I have two expired dog shampoos at home that I couldn’t throw away, thinking they might be useful someday. After adopting my cats, I thought I could use the shampoos for them, but I was wrong.
Dog shampoos aren’t safe for cats, and my dogs hate baths anyway, so the shampoos just sit there, waiting to be trashed.
The reason why they’re not safe is that dogs and cats don’t have the same pH levels. Moreover, some dog shampoos contain permethrin, which is dangerous for cats. Let’s learn all the details!
Is Dog Shampoo OK for Cats?
Although some cats look like dogs, dog shampoo is definitely not safe for cats.
While felines typically groom themselves well, bathing them every once in a while has some benefits, such as getting them used to the water, removing dirt, and bonding.
However, you must use the right shampoo. Here’s why dog shampoo is not good for cats.
Different skin pH levels
Same pH levels aren’t one of the things that dogs and cats have in common. Cats have a higher pH, ranging from 7.0 to 9.0, while dogs’ skin pH ranges from 5.5 to 7.2.
A dog shampoo is usually formulated with these pH levels in mind, so using it on your cat can disrupt their skin’s natural balance.
Natural oils removal
Dog shampoo can strip away the natural oils in a cat’s skin, and without them, a cat’s skin can become dry and itchy.
Toxic ingredients
Some dog shampoos contain ingredients that can harm cats. For example, dog flea shampoos often contain permethrin, which is safe for dogs but dangerous for cats.
Essential oils like tea tree oil, commonly found in dog shampoos, can also be harmful to cats.
Coal tar
Certain dog shampoos include coal tar, which is antibacterial. However, coal tar is not good for felines because it can interfere with their ability to groom, causing unnecessary stress and dirt buildup.
In conclusion, before buying cat shampoo, consider if your cat really needs a bath.
Healthy cats usually don’t need baths as they groom themselves effectively. If your cat is older, overweight, or has difficulty reaching certain areas, you can clean those spots with a warm washcloth.
If your furry friend needs a full bath, use a cat shampoo. A good cat shampoo is one of the essential cat supplies for a new cat owner or even a seasoned one.
What Product Can I Use to Wash My Cat?
Investing in a good cat shampoo is worthwhile, especially if you have a show cat or one that frequently gets dirty. However, if your cat comes home covered in something like oil and needs a bath, or you’re trying to get rid of cat allergies naturally by bathing your cat, here’s a list of alternatives to cat shampoo you can consider for one-time use:
Waterless baths
For cats that hate water, try waterless shampoos or wipes made for cats. These can be a convenient and less stressful alternative to traditional baths.
Professional grooming
If you have a long-haired cat and you can’t bathe them at home, don’t worry. Any cat groomer in town would be happy to do the heavy lifting.
So, don’t hesitate to contact a professional cat groomer who will provide the care your cat needs without causing stress for either of you.
Can I Use Human Shampoo on My Cat?
Human shampoo should never be used on cats. It’s formulated for human skin, which has a different pH level than cat skin. Using human shampoo on cats can cause skin inflammation, irritation, itching and potentially lead to skin infections.
Ingredients like parabens, sulfates, isopropyl alcohol, coal tar, and certain preservatives can harm your cat’s health.
Can I Use Baby Wipes on Cats?
Even baby wipes aren’t safe for cats. Although they’re gentle for human skin, they’re not formulated for cats’ skin.
Using baby wipes on cats can ause dryness, irritation, and discomfort, so it’s best to use products specifically designed for cats to maintain their skin health and overall well-being.
The same goes for baby shampooes. You can’t bathe your cat with one because they’re made for people with a higher pH and can irritate your cat’s skin and make it dry.
Can You Use Dish Soap on Cats?
Dish soap contains strong chemicals that cut through grease and grime, making it bad for cats. You may have heard of using dish soap to treat fleas, but veterinarians advise against it.
Dawn dish soap, for example, can be harsh on your cat’s skin and strip away essential oils. Plus, it only deals with fleas on the cat itself, not the ones living in your home, where most fleas reside.
In a pinch, you can use a little dish soap to clean a cat if they get covered in oil or come into contact with something harmful.
Final Tips
All in all, you can’t use dog shampoo on a cat because it’s not safe.
If you own both cats and dogs and you want to save money on shampoo, you can buy one that’s suitable for both species.
Ask local pet shops or vet clinics for recommendations.
