Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Is Febreze Safe for Cats? Precautions & Alternatives

Written by: Ashley Bates

Last Updated on March 5, 2025 by Catster Editorial Team

VET APPROVED

Dr. Nia Perkins Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Nia Perkins

Vet, DVM

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

When we share our home with kitties, finding compatible cleaning products can be a bit of a challenge. If you have a purring princess or prince at home, you probably want to ensure that everything you have is entirely safe before you use it in your pet’s presence.

Febreze is one of the most popular deodorizing brands due to its excellent selection of scents and overall formula effectiveness. But are they safe products to have around your pets? According to the manufacturer’s website, when used as directed, Febreze Fabric Refresher is cat-safe. Let’s break it down.
.

divider single cat paw oct 2024

Febreze Alternatives

Even though Febreze is deemed pet-safe by their on-staff vets and toxicologists, you still might not be crazy about the idea of using it in your home. If you are worried about using anything that could harm your cat, you can always go the pet-safe route.

Combating tough odors coming from your cat is an ongoing battle for pet parents. Here are some of our top picks for products designed specifically for pets, to significantly reduce odors, providing optimal compatibility between cleanliness and cat-keeping. 

Image Product Details
For Litterbox Hepper Cat Litter Deodorizer Hepper Cat Litter Deodorizer
  • For use on any litter type
  • Bio-enzymes break down foul odors
  • Safe for cats of all ages
  • For Home Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray
  • All-purpose
  • Pet-safe
  • Multi-surface safe
  • For Pet Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo
  • No water required
  • Natural ingredients
  • Fresh scent
  • At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    divider single cat paw oct 2024

    What Is Febreze?

    Febreze is a brand of deodorizer, marketed as a freshener and fabric refresher that gets to the core of odor issues. Just about every home in America has a bottle of Febreze in their cabinet. It’s useful, readily available, and found at virtually any grocery or home goods store.

    You can spray Febreze as an air freshener or on your fabrics to spruce them up. They have various scents to choose from, all of which are suitable for use around cats.

    Febreze has some pretty interesting science behind how it works.1 The molecules in the formula eliminate odors, and you can read all about it. But for now, let’s keep the focus on our cats.

    Febreze & Pet Safety

    Woman use spray for clean the bed at home
    Image Credit: leungchopan, Shutterstock

    We understand that there can be some confusion regarding the safety of this product for pets. However, according to the ASPCA, Febreze is completely safe to use around your cat when used as directed.2 That means you must let the spray fully dry before allowing them around the area, which shouldn’t take more than 10 to 20 minutes at most.

    Regardless, you should always use caution when using any chemical product around your cat. There’s always a chance for adverse reactions. If you notice any signs such as sneezing or wheezing after using Febreze around your cat, you should discontinue use.

    Questionable Febreze Ingredients

    Febreze is very transparent with its ingredients.

    There are no concerning ingredients in Febreze. However, your cat should never ingest it for any reason. Ensuring that your cat is not getting it on their coat is essential.

    Let’s say, for example, you are spraying your cat’s bed regularly with Febreze. The product is landing on a place where they often groom. If they get Febreze on their coat and then lick it off, it can cause every ingredient to enter your pet’s system. This can lead to more severe side effects.

    Always make sure any area you spray with Febreze is completely dry before allowing your cat to have access.

    divider single cat paw oct 2024

    Avoid Skin Contact

    Of course, any chemical compound has negative impacts if it’s misused. You should never spray Febreze directly on your cat for any reason. Direct contact with your kitty’s coat can cause allergic reactions and irritation. Plus, they can lick the substance from their fur, ingesting all the chemicals.

    At worst, they might have vomiting or a tummy ache, but it’s best to be safe rather than sorry. If your cat ingests Febreze by mistake, you should contact Poison Control or your vet’s office immediately for further guidance.

    PangoVet_Catster Mention-in-Content for PangoVet V2 preventative wellness

    divider single cat paw oct 2024

    Conclusion

    So, now you know that as long as you use Febreze fabric refresher as directed, it is generally safe to have around your cat. Febreze fabric refresher is a popular product that controls odors and is a staple in most households. If you feel comfortable using Febreze fabric refresher in your home, you’re backed up by the ASPCA. But never directly spray your cat with Febreze, and always allow it to dry off before your cat has contact with the surface.
    See Also:


    Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Comments

    4 thoughts on “Is Febreze Safe for Cats? Precautions & Alternatives”

      1. Catster_Favicon
        Catster Editorial Team

        Hi Julie, thank you for your question and for taking the time to read our post. We recommend contacting the manufacturer directly for details about that specific product. According to their website, Febreze Fabric Refresher is considered safe for pets, and their product line includes SMALL SPACES Heavy Duty Pet Odor Fighter. However, their smart label advises: "KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS," so we cannot confidently recommend it.

    1. How about Febreze Small Spaces? Would they be safe for cats like the spray? or
      Or would they cause health issues?
      Thanks!

      1. Catster_Favicon
        Catster Editorial Team

        Hi Mark,
        Thanks for reading us and for your question. We suggest you contact the manufacturer about that specific product. According to information published on their website the Febreeze Fabric Refresher product is safe for pets and their line includes a product called SMALL SPACES Heavy Duty Pet Odor Fighter; however their smart label states: KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS; so we would not feel comfortable to recommend it to you.

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    Shopping Cart

    Pangolia

    © Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.