What to Use to Disinfect Your Cat’s Living Space

Home disinfection serves two goals: kill germs and odor, and block contagious feline disease like panleukopenia, calicivirus, and ringworm. Common products include sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and chlorine dioxide, quaternary ammonium, phenolics, potassium monopersulfate, alcohol, UV, and ozone. For pet homes, diluted bleach and chlorine dioxide are effective and safe when rinsed; avoid phenolic and essential-oil-based disinfectants, which are toxic to cats, and ensure areas dry before the cat returns.