I've been worrying about cleaning detergents lately too. My concern is not so much the fumes, but I worry about residues, especially because my kitty Neo loves to hang out in the sinks for some reason. (His favorite napping place!)
I was wondering, does anyone know of cleaning products with the ASPCA seal of approval? I know Febreze Spray has it, because I got a sample of that in my little goody packet when I adopted Neo, but it's not a cleaner, just a deordorizer. I'd love to know of any strong, germicidal cleaners that have the same seal of approval for pet safety. Thanks for any suggestions!
Thanks LisaLisa for finding that link. I'm a bit disapointed that there aren't some cleaning products. Someone correct me if I'm mistaken, but Febreze doesn't make actual cleaners, do they? Aren't they just fragrance sprays? I do use the Febreze sprays for their scent, but it annoys me a bit because one formula says it eliminates odors caused by germs, but doesn't say it eliminates the germs. I'm a bit of a germ-phobe, so I'd like to find a strong cleaner that I felt was sanitizing without leaving dangerous residue to get on little kitty paws...
As far I know, the Febreeze products are just deodorizers (there are three different types identified on that site , one which is deep clean).
If you are interested, you may be able to call the manufacturers of products that are identifed as pet safe and ask questions and maybe get a sample before you buy the product??? Just a thought...Also, the link Jason provided may help too..
The Shaklee site does have a germicide cleaner I believe but I bought the product Traci recommended... I trust her judgement and experience. I bought a few others too from that site to get them a try.
This Shaklee is a good idea. I am going to try and find it in Argentina. I think biodegradable, cat safe household products are a great idea and I bet they are also gentle on your things. I wonder if they are cruelty free as well?
I'll post what I find out. I worry all the time about my household cleaning products.
Sara and her 6 kitties. Clover , Saharan, Mona, Negrito, Nando and Silvestre (Vest/The Vest).
Just wanted to post a quick update.. Smokey has not coughed or had an sort of asthmatic attack since the asthmatic episode concerning the cleaning products..yeah!!!
My cleaning ladies came yesterday and cleaned the house with the Shaklee products...no respiratory distress with Smokey The stuff worked wonders and I was very pleased with its quality..Thanks Traci and Catnipper for the recommendations...it's well worth the extra cost to me...
As for Smokey, I opted to continue his workout for the cough just to ensure as best as possible that a secondary infection is not present..His transtracheal aspiration is scheduled for Monday.
Glad things are working out for you Lisa!! Poor Smokey!
I just wanted to add a note of caution when it comes to buying things from health food stores...I use to be all for it and still often do frequent them, but one thing I notice about many of their cleaning products and pet products (like flea control) is that they contain essential oils. I love the smell of the orange cleaners, but I'm just afraid to use it any more because of the controversy over essential oils being safe or not for cats...therefore I don't. I'd rather be safe than sorry. I pretty much use vinegar and water, or one of they Oxy cleaners, or baking soda. Vinegar and water cleans my floor so well it never has a residue. I do use one of the orange cleaners in my bathroom, but my cats rarely go in there and I rinse it well and open the windows when I use it. And I do use Febreze on occasion. It's a chore keeping a house clean with 4 cats and added fosters...but it's even more of a chore keeping it fresh smelling!! LOL
Tina B and "what a crew!"
How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
Tina B--I think it's a chore keeping it fresh smelling with one kitty. Why to you favor the Oxy products? Are they safer?
As for the nice smelling products with essential oils, how dangerous are they? If you spray them on your floor or countertop then wipe off, then the cat walks over the surface, will there be residue on his paws? Or would he need to walk through it while it was still wet?
Why to you favor the Oxy products? Are they safer?