How common household pollutants accumulate in indoor environments and specifically affect cats, who spend most of their lives close to the ground.
Indoor cats face a unique exposure risk from air pollutants because of their combination of extensive grooming behaviour and reduced metabolic capacity for certain chemicals. Substances that humans tolerate through skin contact or inhalation may accumulate to harmful levels in cats through grooming. The most concerning sources include flame-retardant materials in furniture and electronics, synthetic fragrance products, and tobacco smoke. While eliminating all exposure is impossible, understanding the risk landscape allows owners to make meaningful reductions in their cats' chemical burden and respiratory irritant exposure.