If you own multiple pets, the chances are that you have ever wondered “can I use dog shampoo on my cat,” or “can I use cat shampoo on my dog?”
No doubt, there are instances where it is okay to use the same products on your multi-pets and others where only specie branded products are appropriate. For example, for products like most brushes where both dog and cat brushes are branded as precisely the same, it is perfectly safe to use one product on your multi-species pets.
It is a common question among multi-pet owners as to can I use dog shampoo on my cat. Unfortunately, there is hardly a straight answer to this question; and this is because there are certain factors like ingredients and brands to consider.
Can You Use Dog Shampoo On Cats?
With that said, an excellent way to know whether you can safely use dog shampoo on your cat is by reading the instructions and checking out the ingredients provided on the product label. Some brands simplify the process by explicitly inscribing phrases like “for cats and dogs,” “for all pets,” “for cats only,” or “only for use on dogs.”
However, to avoid any confusion, it is best to opt for a cat-specific shampoo when shopping for your kitty. Doing otherwise might see you risking the use of a shampoo that is too strong on your cat.
Is It That Important To Use Only Cat-Specific Shampoo On Your Cat?
Probably, you might be wondering what the fuss is about using dog shampoo on your cat. The truth is, there are genuine reasons why you should avoid the use of dog shampoo on your cat. For starters, cats are known to be more sensitive than dogs. Hence, it is only natural to assume that most dog-specific shampoos will irritate and cause rashes or other skin problems for your cat.
More so, most dog shampoos contain ingredients that are toxic to cats, and this can cause ailments to your cats, particularly if your feline ingests some of the residue when self-grooming. Some health concerns that can arise from such a situation are diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. And these can lead to dehydration, which can be fatal for your cat.
However, if, for any reason, you cannot find a cat-specific shampoo for your cat, you can use a puppy shampoo on your cat. The reason being that puppy shampoos are a lot milder than dog-shampoos because puppies have softer and more sensitive skins compared to adult dogs. But you should keep off any dog flea shampoos as they are usually powerful and do contain toxic ingredients that can harm your cat severely.
Some Ingredients To Steer Clear Of When Opting To Use Dog Shampoo On Your Cat
The thumb rule is to go for dog shampoo with less ingredients. The fewer the ingredients, the higher the chance of your cat’s safety.
Do note that many cats have reacted poorly to dog shampoos that contain ingredients like
- Tea Tree Oil
- Tar
- Selenium Sulphide
Also, be on the look-out for essential oils as quite a number of them that are perfectly safe for use by humans and even dogs may be harmful to your kitty.
Final Thoughts
Although the question of can you use dog shampoo on a cat doesn’t have a direct answer, it is safer to use only cat-specific shampoo on your furry friend.
If, however, you are going to use a shampoo that is not branded for cats, then you must be careful. Read the instructions on the label, check the ingredients, and research them.
Lastly, even if a shampoo is branded “for cats,” go the extra mile to check out the ingredients to ensure that it does not contain any of the mentioned toxic ingredients.
