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Many know Ajax dish soap to be an effective dish soap that gets the job done at an affordable price. Since it’s caustic, it can remove grease, grime, and food build-up and leave your dishes and utensils sparkling clean. However, other effects of a caustic soap are burning or damaging organic tissue—therefore, it is not safe for cats.
Read on to understand why some people still suggest Ajax as a flea-killing shampoo for felines, why you shouldn’t use it on any of your pets, how to keep your cat safe from the product, and the safer alternatives that are available.
Can I Wash My Cat With Ajax?
There is a shockingly high number of websites that promote using Ajax dish soap as a shampoo for your cat. This is alarming because not only does the Ajax website clarify that you should never bathe or shampoo with this product,1 but using Ajax dish soap on your cat’s skin could also leave it raw and vulnerable to infection. It strips grease from your dishware, and it’ll do the same to the beneficial natural oils on your cat’s skin.
You may be confused because you’ve likely stuck your hands into a sink filled with water and Ajax, and they’ve come out without any damage. The pH balance of your skin isn’t the same as that of a cat, and it’s not the same as that of your dog either, which is why you shouldn’t use dog shampoos on felines. Either way, you still probably wouldn’t wash your whole body with Ajax because you know it wouldn’t treat your skin kindly, so imagine how much worse it’d be for your cat.
Bathing your cat in Ajax can burn their skin or at the very least, cause infection due to unnaturally dry skin. The worst outcome could be death. Not only will the product harm their skin, but the chemicals used in the product can also easily be absorbed into their bloodstream.
Dish soap leaves a residue, so even after rinsing and drying your cat, there will always be product left in their coat. As an excellent groomer, your cat will ultimately ingest the Ajax through their thorough licking.
Is It Effective for Cleaning?
Although Ajax dish soap is effective for cleaning dishware, it is not effective for cleaning your cat. While it technically would remove dirt and debris, the dangerous side effects don’t make it a suitable candidate.
Since Ajax dish soap is designed to strip grease from plates, pans, and pots, it would be able to rid your cat of dirt, skunk smell, oil, or car grease. However, this soap isn’t a good solution even in these circumstances. For the best results, you should take your cat to a groomer or purchase a cat degreaser, such as the Davis Degrease Dog & Cat Shampoo, which is formulated for felines and won’t harm their skin.
Even if you have cat-friendly shampoo, it isn’t necessary to wash them frequently because they are natural groomers. The only time you should be washing them is if they have long hair and need help with occasional grooming or are incredibly dirty.
Does Ajax Dish Soap Kill Fleas?
Ajax dish soap is a detergent that can kill fleas, but it’s one of many products that you shouldn’t use on your pets. Also, it can’t fix the core flea problem because the majority of the fleas will already be around your house. Once your cat has had a bath, been dried down, and brushed, the fleas, eggs, and larvae in their bedding, on your sofas, and on your carpet will reinfect your cat, and your efforts will have been in vain. You’ll feel compelled to wash your kitty soon after to remove the new fleas, and that’s how the damage to their skin will worsen.
To sort the flea problem out, you’ll need flea treatment, which should be bought from your veterinarian. You’ll have to treat all your pets until the fleas, eggs, and larvae are dead and no longer a problem. Sometimes, your veterinarian may recommend that you use the treatment on your cat indefinitely. You will likely need to treat the environment too.
Don’t use Ajax dish soap, no matter how bad the flea problem may be. It won’t fix the core problem and is only a short-term solution that may result in worse issues for you and your cat. Instead, chat with a veterinarian, and use the treatment they recommend for your furry friend.
How to Keep Your Cat Safe From Ajax Dish Soap
Fortunately, Ajax dish soap and most other dish soaps are generally non-toxic, and only a few drops are used in a large amount of water, diluting the strength of the soap. If your cat takes a few licks, it isn’t likely they’ll get too sick, and they might only have a bit of diarrhea or vomiting.
However, if you’ve caught your cat mid-lick and aren’t sure whether to be concerned about their health, it’s always best to ask your vet. They’ll be able to tell you if that particular dish soap is dangerous enough for your cat to be brought in or whether they’ll be fine.
It is quite unusual for cats to drink dish soap because it isn’t a smell or taste they’d enjoy. Typically, one lick of the dish soap will put them off. If they carry on drinking, it may be an indication that they’re dehydrated. Check to see if their water is fresh and clean. If it is, spark their curiosity to their own water by pouring fresh water into a new bowl and placing it in a different spot.
Instead of using Ajax dish soap to clean their toys, bowls, or equipment, stick to cat-friendly cleaning products. When using Ajax, make sure your kitty isn’t around until your dishes have dried. To prevent accidents, make sure to close the soap bottle securely and store it in a closed cupboard that they can’t get into. Finally, always follow the directions correctly to use the product safely.
The 3 Alternative Products to Use
No matter the reason, it’s never okay to risk your cat’s health. Ajax dish soap may be cheap and always on hand, but it’s not a suitable product to use on your cat. You should only use products on your cat that are specifically formulated for them, use natural ingredients, and are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and suitable for your cat’s coat type.
We listed a few safe and effective shampoos for your cat.
1. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
The Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo stands out as an excellent option if you’re looking for a gentle and nourishing shampoo for your feline friend. The formula contains soothing colloidal oatmeal and high-quality, natural ingredients that will leave your cat’s coat soft, refreshed, and irritation-free. It will help make bath time effortless and stress-free with a light aloe and cucumber scent and no harsh chemicals or dyes.
The Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo stands as an excellent veterinary-backed solution for cats with allergies or those requiring a mild, yet effective shampoo.
2. Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo With Precor
If you’re struggling with fleas and want to rid your cat’s coat of them, Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo With Precor will do the trick and prevent new flea growth in their coats for around 28 days.
This shampoo is suitable for cats with sensitive skin, and instead of stripping their skin from oils, it moisturizes and conditions it.
3. Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath
An excellent cat shampoo that requires no water is the Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath. It’s safe to use on your cat and formulated by vets and doesn’t contain any harmful parabens, dyes, or sulfates.
This shampoo can be used on dry and itchy skin, and it not only moisturizes your cat’s skin but also soothes it. It’s easy to use, and your cat will simply think you’re giving them a nice massage.
Conclusion
Although Ajax dish soap is cheap and easily attainable, it’s not the solution for your cat’s coat. Not only is it harmful to their skin, but it can also go into their bloodstream or be ingested through licking. It’s not effective in the prevention of fleas nor beneficial to any other pet.
You can find many standard or flea-killing shampoos that are effective and affordable for your cat at the vet, pet stores, or online.
Related reads:
- Is Palmolive Dish Soap Safe for Cats?
- Is Dawn Dish Soap Safe for Cats?
- How to Wash a Cat Without Shampoo?
Featured Image Credit: Amazon
