Why cats love bleach and how to keep your pet safe

Members of the feline family are suspicious of unfamiliar odors. Many scents that we find pleasant are unbearable for cats. These include almost all spices, toilet water, onions, garlic and vinegar. But when it comes to the smell of bleach, the cat’s behavior changes dramatically. Why do cats love the smell of bleach?

It is believed that bleach contains substances that mimic cat pheromones. She has the same reaction when sniffing catnip.

According to the second assumption, the cat’s violent reaction to bleach is an attempt to get rid of an unpleasant smell. To a cat, it resembles the mark of a stranger. Pets try to destroy the smell that is unpleasant for them by all means available to them: they lick the place where it comes from, mark it, or try to erase the smell with their own wool.  

How bleach affects cats             

Chlorine is a toxic substance and can cause irreparable harm to the health of an animal through close contact or ingestion. Because chlorine-based cleaners are used in the home, it’s important to keep an eye on pets while mopping. 

When a cat licks bleach, it gets drunk before our eyes and can behave unusually: meow loudly, roll on the floor and go crazy. The negative side of intoxication is poisoning.

Bleach poisoning causes a whole range of symptoms: nausea, vomiting, the cat meows hoarsely, experiences abdominal pain, and refuses to eat. In severe cases, he may lose consciousness.

If a cat or a cat still received a dose of bleach, it is necessary to rinse the mucous membranes with water and drink plenty of water. It is also necessary to immediately visit a veterinary clinic and consult with a specialist – bleach poisoning can be very dangerous.

What to do to keep your cat safe

First, it is necessary to wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth after cleaning with chemicals. Secondly, thoroughly ventilate the premises, even in winter. Thirdly, choose natural products that do not contain chlorine for cleaning.

You can please your pet with another flavor – catnip. Buy a potted plant, grow your own mint, or purchase a special toy with dried filler. It is safe, beautiful and pleasant.