The bathroom and hygiene in general of cats is one of the frequently asked questions by caregivers, since there are many doubts that can assail them on this subject. In this article on our site we are going to focus on explaining whether you can use dog shampoo on cats or not, commenting on the importance of proper use of shampoo products. cosmetics and the consequences that may arise from improper use, since, although both species accompany us in our homes, their skin and their care are different.
If you've ever wondered if you can use your dog's shampoo on your cat, read on!
The importance of the cat's skin
Although we don't usually give it much importance, the skin and hair fulfill basic functions for our cat's he alth. They represent a thermal protection, a barrier against all kinds of external aggression, as well as intervening in communication and in the sense of touch. It is therefore important to maintain proper hygiene which, in the case of cats, will practically be reduced to brushing them more or less frequently depending on the needs of their hair, since they are the ones in charge of cleaning themselves every day..
On the other hand, we must make sure that there are no wounds, alopecia or parasites such as fleas and ticks, so that, together with frequent brushing, we have to implement a deworming schedule according to our veterinarian's guidelines and take our cat to his consultation if we observe any anomaly.
Cats don't usually need to be bathed, maybe that's why caregivers don't have information about the products they can use to do so and, thus, the question arises as to whether dog shampoo can be used on cats. We explain it in the next section.
Tips for bathing a cat
Although, as we have said, it is normal for the cat not to need to go through the bathtub, there may be situations in which this is essential. To clean it, if necessary, we must have everything necessary, such as towels, shampoo and even a dryer if the cat accepts it.
Currently on the market we will be able to find a wide variety of shampoos for specific use for cats, such as those formulated for long hair, black hair, antiparasitic or for different dermatological conditions. All these shampoos are manufactured by experts and tested to ensure maximum respect for our cat's skin and hair, while offering optimal results, providing a soft, shiny and, in short, well-groomed coat.
If we want to bathe our cat, we only have to choose between one of these varieties, for which we can consult our veterinarian or feline groomer. Therefore, to the question of whether I can bathe my cat with dog shampoo, we have to answer, with nuances, in the negative. In the next section we develop why you can't use dog shampoo on cats
Can I give my cat a bath with dog shampoo?
Dog shampoo cannot be used on cats on a regular basis. Although dogs and cats seem similar to us in terms of skin and hair, the truth is that they present differences in terms of pH, thickness and structureThe pH of cats is more acidic than that of dogs, approximately 6 versus 7.5 (humans average 5), although this figure varies depending on the part of the body.
This difference is taken into account when preparing the shampoos, in the same way that the composition will be different according to the species and, although nothing should happen if we occasionally use shampoo with a pH different from that of the skin or a dog shampoo in cats, we cannot use dog shampoo in cats on a regular basis, since it can be harmful because, not being adapted to the dermatological needs of cats, it cancausing irritation and affecting the balance of the skin , increasing the production of sebum to counteract the aggression caused by an unsuitable shampoo. Thus, even if we bathe our cat, if we do it with the wrong shampoo we will worsen its appearance.
Furthermore, if we use a dog shampoo that contains permethrin, widely used as an insecticide, we can poison our cat, since it is a species very sensitive to this substance. In that case, with contact with the skin we could observe wounds, irritation or itching. If the cat also inhales the substance, respiratory paralysis and even death can occur. If it is ingested or comes into contact with the skin in considerable concentrations, we would see symptoms such as hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, ataxia (lack of coordination), respiratory difficulty, etc. It is reason for urgent veterinary consultation
If I don't have cat shampoo, what can I use?
We have already said that it is not usually necessary to bathe our cat, especially if we brush it regularly, but, on occasion, the cat can stain considerably or get sick and stop grooming itself. In those cases, if we don't have cat shampoo, what can be used?
Here we explain what to do and show you some tricks to clean a cat without bathing it:
- Dog shampoo can be used on cats in a completely exceptional way if the damage of leaving it dirty is greater than that of using the shampoo. Remember to check the composition to make sure it does not contain permethrin, since we could cause intoxication.
- We can try to remove the dirt using only water.
- If we have chlorhexidine at home we can dilute it in water according to the instructions on the package and bathe our cat with the mixture. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that is usually used for skin problems, it is not for regular use but it would be useful for an emergency.
- If the dirt is limited to one area we can clean only the affected area.
- It's a good idea to always have at home specific wipes for animals or dry shampoo (for cats) to use in emergencies if you don't we have "traditional" shampoo for cats.
- In all cases we must ensure that we completely remove the product from the skin, since if the cat ingests the remains it could become intoxicated.
