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Although bathing a cat is not something that usually has to be done, there are instances when it may be necessary. But because it’s not that common to bathe your cat yourself, you may not have shampoo specifically for cats on hand, and you likely know that human shampoo isn’t a great substitute due to the improper pH levels.
We’ve all seen Dawn soap used to clean animals after oil spills, but can you use Dawn dish soap to clean your cat? Is it safe and effective? Dawn Original and Free & Clear are generally safe and effective for cats as long as they’re only used occasionally. In this article, we’ll explore more about using Dawn to clean your cat and how to do so safely.
Is It Safe to Wash Your Cat with Dawn?
Dawn dish soap is safe for cats as long as you use Dawn Original or Dawn Free & Clear. Other scented versions of Dawn contain artificial fragrances and dyes that can irritate your cat’s skin or respiratory system, especially in cats with skin or medical conditions.
These fragrances and dyes are used in many air fresheners, candles, and other cleaning products, and they are made with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Even though Dawn Original soap contains artificial fragrances, it contains fewer chemical ingredients than scented versions.
The safest option for bathing cats if you want to avoid potential irritation is Dawn Free & Clear dish soap. It contains similar ingredients as other versions of Dawn, including artificial fragrance. However, it is free of artificial dye, so your cat is exposed to fewer chemicals if you use the Free & Clear version.
Is Dawn Effective for Cleaning Your Cat?
Not only is Dawn dish soap safe to use on cats, but it’s also very effective. Whether your cat is covered in mud or grease or just has a foul odor and needs to be scrubbed down, Dawn will clean their fur. The soap is designed to break down oil and grease from food residue and contains cleaning agents called surfactants.
Since oil and water don’t mix, surfactants reduce the surface tension of the oil, making it easier to remove with water. Because of this cleaning ability, Dawn dish soap is commonly used to help clean up animals that have been affected by oil spills, and it will work for cleaning your cat for the same reason.
When you're grooming your own pet, choosing the right pet shampoo is half the battle. We recommend Hepper's Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo line because the all-natural, pet-safe formula does a great job of cleaning and moisturizing while avoiding irritation and itching. These soothing shampoos feature oatmeal and aloe vera and neither of them contain sulfates, phthalates, dyes, or soaps. Your pet will love this shampoo as much as you do! Now you just have to choose which one your pet will love best. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right option for your pet’s next bath!
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
For Bathing
 |
Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo |
|
Check Price |
For In-Between Baths
 |
Hepper No-Rinse Pet Shampoo |
|
Check Price |
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Is Dawn Good for Your Cat’s Skin?
Even though Dawn is safe for your cat and effective for cleaning, avoid using it frequently. Although it is effective at cleaning your cat, it’s not necessarily good for the cat’s skin. Using Dawn too often can cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and irritated.
Dawn dries out your cat’s skin because of the surfactants and how they interact with it. Cats produce a natural oil called sebum, which is in higher concentrations near their faces, necks, paws, rump, and tails.
In the areas where sebum is the most highly concentrated, it also contains pheromones which your cat uses as part of their scent-marking system by rubbing the oil onto different surfaces. However, sebum also helps keep your cat’s skin moisturized.
Since surfactants reduce the surface tension of oily substances and make them easier to remove, they can also strip the sebum away from your cat’s skin. Your cat’s skin won’t be as moisturized, leading it to dry out and become itchy. If the skin dries out too much, it can lead to excessive scratching and irritation.
Stripping the sebum away from your cat’s skin can also interfere with their scent-marking ability. So, if you must use Dawn to clean your cat, it should only be used occasionally. If your cat has a skin condition or medical issue, consult a vet for a medicated formula.
Will Dawn Dish Soap Kill Fleas?
Dawn dish soap will not kill fleas, but it can give your cat temporary relief. Dawn will wash some of the fleas off your cat’s body, if nothing else. However, it’s not going to kill the fleas, their larva, or their eggs.
Dawn should not be used as a flea treatment since it does little other than wash them away. If your cat has fleas, it’s better to use a medicated flea shampoo that can kill and prevent fleas. Flea shampoos often contain other ingredients as well that are designed to moisturize and soothe your cat’s skin so that it doesn’t become dry.
However, using shampoo alone is often insufficient to prevent your cat from getting fleas, so you may have to use multiple flea prevention methods. Prescription medications from your veterinarian are the best way to treat and prevent fleas.
How to Bathe Your Cat With Dawn in 4 Steps
If your cat is messy enough to require a bath and all you have is Dawn, it’s okay to use it. However, bathing a cat can be difficult, no matter what type of shampoo you use. Here are some tips that can make bathing your cat easier and ensure that you use Dawn safely and correctly to prevent your cat’s skin from drying out.
1. Prepare the Water
It’s best to bathe your cat in a kitchen sink or bathtub with a gentle sprayer or showerhead to make rinsing your cat easier. The water doesn’t need to be deep but just enough to get your cat’s paws and parts of their legs wet (a few inches of water will do). Make sure the water is lukewarm but not warm enough to burn your cat.
2. Add Another Pair of Arms
When bathing a cat, it helps to have a helper. You will likely need to hold your cat to prevent them from jumping out, so it’s best to have one person holding the cat and another shampooing. Use a rag or a sprayer to wet your cat, avoiding their face.
3. Apply Dawn Dish Soap
Apply a dime-sized portion of Dawn to your cat’s fur after wetting it, preferably on their back. Dawn dish soap produces plenty of lather, so you don’t need to use very much. The less you use, the less likely your cat’s skin will dry out. Work the soap through your cat’s fur, being careful not to scrub hard because it can cause the skin to dry out, too.
4. Rinse Off Your Cat
Rinse the soap off your cat with the sprayer or a cup of water (whatever your cat is most comfortable with). Use a soft towel to dry off your cat. If the bath stresses your cat out, leave them alone for a while to give them time to calm down.
What Soap Is Best for Cats?
Remember that Dawn should only be used to clean cats occasionally. If you plan on bathing your cat regularly, buy a cat shampoo. Some shampoos work for dogs and cats, so you could even use dog shampoo if you have it.
Pet shampoos are designed to clean your cat’s skin without drying it, as they often contain moisturizing ingredients. Many have other benefits, including making your cat’s coat shiny and silky.
If your cat has fleas or a skin condition, they may require a specific kind of medicated shampoo. You can talk to a vet about which soaps or shampoos are best for your cat.
Final Thoughts
When used occasionally, Dawn dish soap is safe and effective for cleaning cats, although it is not recommended. However, avoid using scented Dawn products. Dawn Original and Dawn Free & Clear are best since they are less likely to irritate your cat’s skin. Avoid using Dawn too often, or it may dry out your cat’s skin. Finally, remember that pet shampoos are always the best and safest choice for bathing cats, especially if your cat has a skin condition.
Related Reads:
- Is Palmolive Dish Soap Safe for Cats? Is It Effective for Cleaning?
- Is Ajax Dish Soap Safe for Cats? Is It Effective for Cleaning?
Featured Image Credit: Olleg, Shutterstock
