Vets warn that Mrs Hinch’s must-have cleaning product Zoflora could be harmful to pets

Vets have warned that popular Mrs Hinch cleaning product Zoflora could be harmful for pets.

Social media cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch, whose real name is Sophie Hinchliffe, has often included Zoflora when talking about her best cleaning tips and products.

The budget disinfectant is known to be a must-have product for the Essex hairdresser, who has recently revealed that she will be releasing a book full of her top tips.

But now experts have warned that the household disinfectant could have a harmful effect on any pets and animals in your home.

The Veterinary Poisons Information Service, a helpline for pet owners who are concerned their pet has been poisoned, told The Sun that it had received hundreds of complaints from people whose pets had come into contact with the popular product.

‘Zoflora contains a detergent called benzalkonium chloride which is particularly toxic in cats and can cause oral and tongue ulceration, hypersalivation and inappetence,’ said Nicola Robinson, a vet and head of service at the Veterinary Poisons Information Service.

‘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.’

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This comes after Birmingham Live reported that Vet4Pets in Hull had uploaded a Facebook post detailing issues that they saw in a cat after he had come into contact with the cleaning product.

‘We have a very poorly cat in with us today who has come in to contact with Zoflora,’ read the now deleted Facebook post.

‘The little cat is on a drip and has burns to his tongue, etc, and swollen paws. Please take care when using any cleaning product and ensure that animals do not have access to it or lick or roll in any of the residue.

‘We are aware that the packaging states it is safe to use around pets but please take precautions.’

However, a spokesperson for Zoflora did respond to say that their products have been ‘full risk assessed’ and ‘used safely in households for almost 100 years, including those with pets in the home.’

‘As with all disinfectants and other household chemicals, ensure that Zoflora is used safely,’ she added.

‘When correctly diluted, Zoflora disinfectant may be used where most pets are kept.’