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You’ve doubtlessly heard that cats usually bathe themselves, but they can’t take care of everything. If they get mucked up with mud, for example, they’ll need a real bath and not just their tongues.
The problem with cats being seen as clean creatures is that not many people know how to safely bathe them. Dawn brand dish soap is commonly used by pet owners across the U.S., and while it has its issues, Dawn is safe for cats.
Let’s check out how to use Dawn, as well as what other options you can explore to keep your cat clean.
Do Cats Need Baths?
For the most part, cats don’t require baths like dogs and other pets. Cats groom themselves very thoroughly with their tongue and can maintain their coat indefinitely unless they get covered with something like dirt or mud.
Can You Wash a Cat With Dawn Dish Soap?
Yes, you can wash a cat with Dawn dish soap, and it will probably work fine. You need to, however, realize that Dawn is dish soap and not pet soap. Dawn is unusually good at repelling fleas, ticks, and other pests, which is why it’s beloved among pet owners and gardeners everywhere. However, the best way to prevent fleas and ticks is monthly prevention from your vet.
While Dawn won’t cause allergies or other adverse reactions in most cats, some cats have severe skin infections or sensitivities to scents like those used in Dawn. If your cat has special health needs, your vet should have told you this at a checkup at some point. If your cat has a skin condition or other condition that requires special soap, you should be aware of it at this point. In those situations, obviously, never use Dawn.
Dawn isn’t formulated with cat skin in mind. Soap will strip natural oils the skin needs to remain healthy and clean. If you’ve ever washed your hands with dish soap, you know that your skin gets unusually dry.
Let’s face it: you should be using a shampoo designed for your cat. Sometimes, that’s not always possible for various reasons, though, and in those situations, using Dawn should be fine. Dawn isn’t formulated to leave oils on the skin after washing, so it’s not a good soap to use long-term.
Some side effects may include dry or itchy skin afterward, which is why the ASPCA recommends using a pet shampoo instead of Dawn.
If you’re unsure which products are pet-friendly, it’s best to contact a vet for advice.
If you have a question about your cat's health or behavior, why not Ask a Vet for Free with Catster. Our veterinary team answers reader questions and provides trusted advice to help you better understand your cat.
Are There Better Dish Soap Alternatives for Cats?
Yes! Ideally, if you need to wash your cat you should be using a pet shampoo designed for cats. Shampoos designed and sold specifically for cats will be gentler on your cat’s skin instead of stripping its oils like Dawn and other dish soaps do. Below, we’ll list some reputable, high-quality cat shampoos you can use instead of Dawn.
- Only Natural Pet Shampoo - Our vegan, plant-based formulation is made with safe and natural...
- No Soap - A cat and dog wash free from soaps, glutens, dyes, DEA, sulfates and phthalates means it's...
- Colloidal Oatmeal - Formula soothes and nourishes dry, irritated skin, providing itchy skin relief...
There are lots of pet shampoos to choose from, but some are much better than others. We love these two options by Hepper made with all-natural ingredients that gently clean your pet's skin and coat. These pH-balanced formulas contains moisturizing aloe vera and colloidal oatmeal, and it's free of dyes, phthalates, sulfates, and other irritants.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
How to Keep Your Cat Clean
Cats have a mind of their own and tend to go where they please, so it can be a little stressful to worry about them staying clean. Thankfully, there are some handy tips so you can help your furry friend stay sleek and tidy.
- Regularly brush your cat with a pet brush to remove loose hair, tangles, and mats.
- After washing, dry carefully with a towel or hair dryer on its low setting.
- Regularly vacuum your home to minimize dirt, dust, hair, and other particulates that can collect on your cat’s fur.
- Consider using a waterless shampoo to avoid having to wrestle a hissing, scratching cat in the bathtub or sink.
- Regularly change your cat’s litter.
- Periodically change your air filters to further reduce floating particulates.
Conclusion
Cats usually don’t need regular bathing; however, there may be circumstances when the cat must have a bath. While Dawn dish soap is safe for cats and many pet owners find it useful, you’re better off using cat shampoo specially formulated for a cat’s skin. Otherwise, you could be solving one problem (dirty fur) and creating another (dry skin).
You might also like:
- Does Dawn Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet-Reviewed Effectiveness Explained
- Does Irish Spring Soap Keep Cats Away? Facts & FAQ
- Is Ajax Dish Soap Safe for Cats? Recommendations & Alternatives
Featured Image Credit. Tara Lynn Sparks
