They say curiosity killed the cat - and unfortunately, it holds true more often than we’d like. Felines are exploratory creatures notorious for getting into things they’re not supposed to. Sometimes it’s nothing more than a nuisance, and in others, it can be life-threatening.
So, is weed killer safe for cats? Not always. While there are cat-safe weed killers out there, the vast majority of commercial herbicides are dangerous for all forms of life, including cats. Some of the most concerning active ingredients include:
The good news is you can learn how to kill weeds permanently without putting your four-legged friend in harm's way. We’ll talk you through what weed killer is safe for cats and how to use it alongside other tips on eradicating the peskiest weeds without chemical intervention.
Our weed killer is harsh on plants but gentle on the planet and all who inhabit it. With acetic acid as the main ingredient you can enjoy peace of mind knowing it won’t be toxic to your pets once it has dried. Learn more about weed killer and cats below!
So, is weed killer safe for cats? Or, can weed killer kill cats along with that undesirable vegetation that is taking over your property?
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Weed killer is an umbrella term for all sorts of herbicides, and while some are safe for cats, others can be deadly.
The problem is not just that cats like to explore - it’s their grooming habits. All it takes is for them to brush up against a plant that has been sprayed, then attempt to clean their fur, and chemicals can make their way into the cat’s system.
We’ll provide more context below so you can leave with a better understanding of the risks between weed killer and cats.
Let’s start by looking at some of the most concerning ingredients to watch out for if you have curious creatures roaming the yard - be it cats or dogs, or even children for that matter.
This is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world for one simple reason: it works exceptionally well! Glyphosate inhibits a specific enzyme pathway in plants and kills them from the inside out.
Unfortunately, it can be just as detrimental to your cat’s health. Ingesting or coming into contact with glyphosate may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and other digestive issues.
These chemicals are commonplace in broadleaf weed killers and work by mimicking plant growth hormones to kill weeds. However, they’re highly toxic for animals, especially cats.
Exposure to chlorophenoxy derivatives can disrupt a cat’s metabolism, leading to symptoms such as tremors, vomiting, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, liver damage.
Ferrous sulphate is often used in herbicides and moss killers to promote healthier grass while eliminating unwanted vegetation. It’s considered to be the best dandelion killer that won't kill grass.
But, its corrosive effects can take a serious toll on your pet’s gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms of weed killer poisoning in cats may include vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. The internal damage caused can be severe, necessitating immediate veterinary care.
These compounds are more commonly referred to as paraquat and diquat and work wonders to kill off pesky weed problems by disrupting the plant’s photosynthesis process.
The concerns surrounding this weed killer and cats are well documented, though. Even small amounts can cause severe damage to the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, often leading to ulcerations. It may even cause difficulty breathing, seizures, and potentially fatal organ failure.
While some of the other concerning chemicals on this list can still be used, we ultimately recommend steering clear of this one if you’re worried about finding a safe weed killer for cats. It’s simply to toxic to take any chances.
Finally, we have fatty acids. These are often marketed as “natural,” or “organic,” which is why they’re so popular. They work by stripping the plant’s protective waxy layer, causing it to dehydrate and die.
It’s true that they’re generally less toxic than their synthetic counterparts, and you’ll find them as the main ingredient in many homemade weed killer recipes.
Still, they’re just as concerning for your pet’s health with direct exposure. Once they dry they tend to be non-toxic. But if your cat manages to get into the bottle or touches foliage that was just sprayed, it may experience skin irritation or mild digestive upset.
Now, how long after spraying weed killer is it safe for cats? More specifically, how long does weed killer stay in soil or on plant foliage and remain toxic? It all depends.
Most weed killers take anywhere from a few hours to 24 hours to dry depending on the environmental conditions - warm, windy weather will speed this up. But to be safe, it’s best to assume the weed killer is toxic for a full day and keep your cats away for the time being.
But maybe you’re not curious about how long for weed killer to dry. Rather, you are applying some sort of granular or powder-based product. In these cases, it may take a bit longer for the setting to be safe for exposure once again. You’d rather be safe than sorry.
You can typically find more specific insights on how long is weed killer harmful to cats on the product directions and specifications. When in doubt, consult the company directly.
Even if you follow our advice below on keeping weed killer safe for cats, you should still remain vigilant about the signs of weed killer poisoning in cats. The faster you act in the event of exposure, the greater chance you have of saving your cat’s life. The symptoms of note include:
As soon as you notice any of the signs of weed killer poisoning in cats, we recommend first bringing your cat indoors so that you can monitor them further.
