[SteveC]

Originally Posted by Bob UK

Cat poisoning is the danger with a petrol and short running and an expense on a par with a DPF replacement.

Catalyser poisoning requires irreversible binding with chemicals from the fuel, such as lead or to a lesser degree sulphur. With decent modern fuels, this is unlikely to be a problem. Coating of the catalyst with fuel and lube oil will decrease efficiency but is reversible once the catalyser gets up to operating temperature for a reasonable period

[Bob UK]

Originally Posted by SteveC

Catalyser poisoning requires irreversible binding with chemicals from the fuel, such as lead or to a lesser degree sulphur. With decent modern fuels, this is unlikely to be a problem. Coating of the catalyst with fuel and lube oil will decrease efficiency but is reversible once the catalyser gets up to operating temperature for a reasonable period

Exactly, and if it's only doing short runs it won't, so there is a risk however small, same as with short running a Diesel with a DPF.

As long as any car is taken for a decent run between periods of short tripping there should be no problem with the CAT or DPF.

[ovekvam]

The battery can also fail if you have a short commute, as it it will not be properly charged.

[Bob UK]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

The battery can also fail if you have a short commute, as it it will not be properly charged.

Indeed, especially when combined with auto stop/start.