Cleaning Cat Cages with Bleach
-
I work in a small, no-kill shelter and we seem to use a lot of bleach for cleaning cat cages. Is bleach safe to use around cats?
- Erin O.
Good question, Erin. Like virtually any chemical, natural or man-made, bleach can be potentially harmful if used inappropriately, or if an exposure to a large enough concentration occurs. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions for use in order to avoid a potentially harmful exposure.
The bottom line is this—cleaning cages with a properly diluted bleach solution, followed by a thorough rinsing and airing out, would not be expected to cause harm to the cats. However, if you prefer to use an alternative without the potential for harsh fumes, you may wish to talk to your shelter's veterinary contacts. They should be able to recommend a disinfectant that will give off less fumes, contain the appropriate germicidal properties and will be safe to use in the cats' environment.