Many pet owners use baby shampoos for bathing cats thinking that baby shampoos are free of any harsh chemicals and will not cause any damage to the cat as they are effective and safe for babies’ skin.
However, this notion is entirely false. Baby shampoo may undoubtedly prove to be better than adult shampoos on a cat’s sensitive fur, but it is not an ideal solution.
Vets and experienced pet owners do not recommend baby shampoos for cats. It proves to be harmful and harsh on cats’ skins if used for an extended period.
Instead of baby shampoos or any shampoos specifically made for humans, cat owners are advised to use shampoos that have been specially produced for cats.
In this article, we are going to explain if it is safe to use baby shampoo on your cat. Let’s get started.
Can I use baby shampoo on my cat?
In short, It’s not recommended to use baby shampoo on your cat.
The answer to this question will not be a straightaway NO, but won’t be a positive either. Some pet owners use baby shampoo for bathing their cats, but vets have strictly warned people to refrain from using baby shampoos on their cat’s skin.
Baby shampoos are not free of toxic substances and harsh chemicals. The majority of baby shampoo commercials claim that the shampoo will not irritate the baby’s eyes.
Companies use mild substances to prepare baby shampoos in comparison to adult shampoos. However, baby shampoos are not entirely free of toxic substances or harmful chemicals.
These chemicals can be too harsh on cats’ sensitive skin. Vets and pet owners recommend using shampoos specially produced for cats rather than baby shampoos. Even that should be avoided as far as possible. You shouldn’t use dog shampoo as well.
As per a Forbes report, baby shampoos contain certain toxic compounds such as formaldehyde and dioxane that is extremely dangerous for animals.
Formaldehyde irritates the eyes and conjunctivitis. It is a potent skin allergen and causes irritation and rashes on the skin.
It also has dangerous effects on the respiratory and nervous systems of cats. Dioxane causes kidney and liver damage in animals if their skin is exposed to it for an extended time.
Also, the strong scent of baby shampoos may irritate your cat in her nose and throat.
Why should you not depend on baby shampoo all the time?
Cats have healing properties in their saliva and can groom themselves by licking their fur and body. They do not require bathing often.
Your cat will clean herself on her own and lick all the dirt. This is why most feline parents are not worried about bathing their cats often.
However, on rare occasions, when you do bathe your cat, do not rely on baby shampoos. They may seem harmless but contain harsh chemicals that will irritate your cat’s fur.
The human’s and cats’ skin have not been designed similarly. They have different skin textures and different pH levels.
Baby shampoos are produced, keeping in mind the sensitive skin of babies. Cats’ skin is more sensitive, and baby shampoos may not react well to cat’s fur.
So the answer to the question of why should you not depend on baby shampoo all the time is simple. It is a shampoo for human babies and not a kitten.
Even if you treat your cat like your baby, do not blindly use any baby products available in the market for your feline pet. Refrain from conducting experiments on your cat.
Even though short-term use of baby shampoo may not have visible harmful effects on your cat, it may prove to be fatal if used for a prolonged time.
However, it is essential to remember that whatever shampoo your soap you choose to bathe your cat should not be used often.
Cats are capable of self-grooming. They clean themselves by licking their fur and do not require frequent bathing or shampoos containing strong chemicals. You can use a mild cat shampoo that will quickly remove any grime or dirt from your cat’s body.
Alternatives to baby shampoo
You should never use baby shampoo on your cat’s skin-sensitive skin. It might come in handy and seem to be a favorable option, but as stated in the above paragraphs, it can be hazardous for your cats.
Do not rely on any baby shampoo to bathe your cat. Instead, choose alternatives that are readily available. Many companies produce cat-friendly shampoos that are free of any toxic chemicals, take good care of the cats’ sensitive skin, and ensure that the pH balance of the skin is maintained.
Find the links to some cat shampoos that are the best alternatives to the baby shampoos that you currently apply on your cat’s skin.
- Dechra DermaBenSs Shampoo ( My Top Recommendation )
- Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Waterless Bath Foam for Cats
- Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath
- Espree for Kittens
- Furminator deShedding
Conclusion
Baby shampoo advertisements claim chemical-free and natural products to their potential buyers. However, this is not entirely true.
These shampoos may be mild on your baby’s skin and must cause less irritation but are not a feasible option for your cat’s susceptible skin.
Repeated use will lead to irritation and redness in the eyes or on the skin. If you have been applying baby shampoo on your cat, stop using it right away and instead choose a cat shampoo available in the market.
Related Cat Grooming Topics:
- What happens if you don’t trim your cat’s nails : Know Here
- Shaving your cat with human clippers? Read this before using
Resources & Citations:
https://www.petcoach.co/question/?id=70029
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK217651/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK153666/
Hi There, AJ Oren here. I am the founder of this amazing pet blog & a passionate writer who loves helping pet owners to learn more about their pets through my articles. I am also the content manager of this blog. I have experience in pet training and behavior, sheltering, and currently working for a veterinary clinic.