope that helps with your enquiry, but do come back to me if you need
any additional information
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Pet shops like Pets at Home actually do their own anti-bacterial sprays which can be used for most household cleaning jobs. They have a nice smell to them too and do them specifically for cats (or dogs). I use mine for wiping over work surfaces and cleaning out my cat's litter tray. They're perfectly safe even for kittens and suggests they can be used for cleaning out their food bowls. :) They also do anti-bacterial wipes which are quick drying so really good for a quick clean. :)
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:welcome: to Purrs Amandarin!
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Yer, :welcome: and thanks for the tip - we like to share good info on here with each other.
We also like photos - so ask your puddy cat to get posing :hug: then you can start a new thread - we don't mind how many photos.
Mary
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Thanks for the tips x
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I use Method which according to their website is fine to use around pets
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I tend to stick to my trusty Astonish paste for most things, or vinegar and water. I use the Johnson's Clean and safe stuff for litter trays. Never occurred to me to use that on work surfaces but might give it a go. Mind you, I don't generally bother with all this antibacterial stuff. Didn't have it when I was growing up and we all survived!
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If johnsons is anything like Bob Martin, it tells you to leave it on for 20 minutes which isn't practical :evillaugh:
I use spray bleach on my counters and rinse it afterwards.
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I posted this on my Facebook page & one of my mates came back with a link to the Tesco product review:
http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/household-products/tesco-anti-bacterial-cleaner-spray/1106148/ (http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/household-products/tesco-anti-bacterial-cleaner-spray/1106148/)
However, when I came to use it on my stainless steel hob I thought I had wiped it clean and polished it dry to achieve a high sheen as usual but on closer inspection after about half an hour (when I returned to the kitchen) I noticed it looked tainted and smeered, I was very disappointed and took to doing the task again. It did come up better but I feel cheated by a product that claims to do what my usual product claims but leaves you choking on its very strong and unpleasant smell and leaves your shiny steel surfaces tainted something it claims on the front of the products label it does not do.
I like that after using the product on kitchen surfaces and wiping you can allow the surfaces to air dry, which not only save a little time( granted not much ) but, also practically germ free. However, I was shocked to read on the label on the reverse of the product in the warning section no less that this product is not safe for pets especially cats!!! As a cat owner I read on, it states if you wipe a surface you must dry it before the cat comes into contact with it and not allow the cats to lick the surfaces that have just been sprayed!! I have ofcourse since then been very careful, but I would just like to point out that the warning label is in very small print, it is almost like they do not want people to read it. As I expected to read though it does state do not breathe product, okay how long can you hold your breath?
Product ingredients;
Non-ionic Surfactants Less than 5%
Disinfectant, Perfume,Limonene.
Price wise;
It represents value for money at 88 pence for 500ml, it is almost half of the price I would pay for my original cleaner, but would I buy it again? In a word NO. I don't like that it leaves streaks, and I certainly don't appreciate the odour which is harmful not only to me (should you breathe in the spray) but my pets too.
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I tend to stick to my trusty Astonish paste for most things, or vinegar and water. I use the Johnson's Clean and safe stuff for litter trays. Never occurred to me to use that on work surfaces but might give it a go. Mind you, I don't generally bother with all this antibacterial stuff. Didn't have it when I was growing up and we all survived!
You are so right and so much of this is being used that kids are growing up with no self protection against basic bugs......not good.
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Mind you, I don't generally bother with all this antibacterial stuff. Didn't have it when I was growing up and we all survived!
Me too! All this antibacterial malarky is no substitute for giving things a good scrub. I've always used washing up liquid and hot water to clean litter trays and use the scourer pads that have got too manky for the washing up.
I use spray bleach on my counters and rinse it afterwards.
Me too again! Another way to use up old washing up pads (obviously not the same ones I use on the trays ;D).
:)
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Just checked and Sainsbury's anti-bacterial spray has the same warning. I only use it to clean the toilet, but that's right next to the litter tray so the spray is in the bin now. I got some special litter tray disinfectant spray from PaH so I'll just use that on the toilet from now on (which will save me spending more money on a separate cleaner for "human" stuff - result!)