Can you use baby wipes on a cat? Cats are known to be one of the most high-maintenance animals. Grooming a cat is very different from grooming a dog. Unlike dogs, cats are not that adjusting and compromising in nature. The study says that cats can spend up to 5 hours grooming themselves daily. Imagine spending five hours a day just yet taking care of your exterior appearance.
Well, that’s how cats are, but one can’t deny how adorable of a company they are as well. If you have a pet cat, you must be aware that there is a whole skincare line specially made for cats. This is because cats have susceptible skin. But most pet owners are not aware of this part. This is why they use the same products as humans for their pets. One must know that the pH level of pets, especially animals like cats, is very different from that of humans.
The products that we use on our skin are too acidic for cats. Baby wipes or skin wipes are a convenient way of cleaning the mess up. It is the most hands-on product for mothers of newborn babies. But cats are different from newborn babies, and using baby wipes or skin vibes may become lethal. The highly acidic nature of baby wipes may cause irritation and rashes on the skin of cats. They might end up developing fungal infections and dermatitis.
Moreover, the harm is not just limited to the application part but also the ingestion part. A cat is an animal that doesn’t know what and what not to put in its mouth. Cats end up licking most of the products that they use on themselves. The chemicals used in the making of baby wipes may get into their system. This can cause further turmoil.
Why are baby wipes dangerous for cats?
Baby wipes are dangerous for cats because of the ingredients that are used in them. Some of these ingredients may be too obvious for you to understand. Some of them might confuse you. One of the worst ingredients used in baby wipes for cats is citric acid. The enmity between cats and citric acid goes beyond just hatred.
Consuming any citrus oil may be poisonous for cats and can even lead to death. Your regular baby wipes do not contain citric acid in such amounts. But it is always advised to be careful and take precautions. The following dangerous ingredient used in baby wipes for cats is PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil. It is a type of castor oil. Citrus oil is considered a perfect ingredient in treating constipation. It is also proven that it works wonders in hair growth.
But when using a product for your cat, anything might go wrong. Something that is used for treating constipation might be problematic for your cat. This is why it is better to avoid baby vibes that contain castor oil as an active ingredient. It is to be again that the quantity of castor oil used in baby wipes is significantly less.
It cannot be lethal for the pet, but cautiousness is no harm. Baby wipes also use added fragrances, which are infused with chemicals. Always remember that your cat’s skin is too sensitive to take so many chemicals. All these chemicals may become problematic for humans, so imagine their effect on your cat.
Is aloe vera also dangerous for cats?
Generally, aloe vera is considered a perfect plant for skin and hair. It has antibacterial benefits and, at the same time, makes your skin very soft. It is used in various products like shampoo, body washes, and face washes. Most baby wipes use aloe vera as an active ingredient in their production. So the question is if aloe vera is dangerous for cats. The answer is both yes and no. Some parts of aloe vera can be hazardous for cats, whereas the other parts are safe.
The medium green and juicy part of aloe vera is highly safe for pets and can be used on their skin. At the same time, the white juice’s outer corners, called latex, can be poisonous for cats. Generally, all the aloe vera products use the middle juicy green part only for their products. So you can use aloe vera-infused products for your cats without worrying.
Alternatives to baby wipes For Cats
Now the biggest question is, if you can’t use the regular baby wipes on your cats, then what to use? Well, you must be informed that there are products in the market designed especially for cats. These products are infused with substances that are cat friendly. These are known as pet wipes. There are so many brands in the market. You can conduct your mini-research and select the products that you like. Make sure that you check the ingredients that a particular brand is using. Based on this, make your selection.
You can also use damp clothes or paper towels for cleaning your pet. This might not provide you with the same cleaning as pet wipes, but they are chemical-free. Just brushing your cat at regular intervals can remain clean for a long time. You won’t realize the difference it makes until you start practicing it. You can also start using dry shampoo for cleaning purposes.
Again buy a dry shampoo that is cat friendly. Dry shampoo is great for cleaning cats with huge fur. It also avoids any mess. You can apply the dry shampoo to your cat’s fur. After that, follow the process with regular brushing. On the days when you don’t have the time to bathe your cat, this will come to your rescue.
At the end of this article, it’s safe to say that cats are high-maintenance pets. For many people grooming a cat can be very expensive as cats are very particular. But one must remember that raising a pet is like raising a child. You have to take care of them in all aspects. Make sure that, as a pet owner, you are vigilant and careful about the decisions that you make about your pet. Pets are very dependable on you and can’t speak about their demands. So make sure that you are self-understanding and considerate.