Can I Use Human Shampoo On My Cat. A lot of people who own cats either never have to give them a bath or maybe only do so once every few months.
However, if you notice that your cat has gotten into something messy then you will likely want to bathe them immediately.
If you are out of the cat shampoo that your veterinarian typically provides for you when purchasing it.
The good news is that regular shampoo can be substituted as long as it’s been tested on cats before and is approved. Here is some more information about bathing your cat.
Can I Use Human Shampoo On My Cat
Never use human shampoo on your cat. This is specifically designed with human hair in mind, so you won’t notice good results at the end of it. One way to bathe the cat would be using a cleansing and deodorizing shampoo formulated with natural ingredients for a water bath afterward this helps to remove all allergens from their fur.
Different Skin
A big difference between cats and humans is the makeup of our skin. Our protective covering is responsible for staying out of germs and bacteria.
As well as regulating certain chemical levels in your body however, specific facts about cat skin indicate that this skin has several qualities that make it unfit to use in the human hand, especially when cats are involved more on why below.
Let’s look at some key differences between the two skin types, along with how these seemingly similar parts can differ significantly.
Skin pH
The pH of your skin indicates how acidic it is. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, with values less than 7 being classified as acidic and higher numbers indicating more alkali.
Skin, for example, has an average pH of 5.7 but can vary between 4 and 6, indicating that it is slightly acidic and similar to cat skin, which has an average pH of around 6.
Nonetheless, whereas human adult skin is still slightly acidic, ranging from 4 to 6 depending on age group, cat skin’s acidity is on the lower end of the spectrum, with an average pH of around 6, making it less acidic than human adult skin.
Long Term Issues
Some people might think that it’s okay to risk using human shampoo on their cats in an emergency, but it could cause long-term issues for their pets. Using human shampoo can lead to dryness by stripping away the natural oils on your cat’s skin.
These oils perform a necessary function: protecting your cat from infections. You might find that your cat develops a skin infection, most likely fungal or bacterial if you use human shampoo.
Then you’ll need to speak to your vet about getting a special prescription shampoo to resolve the infection and replenish those natural oils.
Human Shampoo Kill Cats
The human shampoo hasn’t been proven to kill cats, but it could still be a threat. Surfactants are the main culprit, as they irritate and dry out the skin of some pets.
Stick to specialized pet shampoos to protect your cat’s safety, as they are meant to be tear-free and hypoallergenic, allowing your cat to bathe without fear.
Final Words
Even in an emergency, human shampoo should not be used on your cat. The human shampoo has a pH that is tailored to our skin, not your cat’s, which has a more alkaline pH. Using human shampoo on your cat over a period of time may make them feel uneasy and itchy, with some cats reacting even after the first wash. Human shampoo can strip your cat’s coat of its protective oils, increasing their chance of contracting a skin infection or disease. To avoid further injuring or making your pet unwell, you can utilize homemade alternatives that are safe for both pets and humans.