Are Baby Wipes Safe to Use on Cats?
Cats are exceptionally clean creatures who groom themselves daily, spending around 5 hours cleaning themselves. Cats can occasionally roll in something nasty, shed a lot of furs, or cease grooming. If and when this happens, it is our responsibility as owners to assist.
So, can you use baby wipes on cats? It appeared to be a safe and practical option already on hand. Furthermore, baby wipes are far less expensive than cat cleaning wipes. However, after some investigation, it appears that baby wipes are not suitable for cats. Baby wipes are meant for a baby’s delicate and sensitive skin and are incredibly soft and gentle. However, there are various reasons to avoid using baby wipes on your cat, plus various excellent alternatives.
Is it Safe for Cats to Use Baby Wipes?
Answer for the question can you use baby wipes on cats in here. Baby wipes are not suitable for use by cats. Baby wipes do not get used on a cat’s ears, eyes, paws, face, and other parts of its body. Although baby wipes appear to be a cheaper and more convenient alternative to cat-specific cleaning solutions, they are not suitable for cats due to the presence of various hazardous substances.
These compounds have the potential to cause skin irritation or discomfort in your cat, and also respiratory sickness, and even cancer. Some of these substances may get ingested by cats, which get renowned skilled self-groomers. Cleaning your cat with baby wipes makes them much more harmful, so avoid it.
Why aren’t cats allowed to use baby wipes?
Baby wipes should not get used on cats because some of the chemicals in wipes might irritate your cat and cause pain. Of course, each brand of baby wipes has a distinct set of components, so the effect they have on your cat will range from one brand to the next. However, what is baby wipes composed of as a general rule?
Water is the major component of baby wipes, so your cat will not get harmed. Water’s role in baby wipes is to convey all other chemicals, including detergents and surfactants, preservatives, hydrating agents, and occasionally natural or artificial aromas. While water will not hurt your cat, the rest of the substances have the potential to annoy it. Here’s a deeper look at the components in baby wipes that make them unfit for your pet – and maybe your baby as well.
Preservatives
Preservatives are used in baby wipes to prevent mold and germs formation. Preservatives come in various forms, some of which are more harmful to your cat’s skin and overall health than others. Unfortunately, preservatives have lengthy chemical names, making it difficult to know what ingredients are in wipes.
Phenoxyethanol gets discovered in over 50% of baby wipes, is one of the most regularly used preservatives. Although US safety rules ensure that this substance isn’t present in large amounts in baby wipes, it’s a contentious preservative that’s best avoided. Phenoxyethanol has related to eczema in newborns, who are the target audience for these wipes. Imagine what it may do to your cat, an animal on whom these wipes have never tested. Skin irritation, dryness, and itching are probable side effects of this drug.
Another problem with phenoxyethanol and other frequently used preservatives is that they degrade into formaldehyde. As a result, cats with asthma or other respiratory disorders should avoid using baby wipes. As the preservatives in the wipes break down to generate formaldehyde, this chemical will be on your cat’s fur. They could eat it the next time they groom themselves. Formaldehyde is hazardous to cats and has carcinogenic qualities.
Surfactants
Baby wipes include cleaning molecules because their goal is to clean the skin. Surfactants are molecules that stick to debris and oils on the skin, allowing them to get removed when you wipe. Surfactants can bind to lipids in the skin’s membrane and remove them, which might harm the skin barrier if used repeatedly. It might cause discomfort and dryness. Infection is a weaker skin barrier, allows toxins to enter the body and infect your cat more easily.
Fragrances & Perfumes
It’s fantastic that many baby wipes are unscented or fragrance-free. Perfumes, on the other hand, are toxic to cats. It is particularly true with synthetic scents, which consist of various compounds. These compounds might dry up the skin and induce respiratory irritation or fever.
Some wipes include natural smells.
Lavender, for example, is a popular fragrance in baby wipes due to its relaxing and soothing effects on people. However, even in minimal concentrations, this is hazardous to cats. Cats are also sensitive to scent, and strong and intense aromas that humans think smell lovely may be overwhelming to cats, causing considerable anguish in your feline companion. Citrus scents, lavender, and menthol get found in soaps and cleaning goods like baby wipes, which are among the fragrances cats despise.
Cats’ Safe Alternatives to Baby Wipes
Wipes are an excellent alternative to a complete body wash for cleaning minimal regions of your cat that get coated with filth. Furthermore, utilizing wipes will save you the trouble of attempting to coax your water-averse kitty into the tub. However, with such a long list of potentially harmful substances, difficulties, and side effects, it’s easy to understand why we can’t use baby wipes to clean our cats. Keeping your cat clean, however, does not have to be tough. Fortunately, several excellent options are both easy to clean and safe.
Soda (baking)
If a moist towel or cloth doesn’t work, immerse the towel in a baking soda and water solution. Baking soda is excellent in clinging to dirt, oils, scents, and so it will aid in the removal of any lingering residue. To attempt this, dissolve one tablespoon of baking soda in 6 glasses of water, then saturate the towel or fabric with the solution. Baking soda is harmless for cats and won’t irritate their skin, but consuming more can make them sick.
Pet wipes for cats
You might also get a package of kitty wipes from your local pet store. These may get used in the same way as baby wipes, but they have one advantage. These wipes get created with cats in mind, so they are pet-friendly and devoid of dangerous chemicals. Cleaning wipes for cats manufactured from substances differ by manufacturer.
