Is it ok to wash my kitty with baby shampoo?

Question

My kitten is 16 weeks old....he has no fleas...
I just happened to have one full bottle here.
he is not filthy....
Just want to know for future use.

Answer 1

Bathing a cat can actually make it sick. So avoiding baths unless absolutely necessary is key. Cats bathe themselves. But if you do need to bathe it, make sure the water is very warm because cats have a higher natural body temp than humans so what is warm to us, can seem cold to them. Baby shampoo has detergent and perfumes in it so I would avoid it. Get shampoo made especially for cats.

Answer 2

I would suggest using a shampoo that is specially formulated for cats and kittens as the pH of the shampoo will be better suited. Most human shampoo, even babies, is more harsh to a cat's delicate skin, and can irritate it. Cat shampoo is milder and should not have any fragrance as that can also be a culprit of allergic reactions. Most shampoos and hand soaps for humans would strip too many of the oils from a cat's coat, leaving the coat dry, brittle, and lifeless-looking. It can also cause the cat to become very itchy. Bathe the cat as needed, maybe twice a year in a shorthair and 3-4 times a year with a longhair. My boy was bathed at least a couple of times a month because he was a therapy cat, and the bathing greatly reduced the risk of him causing allergic reactions when we visiting nursing homes and hospitals. This was actually one of the requirements of him becoming a therapy cat. I rarely had problems with his skin or hair because I was careful with his shampoo.

Answer 3

Why do you want to wash your cat?

If it's to get rid of fleas, washing with baby shampoo is pointless. Yes, the fleas may be washed off - but they'll just jump right back on again when the cat is dry - if your cat has fleas, they'll be in your house too, just waiting to hop back on.

Is your cat dirty? Cats can clean themselves fine, unless for some reason they've rolled in something sticky and gross!

If you must bath your cat, baby shampoo might be OK - probably better to use a pet shampoo.

If the cat has fleas - get the right treatment from your vet.

Chalice

Answer 4

U should check the label of the shampoo...see if its tested on animals....or contains any ingredients that would make your cat have a reaction. Visit a veterinarian ask them whats best to use.Most of all.....don't use human products on animals!!!Go to the store and pick up special animal shampoo....check with the veterinarian first....see what they suggest.

Answer 5

No, you should never wash a kitten unless it's the only option. Their bodies can't regulate their temperature like humans can. If it is absolutely necessary, there are certain guidelines you should follow for washing. Just be careful!

Answer 6

Cats do not need to be given baths unless they have rolled in something nasty.

Yes, you can use baby shampoo but put cotton balls in his ears and do not wash the face area, just the body.
And rinse very well, and dry good.

Answer 7

it is not okay to wash the kitten with the baby shampoo.that wil dry out the cats fur and its skin even though it helps for babys it messes up the kittins skin and fur...trust me my friend did that and her cats fur is like always greasey and nasty...go to petsmart or pet pluse and buy some kittin/cat shampoo...your kittin will thank you....after the bath

Answer 8

No. Use pet shampoo. It's not expensive but the difference is it's safe for an animal that licks.

Answer 9

Probably wouldn't be too harmful but it would be much better to use a non-detergent shampoo made especially for cats.

Answer 10

cats usually don;t get bathes or really need bathes as they clean their selfs almost 24/7..if you need to go to the vet and buy shampoo from the cashier there ;and she;ll get the one for a cat etc..... lol