Pet owners get creative when it comes to cleaning their cats. Sometimes, people try to use household items to do the job. Today’s article will cover whether or not you should use baby powder on your cat.
Can I Use Baby Powder on My Cat?
No, you should not use baby powder on your cat. If your cat ingests baby power, it can lead to organ failure and even death.
While baby powder is safe on your cat’s skin, it can be very dangerous if your cat ingests it. Since cats constantly groom their fur, there is a good chance that anything on your cat’s skin or fur will make its way into your cat’s mouth.
Baby powder is harmful if ingested because it contains a mineral called talc, which is toxic to cats. While there are some new versions of baby powder that don’t contain talc, I don’t suggest taking the risk. There are many other ways to clean your cat or keep parasites off them. If you are worried about fleas, you should check out my article on coconut oil for fleas on cats.
If your cat does ingest baby powder, they may exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing
- Bladder or Kidney problems
- Discharge from the mouth or eyes
- Loss of Appetite
- Fever
- Twitching
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Alternatives to baby powder for cats
If you are using baby powder to untangle cat hair, I suggest that you use a detangler brush instead. My favorite is this self cleaning brush.
Another good option is this detangling spray.
If you want to use baby powder to deter fleas and parasites from your cat, you should check out this flea and tick shampoo.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Use of Baby Powder on Pets
Below we will cover some frequently asked questions in regard to baby powder and pets.
Can I use baby powder on pets?
No, you should not use baby powder on pets. While it can help deodorize your pet and keep them clean, it can be very dangerous if your pet ingests baby powder.
What’s an alternative to baby powder for cats?
If you’re looking for an alternative to baby powder, try baking soda. But remember, pure baking soda can be abrasive for sensitive skin. Therefore, the best approach is to use a blend of cornstarch and baking soda.
You can also give your cat a bath every week or two. If you do this, I recommend you get a cat formula shampoo. To learn more, check out my article on kitten flea baths.
Can you clean a cat with a cornstarch-based powder?
Yes, you can use cornstarch-based powder on a cat because it doesn’t contain talc. But when animals and babies inhale this powder, it can damage their lungs. So, if you want to use this powder, ensure that your baby and pet don’t inhale it. Moreover, you can use cornstarch-based powder to keep the pet’s skin dry and relieve itching.
Is baby powder cancerous?
Generally, these powders are not cancerous, but the presence of carcinogens makes them dangerous for cats and humans if ingested.
What are the risks of using baby powder?
Talc is widely used in cosmetics and other facial products. However, in natural form, it contains asbestos that causes lung cancer when inhaled by pets and humans.
Why Do You Need to Keep Your Cats Away from Talcum Powder?
You might have used the talcum powder on babies and enjoyed the smell, but you may not have heard about the dangers of talcum powder for pets. You should protect your cats from talcum powder to keep them safe from health issues. This powder can cause serious health problems for your cat.
When cats inhale this powder, there is a serious risk of lung issues. Therefore, when you use this powder even on babies, ensure that your cat isn’t there. Powder particles can remain in the air for a long time, so when kittens inhale them, it can result in serious health issues.
Moreover, when cats eat baby powder, it can damage their internal organs. Therefore, when cats ingest such powder, immediately take your pet to the vet.
Final Words
While It’s safe to use baby powder on babies, you should keep it away from pets. We have mentioned the potential dangers if you cat accidentally inhales baby powder. Therefore, the best approach is to avoid their use altogether. If it’s essential to use a powder, ensure that it’s talc-free.
