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Can teak bath mat varnish or color harm my cat if I track it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 5 years and 3 months old | 10.5 lbs

I purchased new teak bath mats and I noticed that they seem to be leaching color or possibly varnish onto my bathroom floor (see photo) I was wondering if any exposure could harm my cat. He never goes in the bathroom. But could getting this on my feet and then walking around the house harm him ? He's acting completely normal but I still worry. And I cleaned the floor but I'm concerned it's going to keep happening

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 10th, 2020

This shouldn't cause any harm to Salem, even if it gets on your feet and you walk around. I'm more worried about the harm to your pretty floors! I'd get rid of them, not for him, but so your floor doesn't become permanently discolored. I hope this helps!

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