Vets warn Mrs Hinch’s favourite cleaning product Zoflora could be dangerous for pets

PET owners have been warned by vets to beware cleaning products, such as Zoflora, as they can be harmful to animals.

The Veterinary Poisons Information Service – a 24-hour helpline for owners who suspect their furry friends may have been poisoned – says it’s received hundreds of complaints from owners’ whose pets have come into contact with the disinfectant.

It says the problem is that Zoflora products contain a chemical called benzalkonium chloride that can cause ulcers and loss of appetite if your pets accidentally touch or eat it.

The products are sold by the likes of Amazon and Tesco for a less than a fiver and have reportedly been promoted by social media cleaning star, Sophie Hinchcliff – known as Mrs Hinch to her thousands of followers.

But Nicola Robinson, a vet and head of service at the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, told The Sun: “Zoflora contains a detergent called benzalkonium chloride which is particularly toxic in cats and can cause oral and tongue ulceration, hypersalivation and inappetence.

“Cats roam between houses and therefore it is hard to keep them away from this product when it is often used to clean patios but owners need to be aware of the risks to animals.

“They usually lick their paws if they have walked on freshly cleaned floors which then leads to signs of toxicity.

“Our advice is to use more natural products if you have pets or if your pet has been exposed to something which is potentially harmful to call Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) for advice as to what you need to do.”

The warning comes after reported that a vetinerary practice had posted on Facebook to say that it had treated a cat who had come into contact with Zoflora and burnt its tongue and had swollen paws.

This post has since been deleted. The Sun has contacted the veterinary practice for more information.

Zoflora’s website confirms that the “active ingredient” in its products is benzalkonium chloride.

But it states that its products are safe to use around animals as long as you let the disinfected area dry before letting pets come into contact with it.

It says the only scenario where its disinfectant shouldn’t be used is for housing where reptiles are kept.

A spokeswoman for Zoflora said: “Zoflora has been used safely in households for almost 100 years, including those with pets in the home.

“Zoflora’s products have been fully risked assessed by leading scientists at Exponent International, a long-established, independent consultancy company with expertise in all aspects of Biocidal Products Regulation and safety.

“The risk assessments conducted do not indicate a concern when the product is used in accordance with the on pack usage directions.

“As with all disinfectants and other household chemicals, ensure that Zoflora is used safely. When correctly diluted, Zoflora disinfectant may be used where most pets are kept.”

A third of British parents admit giving into pressure to buy a family pet but regret the decision.

But research has found that if you want to be happy, rich and successful, you should get yourself a pet.

There’s a growing trend of families keeping PIGS in their homes as pets.

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