Is Baby Shampoo Safe for Cats?
With their constant need to clean, cats are considered to be pets that do not need to be bathed. But when cats gets into something smelly or are too dirty to clean themselves, a bath is necessary. Cat shampoo is available at stores, but baby shampoo could be an alternative.
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Use of Human Shampoos on Cats
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According to TheCatSite.com, human shampoos are too strong and may cause irritation. "The only alternative is a tearless baby shampoo," the website states.
Why Baby Shampoo is Milder
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Baby shampoos are milder because of the lack of lauryl sulfates in the ingredients, according to The Beauty Brains.com. "These sulfates are such good detergents that irritate the cells in your eyes, causing them to burn," states the website. Baby shampoo uses amphoteric sulfates, which clean without causing burning, making them "tear-free."
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How Much Shampoo to Use
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Whether using a baby shampoo or a cat shampoo, use a small amount, according to Pets Nanny.net. More shampoo means more rinsing. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website recommends using one part cat shampoo to five parts water.
Cat-Safe Shampoo Suggestions
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Baby shampoo can be found in any supermarket or general store. Popular brands include Johnson's Baby Shampoo and Aveeno Baby Shampoo. Cat shampoos are also available at supermarkets, as well as pet stores. Hartz and Sergeant's are two such brands.
Warning
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Be aware of the type of shampoo being used on the cat. Dog shampoos, for example, can be toxic to cats and could cause death, according to TheCatSite.com.
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