Can You Use Baby Wipes On Cats?

Cats make great family pets and companions, however, they can be extremely adventurous by nature and whether they are indoor or outdoor cats, they can get themselves into mischief.

Unfortunately, there are lots of different types of mischief that our beloved family pets can get themselves into that result in a mess, either in our homes or on the cat itself.

When your furry friend knocks over a houseplant or comes back inside covered in all manner of things, it can be quick and easy to reach for a baby wipe to get them cleaned up. However, you might want to think twice before cleaning your cat with one.

​In this article, we will look at whether baby wipes are harmful to cats and whether we should be using them to clean our beloved pets.

​Are Baby Wipes Harmful For Cats?

The act of cleaning an unwanted substance off of your cat's fur with a baby wipe is not overly harmful to your cat, however, there are other risks involved.

The main source of harm for your cat that can be caused by baby wipes is the risk of ingestion. Cats are incredibly quick and have incredibly sharp teeth, this means that they are likely to be able to get hold of the wipe when you are using it and ingest at least some of it.  

Baby wipes are not designed to be ingested, therefore they are not easily digested when they are swallowed. This means that they can become lodged in your pet's throat or at any other point in their digestive tract.

​This sort of blockage can be very harmful and cause severe injuries if medical attention is not sought.

​Signs Of Intestinal Blockage

In the event that your cat ever does get hold of a baby wipe or part of a baby wipe, there are some signs that you should be on the lookout for. If you observe any of the following signs in your cat after baby wipe ingestion, you should seek advice from a vet. 

Cats that are suffering from intestinal blockage can become uncharacteristically lethargic and might begin sleeping a lot more often or being less playful than usual.

They may also refuse to eat or drink because they are in pain or discomfort as a result of the blockage. Another important symptom to look out for is a lack of bowel movements. It is easier to notice if your cat is having fewer bowel movements if they use a litter box.

​Your furry friend may also begin crying when they are trying to lay down due to the pain and discomfort caused by the errant baby wipe. One of the most obvious physical signs of an intestinal blockage is a swollen abdomen in your cat.

​Can You Wash Your Cat With Baby Wipes?

Even if your cat is not the type that will try to steal the baby wipe from your hand or try to eat the wipe, there are other reasons why baby wipes are not a great option to wash your cat with.

Although many baby wipes are manufactured with as few harsh chemicals and ingredients as possible, they do still contain them.

Unlike a baby who is unlikely to ingest any of the baby wipes or the liquid, cats are far more likely to manually clean their fur after you have wiped it and will end up ingesting the chemicals.  This can cause your cat to feel sick or uncomfortable. 

Before using a baby wipe on your cat, you should check the ingredients list to see if there are any chemicals or other ingredients that should be avoided.

If the wipes contain any fragrances or ingredients that are not fit for human consumption, they should not be used to wash your cat.

​Many of the ingredients listed in baby wipe liquid are not likely to be fatal if swallowed, however, they will still have some adverse effects on your pet.  Below is a list of common ingredients and the effect that they can cause.

• Citrus - citrus oils that help to give baby wipes a fresh fragrance can irritate your cat’s skin and even cause painful rashes.  Cats also have a strong dislike for citrus smells and having it on their fur will drive your pet crazy.
• Surfactants - surfactants are the main cleaning agent used in baby wipes.  They are designed to make dirt clump together to aid its removal from your baby’s skin or surface.  However, they have also been known to weaken the skin of animals which can allow bacteria to permeate the skin and cause infections.
• Sodium Citrate & Castor Oil - both of these ingredients are well-known laxatives.  Ingesting too much will result in stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.  
• Phenoxyethanol - this is a preservative that is present in many baby wipe brands.  This ingredient can cause irritation, rashes, and itchiness for your cat.

What Types Of Wipes Are Safe For Use On Cats?

If you want to use wipes as a means of cleaning your cat when necessary, it is best to purchase wipes that have been designed to be used on animals.

These types of wipes will not contain ingredients that are harmful to your animal, although they still shouldn’t be ingested. Pet-friendly wipes are available from most pet stores although they are often more expensive than baby wipes.

Alternative Ways To Clean Your Cat

Although cats don’t often require human intervention when it comes to keeping themselves clean as they are very hygienic naturally, sometimes you will need to clean your cat yourself.

In these instances, if the mess is big and covers a large portion of your cat, the best course of action is to give your cat a full bath with pet shampoo products.

​If the mess is smaller, a soft cloth that has been dampened with warm water should do the trick. 

Final Thoughts

As a general rule, it is best not to use baby wipes to clean your cat.  If you are in a pitch, you should check the ingredients first. Pet-friendly wipes or a damp washcloth are better choices to clean your cat.