Why is it risky?
Dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners contain cationic surfactants, quaternary ammonium compounds, that are irritating and toxic to cats. Dryer sheets are particularly dangerous because cats may chew on them, ingesting concentrated surfactants. Fragrance compounds add additional respiratory irritation.
Affected Systems
Digestive · Nervous · Respiratory
Symptoms
Drooling, vomiting, oral ulcerations, lethargy, muscle weakness, pulmonary edema in severe cases.
What To Do
If a cat chews or ingests a dryer sheet: vet or poison control immediately. Do not induce vomiting. Treatment is supportive.
Notes
Store dryer sheets in completely closed containers, cats are attracted to the fragrance. Allow freshly laundered items to fully air out before allowing cats to contact them. A separate but important safety note: cats are known to sleep inside warm dryers. Always check before starting a dryer cycle.
Sources
→ ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — aspca.org
→ Pet Poison Helpline