Cats have a lot of specificity when it comes to their care and grooming. One of the most important things that they need is shampoo, but can cats use human shampoo? This can be a touchy subject for many people because there are different opinions on this topic. Some people will say yes, while others will say no; so what’s the truth? The answer is not as simple as you might think!
Most veterinary experts agree that if your cat has dry skin or an allergy then using human shampoo may work well for them. However, in general terms, most veterinarians recommend using products made specifically for felines instead of ones intended for humans.
Using human hair products on animals is problematic since the pH level of human hair products is significantly different than that of animal hair. Human hair products contain chemicals and detergents that can seriously harm your furry friend’s coat if used incorrectly.
In fact, in many instances, using human shampoo on your dog or cat can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or dry out the animal’s hair. If you do want to use human products on your pet, it’s best to purchase products specifically designed for use on animals, which can be found at pet stores. And even then, use these products sparingly and carefully.
There’s a difference between human and cat skin:
Humans have skin that is about 1.5 to 4 mm thick. There’s a reason for this: if our skin were any thinner, it would be very difficult for us to stay warm.
Conversely, if our skin were much thicker, then we would be too hot. This also makes it difficult for us to stay cool when it’s hot. In comparison, cats have skin that is anywhere from 5 to 10 times thicker than ours. This is a great evolutionary advantage, since it helps them to stay warm in cold weather, and to cool off when they get too hot.
Many people consider themselves to be a dog (or cat) person. There’s nothing wrong with that- especially if you have a four-legged furry friend to accompany you for walks, trips to the park, and just to lend an ear. But there are a few things you should know about pet ownership: one of them being that there’s a difference between human and cat skin.
Can human shampoo kill cats?
If you have a cat in your home, you might be curious to know if it is safe for them to lick your hair or your shampoo. In fact, cats often lick their owners to establish a social bond, since the taste of human skin and hair is very different from that of a cat. But, what if the shampoo your cat licks out of your hair is toxic to them?
While cats are more resilient to some human chemicals and toxins than we are, they can still get very sick and even die from the ingestion of some common household items. Therefore, you should be careful about what products you use around your pets.
It might be a good idea to put the can of human shampoo away and get yourself a shampoo made for your cat. Pet owners spray the human variety on their pets to help them stay clean and smelling fresh, but experts say the shampoo can be dangerous to cats.
What can I use to wash my cat if I don’t have cat shampoo?
If this sounds like a problem to you and all you have on hand are products designed for humans – fear not! There are few substitutes that can be used when none other is available:
- Baby shampoo: This is the most popular alternative to cat shampoo. It’s gentle on the eyes and safe for kittens—just dilute it with water before applying.
- Dog shampoo: Dog shampoos are also gentle on the eyes and won’t wash away flea control products.
- Dishwashing liquid: Pour a little into your hand before lathering up.
- Aloe vera gel: Rub it right on your pet!
Cat shampoo is great for getting their fur clean and smelling fresh, but what if you ran out of cat shampoo? You could always go to the store and buy more, but if you’re like me you hate running errands. You might be looking for a way to keep your feline smelling fresh without having to buy more cat shampoo and that’s where coconut oil comes in.