If you’ve ever cleaned your house with a bottle of Mrs. Meyer’s and thought, “Wow, this smells amazing,” you’re definitely not alone.

But if you’ve got pets running around, there’s a good chance you’ve also wondered if those lovely scents and “natural” ingredients are actually okay for your furry companions.

It’s a fair question, especially since pets love to lick floors, jump on counters, and stick their noses into literally everything.

In this post, I’ll explain if Mrs. Meyer’s is safe for pets.

Are Mrs. Meyer’s Products Safe For Pets?

Yes, Mrs. Meyer’s is generally safe for pets, but they’re not completely harmless.

Mrs. Meyer’s formulas avoid big scary chemicals like ammonia and bleach, which is great. But they still include fragrances, essential oils, and preservatives that can be irritating to some pets, especially cats.

Most pet parents use the products without any major issues. But problems usually show up when a pet walks on a freshly cleaned surface or licks something that hasn’t fully dried.

So the product itself isn’t a villain, the risk really depends on how sensitive your pet is and how the cleaner gets used.

Ingredient Concerns For Dogs And Cats

Even though the brand markets itself as “plant-derived,” natural ingredients can still be irritating. Pets don’t process things the way humans do, so what seems harmless to us sometimes hits them differently.

Here are biggest ingredient concerns I have:

#1 Essential Oils

Mrs. Meyer’s loves essential oils. They’re what give the cleaners that strong, super nice, “my house smells clean now” scent.

But essential oils are tricky for pets.

Cats especially struggle because their bodies can’t break down certain plant compounds. Dogs handle them better, but high concentrations or direct contact can still cause issues.

This doesn’t mean an essential-oil-scented cleaner instantly harms your pet.

The concern comes from repeated exposure, licking residue, or being around heavy fragrances.

For example, a cat jumping on a counter that’s still damp might end up grooming those oils right off their paws, and that’s when problems start.

#2 Fragrances

Fragrance is probably the biggest issue in all household cleaners.

It’s not just one ingredient - it’s a whole cocktail of aroma chemicals.

Some animals get skin irritation just from touching a scented surface. Strong smells can also bother their lungs because pets breathe faster than humans, meaning they inhale more of whatever is in the air.

Dogs might sneeze or avoid the room. Cats might start licking themselves excessively or acting weird around the scent.

Cats again tend to be more sensitive because of their smaller size and metabolism.

#3 Surfactants And Preservatives

Every cleaner needs something to break down dirt, and that’s where surfactants come in.

Mrs. Meyer’s uses milder ones compared to industrial cleaners, but even mild surfactants can irritate paws or tummies if they’re ingested.

Preservatives like methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone are also in many formulas. These help prevent mold in the bottle but can be irritating to animals with allergies or sensitive skin.

Contact reactions happen more often than most people realize, especially for pets who love lying on the floor after you mop it.

Also Read: Non Toxic Floor Cleaners For Pets

Safety Depends On How You Use It

Most risks disappear when surfaces dry completely. The majority of issues come from pets interacting with wet cleaner. If they lick their paws, lay on damp floors, or walk across freshly sprayed counters, that’s when irritation can happen.

Proper ventilation also helps a lot.

The stronger the scent, the more your pet breathes in. Opening windows or using fans makes a big difference.

Storing the products securely is huge too.

Pets, especially dogs, sometimes chew bottles. Even a small amount of cleaner ingested straight from the bottle can cause stomach upset, drooling, vomiting, or worse.

Signs Your Pet May Be Reacting To Mrs. Meyer’s

Here’s a quick list to keep in mind. If you recently cleaned and notice your pet acting off, it might be connected:

Excessive licking or grooming, especially paws
Sneezing, coughing, or weird breathing patterns
Vomiting or drooling
Skin redness, hot spots, or paw irritation

If any of these symptoms start right after cleaning, wipe your floors or surfaces again with plain water and give your pet a break from the area.

And of course, call your vet if things look serious or don’t improve quickly.

How To Use Mrs. Meyer’s Safely Around Pets

You don’t need to toss your cleaners in the trash. You just need to use them in a pet-smart way.

Most pet owners never run into problems when they take a few simple precautions.

Start by keeping your pets out of the room while you spray or mop. It just makes everything easier and avoids them walking through wet surfaces. Always let everything dry fully before your pet comes back into the area.

Drying removes most of the residue they might lick or absorb.

Ventilating the area is another easy win.

Open a window or turn on a fan so the fragrance isn’t hanging around too heavily. If your pet has asthma, allergies, or any kind of respiratory sensitivity, go slow and see how they react to the smell.

Try not to use Mrs. Meyer’s around food bowls, toys, or bedding.

Those are the things pets directly touch with their mouths or skin, so choosing a fragrance-free cleaner for those areas is a much safer bet.

And store bottles up high or in a cabinet. Some dogs think every plastic bottle is a chew toy.

Bottom Line

Mrs. Meyer’s isn’t dangerous in the way harsh chemical cleaners are, but that doesn’t make it perfectly pet-safe. The essential oils, fragrances, and preservatives can irritate sensitive pets, especially cats, and issues usually show up when a pet comes in contact with wet residue.

Most pet owners can use the products without trouble as long as they follow a few basic steps:

Let surfaces dry completely before letting pets near them
Keep pets out of the room while you’re cleaning
Ventilate the room (open windows, run fans)
Avoid using scented products on anything pets lick or sleep on

If your pet has allergies or if you prefer playing it as safe as possible, switching to unscented or pet-specific cleaners is a really good move.

But if you enjoy Mrs. Meyer’s scents and use the products thoughtfully, they can fit into a pet-friendly home just fine.

Is Mrs. Meyer’s Safe For Pets? (Explained)