Can You Use Baby Wipes on Cats?

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Cats can be a little rambunctious at times, getting into things they probably shouldn’t, which may lead to a huge mess and a dirty feline. However, before you reach for baby wipes, do you know if that is a safe choice for your pet?

NO. You really shouldn’t use a baby wipe on a cat for various reasons. Most of these wipes are full of fragrances and chemicals that are dangerous and can be poisonous to your cat. Plus, they are made from a material that is not digestible, harming any animal if they try to swallow it. 

Although grabbing a baby wipe may sound quick and harmless, there are a lot of things that make them a terrible choice for bathing your cat. 

 

Are Baby Wipes Harmful to Cats?

 

Cleaning a cat with a baby wipe isn’t necessarily harmful to the cat as long as there is nothing poisonous in the ingredients. However, the danger comes in the form of ingestion if your cat were to get ahold of the wipe and swallow it. 

Baby wipes are not made of digestible materials, and they can get stuck in your pet’s throat and cause them to choke, or they can get trapped in their intestines, causing a very harmful blockage that, if left untreated, can lead to severe injuries or even death.

 

Signs Of Intestinal Blockage

 

If your cat does get ahold of a baby wipe or any other item, there are signs to watch out for ensuring there isn’t anything to worry about.

  • Lethargic
  • Won’t eat
  • Won’t drink
  • Isn’t using the litter box
  • Crying when trying to lay down
  • Swollen abdomen

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, you should contact your vet immediately. 

 

Can I Wash My Cat With a Baby Wipe?

 

It’s super simple to reach over and grab a baby wipe when your cat steps in mud or spill and you want to quickly wash them up quickly. However, you should probably think twice before doing so.

Many wipes, although not deadly, can have ingredients in them that will cause your cat to feel sick or uncomfortable, especially if they ingest the liquid off their fur once you are done cleaning them up.

Before using any baby wipe on your cat, check the ingredients in the package to make sure it is safe for use. If there are any fragrances or added ingredients (Triclosan, Aloe, and Propylene Glycol) if it is not meant for human consumption, then it is not safe for cats either.

Even if the ingredients in your baby wipes are not fatal when consumed, there are still adverse effects you want to steer clear of.

  • Citrus– Citrus oils and extracts found in many baby wipes can be an irritant to your cat’s skin cause discomfort and even rashes. It is also an undesirable scent and will drive your cat nuts. 
  • PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil– Castor oil is a well-known laxative, and if your pet ingests enough, you will have more of a mess on your hands than when you started.
  • Sodium citrate– This is another laxative, and ingesting too much will cause stomach cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting.
  • Phenoxyethanol- This is a preservative found in many baby wipe brands. This product can cause rashes, skin irritation, and itchiness.
  • Surfactants- Surfactants are cleaning agents found in baby wipes. These are designed to pull and clump dirt together to make it easier to remove; they can also weaken the skin surface of your cat, allowing bacteria to break through, causing infections.

What Types Of Wipes Are Okay to Use On Cats?

 

There are many different pet wipes available on the market today. These wipes are specifically made to be pet-friendly and only include ingredients that are safe for your cat’s skin and digestive system.

Ingredients that are safe for cat wipes include:

  • Purified Water
  • Aloe Vera 
  • Vitamin E
  • Coconut oils
  • Awapuhi Extract
  • Cucumber Extract

Here is a list of a few great cat wipes you should consider:

Other Ways to Clean Your Cat

 

Cats tend to be very cleanly animals and don’t normally sit around in filth for too long without taking care of it themselves. If you find they are covered in mud or got themselves into a sticky situation, you can choose to give them a bath with a fragrant-free pet shampoo and washcloths.

If the situation isn’t that bad, a damp washcloth should do just fine. You can also try brushing away the debris with a cat comb.

 

Conclusion

 

Although it is rare that something life-threatening is going to happen to your cat if you clean them with a baby wipe, the chance is still there, and being safe is always better than being sorry.

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