Hi I recently came across a post on facebook that listed all the uses of Zoflora.Nobody mentioned it being poisonous to cats ,so I did,and got a rather snappy reply saying its NOT poisonous to cats at all when used correctly.So I did a bit of research online,wondering if perhaps Id been wrong all these years,and ended up more confused than ever.Someone even said she uses it in her cats runs,and litterboxes.Several articles agreed with me and said the phenol in "cloudy"disinfectants is"highly toxic" Now I used to love zoflora for the lovely smell.Am I safe to use it?Anyone know the truth?

I've never heard of it being poisonous and I've used it to clean my cat litter trays for a year now since I was given several free bottles at the world cat show! Each entered cat was given a bottle, and that was a show organised by the GCCF here in the UK.

im amazed!other people said they use it for their cats too,yet others insist its toxic.Maybe Ive been misinformed.thanks marrianne.

Many years ago I was told that any disinfectant that goes cloudy when added to water was toxic to cats

yes,me too!

I use it when cleaning out litter trays... I use it when washing down woodwork and flooring.. a lot!  I go through a bottle everyday and go through about 5/6 bottles of Dettol a week, about 5 bottles of bleach, and still not managed to kill my cats.. one of whom is 14 :)

It's Benzalkonium Chloride, which isn't toxic to cats.

im flummoxed!how can both sides be right?Ive checked on zofloras site and they say its safe as long as theyre not allowed to lick,or stand on it while wet,to make sure its dry, first,which says to me its a bit dodgy.Ive now emailed them to question it!Ive definately read it contains phenol,now trying to find out if it actually does!Id be pleased to find it is safe,actually,as the fragrances are so nice.then again,if it is safe,why is there so many "pet safe"disinfectants,such as mistral,and its ilk?

It's Phenolic disinfectants like Jeyes fluid which turns cloudy, that spawned the warning.

" Cleaning and hygiene products such as bleach, cleaning fluids and creams, deodorants, deodorisers, disinfectants (particularly phenolic compounds like 'Dettol' which turn milky in water), furniture and metal polishes. Concentrated washing liquids or powders can burn the feet and skin if cats walk through them."

then again,if it is safe,why is there so many "pet safe"disinfectants,such as mistral,and its ilk?

Well that is easy to answer -same reason for why you can buy dog food in a can or bag when you could just as well go to the butcher and get meat -it's both a money maker and a way to make it convenient for people, not needing to double check what is safe or not.

Right,so Im safe to use it after all? Im still waiting for a reply to my email,will let you all know what they say,I suspect they ll agree with you!Ive been telling everybody to be careful with it for donkeys years!whoops.Thanks,all of you!

Hmm,had a reply,saying what I read on their page,make sure all surfaces are dry before allowing cat on them,also litterboxes and dishes if used.If used to wash toys,rinse well and dry thoroughly before giving back to the animal,if you think the animal has been in contact and is showing symptoms,consult a vet.They didnt admit or deny the phenol so Im none the wiser.Spose in the end its do what you think is best!

Use steam! :-)

I do!and antibacterial spray!-I blooming hope THATS safe!

I'm sure it is :-) :-)

I use it too Pam. I think what they are saying is once its dry it isn't a problem. Now you have me thinking I was always told cloudy products are toxic to cats but as Kayc says I have used allsorts of cleaning products like flash etc with no problem. I think the answer is make sure its dry before animals go on it

Even Mistral, sold for animals, says make sure surfaces are dry before animals walk on them.

cheers for the replies,folks!!

SAFE4- it's safe to use and you don't have to wait until areas are dry before your pets can be using beds/runs etc.
Doesn't contain any phenols etc.

http://safe4disinfectant.com/

thankyou!