One of the first factors to consider when deciding on what products to use for cleaning and disinfection, is determining which pathogens threaten the health of the cats and kittens. Some are virtually ubiquitous, like feline herpes virus. Ringworm, caused by fungi that parasitize skin, can be a significant problem for cats and their owners. For some reason, pedigreed cats often have a higher predisposition for ringworm, especially long-haired breeds. Feline panleukopenia virus, which is a parvovirus, is very difficult to kill, and can cause death loss in cats and kittens. Knowing what disinfection products work, and which don’t, are vitally important to protect all the animals.
Cats are also more sensitive to chemicals than are dogs. Some cleaners and disinfectants have no effect on dogs, but can be lethal to cats. Sometimes the danger is in combining these compounds, not realizing that the mixture can be toxic. Less critical, some combinations inactivate each component, rendering them useless in combating pathogens. The expense associated with detergents and disinfectants, and the labor involved, is not such that one is willing to throw it away on useless materials. Add to that the false security of thinking the cats and kittens are protected, when they aren’t, can lead to disease spreading through the cattery.
Main types of disinfectants are quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), halogens, potassium peroxymonosulfate, phenols, aldehydes, alcohol, and biquanides. Don’t get stressed by the chemical names. As each family is discussed, familiar products will help identify it.
Quaternary ammonium compounds, frequently referred to as QACs, include trade names such as Roccal, Parvo-sol, Triple-two, and Kennel-sol. That is not a complete list of the trade names possible, just some of the more recognizable. Even though one is called Parvo-sol, it is not particularly effective against the parvovirus pathogen. This family of disinfectants has never been reliable to kill parvovirus. Studies performed in 1980, 1995 and 2002 all found that regardless of label claims, these products are not effective against parvovirus. They can be easily inactivated by organic material (feces, urine, vomit, etc), and should not be mixed with detergent or soap. The mixture can neutralize each component, resulting in both detergent and disinfectant becoming inactive. Remember that feline panleukopenia virus is a parvovirus. It is particularly fatal.
Bleach is one compound in the halogen family of disinfectants. Iodine is another. The usual bleach product sold for laundry use is typically a 5% solution. The small amount of half cup bleach to one gallon water completely inactivates parvovirus, assuming there is no organic material present. This is one of the vulnerable disinfectants that can be rendered useless by organic material, necessitating thorough cleaning with a detergent prior to use. Another benefit of bleach is that it can inactivate ringworm fungus at higher concentrations when used repeatedly. It is sensitive to light, and will break-down, losing its effectiveness if not stored in a light-resistant container. Extended storage also will negatively affect its ability to disinfect. Hard water, as well, inactivates bleach. One major draw-back to the use of bleach is that it is corrosive to metals. It also can be an irritant to respiratory tissues if the concentration is too strong, or if there is inadequate ventilation. Cats are very vulnerable to respiratory issues, so added irritation from bleach fumes will complicate any other condition.
The potassium peroxymonosulfate family of disinfectants contains trade name products, Virkon and Trifectant. This family of compounds is effective against parvovirus, and labeled as effective against ringworm fungus. A benefit to this family of disinfectants is it is less corrosive to metal than bleach. It has moderate ability to kill microbes where organic material is present, due to some detergent activity for lightly soiled surfaces. These compounds come in powder form, and are mixed with water to make a solution. This solution is only stable for up to seven days.
Lysol® is an example of phenolic compounds, as are Pheno-Tek II, One-Stroke Environ, and Tek-Trol. One of the main considerations with phenolic disinfectants is that they may be toxic to animals, especially cats and pigs. On the plus side, it is not corrosive, it retains efficacy with organic material present, and stays stable in storage. However, they are not effective against parvovirus. Basically, don’t use phenols where cats are going to be. It will absorb through the skin, and damage the liver and kidneys.
Aldehydes include formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. This family of compounds is particularly effective for disinfection, but they are toxic, and should not be used for routine cleaning and disinfection. Use of these compounds requires well-ventilated areas, and they are considered carcinogenic. The cons out-weigh the pros on this family.
Alcohols such as isopropyl and ethyl alcohol should not be used for environmental cleaning, as they are flammable. Additionally, alcohols are not effective against parvovirus, or ringworm. Alcohols are routinely used in hand sanitizers. Since it is not effective against ringworm or parvovirus, use of these hand-sanitizers between cages, or areas within a kennel are not helpful. Good hand-washing with soap and very warm water for 20 seconds will achieve more.
A more common group of disinfectants by trade names is the biguanides. Products in this family include chlorhexidine, Nolvasan and Virosan. These compounds are actually gentle, with low toxicity, but are not very powerful. They are not effective against parvovirus or ringworm fungus. They are only active in a specific pH range between 5 and 7. Biguanides are easily inactivated by soaps and detergents. In addition, they are relatively expensive. Basically, they are not meant for general purpose cleaning and disinfection.
Deciding which disinfectant to use depends on the surface to be cleaned (concrete, wood, metal, etc), the harmful microorganisms that are targeted, the cost of the compound, ease of application, shelf-life and storage requirements, safety for animals and people, equipment on hand, and the ability to use the compound according to the requirements for dilution and contact time for efficacy. Most chemical disinfectants that are diluted with water will have greater efficacy in warm or hot water. If you only have cold water available in your facility, find a disinfectant that is particularly good in cold water, or plan to also use mechanical means such as scrubbing, to increase its efficacy.
Steam can be a good disinfectant, depending on the material being treated. The hand held steamers available now can help kill pathogens in cages, especially corners, kennel-cabs, etc. It can be helpful with fencing if the material has a protective covering. Wire fencing or caging that is not coated will rust if steam is used routinely. One of the benefits of steam is the lack of chemical residue afterwards.
Lysol® is a registered trademark of Reckitt Benckiser.