Propofol emulsion containing benzyl alcohol preservative (BA) was evaluated in cats. Eight (PB) received 1% propofol containing 2% benzyl alcohol and eight (PC) preservative-free propofol. In phase 1, cats were anaesthetised (8 mg/kg) three times at 48 h intervals. In phase 2, cats underwent three anaesthetic procedures at 48 h intervals where anaesthesia was maintained until 24 mg/kg had been administered. Clinical examination and haematological and biochemical analyses were performed regularly. Cardiorespiratory function was monitored throughout anaesthesia. Neurological examination was performed daily for 7 days after phase 2. All cats were euthanased 7 days after phase 2 and examined post mortem to determine any organ toxicity and to comply with regulatory requirements. Anaesthesia was as expected for propofol in cats and no clinically relevant differences between PB and PC were detected. The addition of BA has no additional effect when propofol is used at normal-to-high clinical doses in healthy cats.