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Is antibacterial soap with chloroxylenol on my cat's fur toxic?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Male | neutered

Hello. I was washing my hands when I had to grab my cat, so I got a lot of soapy residue on him. It was antibacterial Dawn soap and contained chloroxylenol 0.30% which I hear is a very toxic ingredient to cats when I googled. I finished washing my hands and wet his fur a few times to try to remove whatever soap may have dried on his coat. Should I be worried?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Jones VMD

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on January 22, 2021

Don't worry at all! Chloroxylenol is actually used in some surgical scrubs and some medicated shampoos, which are labeled for use in cats and dogs. Since you rinsed Leon's fur as much as possible, he should be absolutely fine. The only time a problem would arise would be if he had ingested a fair amount of the soap.
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