Paraben concentrations in cat hair samples
Abstract
Introduction
Parabens, organic substances used as preservatives in various branches of industry, penetrate the environment and living organisms. There is only scant knowledge of cats’ exposure to parabens. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the levels of common industrial parabens in samples of cat hair.
Material and Methods
Concentration levels of four parabens (methylparaben – MeP, ethylparaben – EtP, propylparaben – PrP and butylparaben – BuP) were analysed in cat hair samples (n = 70) using a liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The signalment, body condition score and possibility of outdoor access were recorded for each cat.
Results
All four parabens were found in the cat hair. The concentrations of parabens in pg/mg were as follows: MeP – range 28.7–7,094.7, median 273.5 and mean 620.6 ± 1,193; EtP – range 10.8–6,458.2, median 43.1 and mean 188.2 ± 778.1; PrP – range 6.6–1,793, median 33.2 and mean 107.5 ± 246.9; and BuP – range 8.9–276.5, median 11.5 and mean 27.2 ± 49.5. Statistically significantly higher levels of PrP were noted in strictly indoor cats compared to cats with outdoor access. Statistically significant differences in paraben levels between animals of different sexes, ages and body conditions were not observed.
Conclusion
The obtained results have shown that cats are exposed to parabens to a considerable extent, which suggests that the exposure to these compounds may negatively affect cats’ health.
© 2026 Sławomir Gonkowski, Manolis Tzatzarakis, Elena Vakonaki, Thomas Lamprakis, Krystyna Makowska, published by National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.