Why is it risky?
Pine oil and pine-based cleaning products (including Pine-Sol) contain terpene compounds that are hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic in cats. Cats metabolize these compounds through glucuronidation, a detoxification pathway severely limited in felines compared to other mammals. Compounds that are safe for humans or dogs accumulate to toxic levels in cats.
Affected Systems
Nervous · Kidneys · Liver · Respiratory
Symptoms
Pine odor on breath or coat, drooling, vomiting, ataxia (loss of coordination), muscle tremors, weakness, signs of liver failure (jaundice, dark urine), respiratory depression.
What To Do
Emergency vet visit. Do NOT induce vomiting. Liver function testing is required. Treatment is supportive: IV fluids, liver-protective agents.
Notes
Cats' limited glucuronidation capacity makes them uniquely sensitive to phenolic and terpene compounds. The same pathway explains why phenol-based disinfectants (original Dettol, original Lysol) are also highly toxic. "Natural" or "botanical" cleaners containing pine, tea tree, eucalyptus, or citrus oils can be equally or more dangerous than conventional cleaners for cats.
Sources
→ ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — aspca.org
→ Merck Veterinary Manual — merckvetmanual.com/toxicology