by Vlad |
Last Updated: December 13, 2020 
Today we answer “Is it safe to use human products on Sphynx cats?” By human products, we are talking about shampoos, wipes, and moisturizers.
Human skin and cat skin have different pH levels. Human skin is around 5.4 on the pH scale and human shampoos are around 6 on the pH to ensure cleansing without irritation. Cat shampoos should be around 7.5 on the pH scale because cat skin is naturally more alkaline than humans. It is ALWAYS advisable to use a product specifically designed for cat use instead of a human product, but infrequent use of a human product can be acceptable as long as there is no irritation caused by the product.
Be aware that human products have perfumes and colorants that can cause your cat to develop allergies if you are using them over a long period of time. Again…infrequent use (when you have run out of your cat shampoo for instance) is advised rather than long-term use. Even baby wipes can cause allergies in your cat, so sourcing cat wipes specifically made for cats is always the way to go.
All shampoos are made of chemicals (as is everything on the planet) so asking for a chemical-free shampoo is not a helpful question when buying a Sphynx cat shampoo. Man-made chemicals are not necessarily a bad thing either as they have been tailored to perform the exact task required, rather than having something “natural” that does the job in a less efficient manner. What you want to avoid when buying a Sphynx cat shampoo is a product that is overly perfumed or contains bleaches (sometimes in show cat shampoos to whiten fur). I prefer products that have a natural base with additives to help get the job done properly.
The best way to get a Sphynx cat clean is to first loosen the dirty skin oils with oil, then shampoo afterward. If you live in an area with hard water or very chlorinated water, then think about using bottled water or distilled water to minimize skin irritation. Sphynx cat skin is not any different from a normal cat’s skin in that it is trying to keep a coat glossy and protect itself so that infection cannot get in. Over-washing (more than once a week) will cause more oil to be produced, leading to more washing…leading to a nasty cycle for your cat. Wipe down with wipes, or with oils to remove dirty spots just in the areas required during the week.
About authorHi! I am Vlad, I am a big fan of cats and dogs. Here on SphynxCatBlog you will find posts about cat facts, tips for keeping your pets happy and healthy, sewing patterns for clothes (because we all need to look good) - as well as other fun posts that cover everything from the most bizarre cat behavior to fascinating stories about our little furry friends. Read more about me & my cat Sonya