Ragdoll Cat Forums

I decided that since Mocha is emitting a rather funky odor, I am going to bathe him. Can I use my shampoo on him? I use Biolage Matrix.

Thanks for any info!

I'm not sure...I know that some people have used Dawn dishwashing detergent, but be very careful that your shampoo doesn't have Tea Tree Oil in it. It's poisonous to cats and since they lick themselves after a bath can cause problems. May be other things in human shampoo that's dangerous too, I'm not sure. Sorry, I'm no help here am I???

the matrix brand is a really good product. i use the sleek of the matrix essentials. extremely good for taking the frizziness out of your hair. as for cut i have no idea. maybe just use dishwashing liquid...

if you're going to use human shampoo, only use baby shampoo. Something about the pH level...

Thank you so much for the info, I do have Dawn so perhaps I'll use that. We have always used regular shampoo on our pets, but now that I've spent time on the forum I'm more tuned into possible hazards. Glad I asked! I'll probably wait till tomorrow for his bath, I got a few things out of storage tonight and hurt my back.. not sure how I'll manage a big heavy and very unhappy cat, lol.

I was always told to use products designed for your pets. People shampoo are made for people, cat shampoo for cats, dog shampoo for dogs, etc. Baby shampoo I am not sure of. Dawn is a de-greaser isn't it? When I worked in the grooming salon we used a shampoo that reminded me of dishwashing liquid and we used it on very oily pets. I would think it would really dry out a normal coat, however I have never tried it on a cat.

I use kitty wipes for Solo once or twice a month. Instead of just using one wipe, I will go through 10 or so until he is pretty wet hehe. My plan is to take him in once or twice a year for a good cat wash at the groomers, and then I will wipe him in between (unless something crazy happens and he must be washed).

I meant to thank you T for the info about tea tree oil. I buy a lot of Trader Joe's products, and they do contain tea tree oil.

Alisha, I think I have a cat flea shampoo.. I could use that, though the cat's do not have fleas. I bought it before I moved Mocha indoors thinking he would be infested, but he was surprisingly flea-less! I had forgotten about having it until we began discussing the subject.. aiiiyeeeeee.. something about approaching 50.. the mind is going!! I also like the idea of the pet wipes.. I think I'd go through at least 10.. perhaps 20 per cleaning LOL.

I have only used cat shampoo myself.... I have bathed my cats in T tree oil..it also kills fleas apparently, ....Kitty you must post pics of Mocha ( the after bath ) shots hehe

Kim, here's an article about the Tea Tree Oil that you may want to consider. It may just the difference between what is produced there and what is produced here that you can use it without problem.
http://www.messybeast.com/teatree.htm

I would not use human shampoo on him. Dawn dish liquid is great. Make sure you rinse him out really, really good.