It’s also a good idea to use lukewarm water to thoroughly wash any areas where your cat may have come into contact with the weed killer, as this will remove any lingering residue and minimise further ingestion through grooming.
At this point you can call your veterinarian and provide details on the weed killer used to help them assess the severity of the poisoning and determine the appropriate next steps - whether that’s continuing to monitor them or bringing them in for treatment.
You don’t want to put your furry friend in harm’s way, but you need to get a grip on that pesky weed problem. So, what weed killer is safe for cats - if any?
First, let’s make it clear that certain ingredients we mentioned above should be avoided altogether. That includes glyphosate, chlorophenoxy derivatives, and ferrous sulphate. The risks are just too high, and safer solutions are readily available - one being acetic acid weed killer.
This is found in vinegar and works well to kill a variety of weed species by dehydrating them. But once it dries, it’s no longer considered toxic to animals and humans alike. Here at Jennychem, we’re proud to present the #1 cat-safe weed killer in Weedex Super.
It’s the best weed killer for driveways and the best weedkiller for block paving, the best weedkiller for artificial grass, ivy killer, ground elder killer, and just about everything in between.
Using it is easy, too. We have a detailed guide on how to use weed killer with one of our garden sprayers. Learn more about the best time to spray weed killer so you can make the most of that initial application and effortlessly eliminate any weeds that have infiltrated your property.
With more than 10,000 happy UK gardeners and thousands of five-star reviews, you can rest assured you’re getting the #1 solution available. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Your order is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee!
Even if you’re using Weedex Super - the strongest weed killer that kills everything and is safe for cats upon drying - we want to share a few more tips to ease your concerns about weed killer and cats.
Whether it’s temporary garden netting or a more permanent solution, blocking off recently treated zones ensures that your cat won’t be exposed until the weed killer has dried and is safe.
This is especially important in large gardens where you might not be able to monitor your cat at all times. Just be aware that where there’s a will there’s a way, and your cat may be capable of climbing certain types of fences. That’s why a better option is to keep them inside for a bit…
Cats seem to have an innate ability to seek out the things we want them to stay away from - be it food on the counter or house plants. In this case, it’s your garden or patio where you’ve just sprayed weed killer.
Sure, you can keep a close eye on them when they’re outdoors and do your best to prevent them from wandering into freshly treated areas. Or, you can take complete control of the situation and keep them inside for 24 hours.
As much as they may hate you for it, you know that it’s for their own good. They’ll forgive you in a day when you let them back outside and they can get back to exploring risk-free!
You should also make sure any extra herbicide you have after the initial application is stored safely where it cannot be accessed by your cat. It must be tightly sealed and kept out of reach.
A locked cabinet in the shed or garage is ideal to keep your cat from accidentally accessing the chemicals. We also recommend you dispose of empty containers properly, as even residues can pose risks to curious pets.
Whether you’re wondering how to kill brambles or how to kill stinging nettle, herbicide is just one option you have at your disposal. If you really want to eliminate the stress of weed killer and cats, roll up your sleeves and get ready for a bit of manual labour!
Hand-pulling weeds, using natural mulch, or applying boiling water to unwanted plants are all safer alternatives that still work well. Does salt kill weeds, too? It sure does. We have a great selection of de-icing salt that works great for controlling weeds, too.
You could also look into a flame weed killer, which offers immediate results and can be quite a bit of fun. There are plenty of ways you can address your weed infestation without exposing your feline friend to harmful chemicals.
But, just as we explained in our guide - is weed killer safe for dogs - you have nothing to worry about as long as you apply a safe cat-friendly weed killer such as acetic acid and give it enough time to dry before letting your cat return to the area.
So, order yours today at Jennychem and ensure lasting removal of even the peskiest weed problems with peace of mind knowing you’re protecting your cat from exposure to harmful chemicals!
So, is weed killer safe for cats, or can weed killer kill cats just as easily as it eliminates frustrating weed problems? We hope you have a better understanding of the risks at play and what you can do as a pet owner to mitigate them.
While there are very serious concerns surrounding weed killer and cats, they can be alleviated by choosing a more natural herbicide such as acetic acid, and using it as directed. That means giving it at least 24 hours to dry before letting animals or kids back into the treated area.
The next step is to source an effective cat-safe weed killer at Jennychem. Order Weedex Super risk-free today and see for yourself what a difference it can make in restoring your property to its weed-free condition!
