Is special cat shampoo an advertising ploy or is it still an objectively important cosmetic product for the pet? Veterinarians say that every loving owner should buy cat shampoo. But what if you can’t find it at home and you need to wash the cat as soon as possible? What should you use if you don’t have specialized cat shampoo?
Is regular pet shampoo harmful?
To find an objective answer to this question, consider the advice of experts. Doctors say that the acid-alkaline balance of human and animal skin is different. For example, a cat’s pH is slightly alkaline and a human’s is slightly acidic. For this reason, veterinarians do not recommend shampooing cats with regular shampoo.
If the cat is washed with the owner’s cosmetic product, areas of irritation may appear on the cat’s skin, and the cat’s fur may not be washed at all. In addition, the cat’s skin may become dry, dandruff and even broken hair may appear. Doctors will warn you that using regular cat shampoo will damage the cat’s coat and make it less shiny and smooth. Specialized cat shampoos, on the other hand, have a pet-friendly pH and rinse the coat from the root.
There is also the argument of scented perfumes, which are used in human detergents. It’s no secret that cats have a keen sense of smell and pungent odors can harm them. For example, some cats scent themselves after bathing, which the owner finds unpleasant – marking their territory.
What happens if you bathe a cat with ordinary shampoo?
As mentioned above, a cat can react very negatively to a bath with human shampoo. The unpleasant odor may discourage the cat from bathing the next time, and the consequences in terms of irritated skin and discolored hair will cause additional problems for the pet owner.
If your cat shows signs of skin irritation after bathing, such as dandruff, dryness or broken hair, you must take action. First, contact your veterinarian for advice on remedies to help your cat regain its coat.
Curiously, even cat remedies are divided into categories:
1. Everyday shampoos. These shampoos are almost entirely herbal and should not cause irritation. They remove dirt and prevent bad odors.
2. Exposure shampoos. Cosmetics contain dyes to enhance the brightness of your cat’s coat. These products are used to add shine to the coat.
3. Reduced shedding. Cosmetics are usually used during the off-season when hair loss is intense.
4. Medical. These products are only used when prescribed by a physician. Veterinarians recommend them to reduce skin irritation and to provide additional disinfection.
You may need to buy several cat shampoos at once. For different occasions, so to speak.
Tips for bathing cats
If you want to bathe the dirty cat as quickly as possible and no specialized product is available, it is sometimes possible to bathe the cat with a human shampoo. Veterinarians recommend shampooing your furry friend with a baby shampoo or using an adult formula.
It is important to remember that
– the composition should contain a minimum of perfumes and the smell should not be pungent;
– It is important to rinse the product completely;
– It is advisable to use cosmetics with as few surfactants as possible.
Important: a human hair care product should not be applied to a cat’s fur! Prepare a solution – one tablespoon of shampoo per liter of water. You can add half a spoonful of conditioner – this will help your cat’s thick, fine hair retain its best qualities.
Rinse the solution with water three times, as the residue can have a detrimental effect on the cat. Also, the animal will lick itself and it is important that the chemical does not get into the cat’s body.
The kitten can be lightly scrubbed with a mild soap without a pungent odor.
If your pet stays mostly indoors and going outside is a rare, if not unrealistic, event, you don’t need to bathe him often. You can bathe once every three to six months. After the bath, the hair should be towel dried.
Sometimes a cat refuses to be bathed and it is too expensive to force him to do so. In this case, a dry shampoo may be the solution. The product, which looks like a powder, is applied to the dirty area and then brushed off.
Sometimes bathing a pet is not the best solution at all, especially if the cat is an elderly person. Older cats are more stressed than younger ones. Washing can upset their nervous system. Bathing should be avoided if the cat has recently had surgery. Veterinarians advise against bathing your pet if it is not warm enough, as it may catch a cold.
Bathing is always stressful for your cat, which means you need to prepare ahead of time. Do not feed your pet for a few hours before the bath. Long claws should be trimmed and the coat brushed. The bath water should be warm, at room temperature, and should not reach your pet’s ears. The bath simply ends with a complete drying of the coat with a towel.
