Petting a cat is like having a toddler in the house. They keep surprising you with something new now and then.
Keeping a cat inside is one of the most difficult things to manage, especially if they love the streets. When your cat stays outside more than it says in, you may have seen quite a lot of stuff on their bodies. If your fur baby has come home drenched in grease, it is a must to know how to remove oil from your cat’s fur.
For those who don’t know, here’s it all:
How to Remove Oil from Cat Fur
Removing oil from cat fur can be quite challenging as oil is a sticky liquid that does not come out easily especially if it’s a bad spill. You can get the oil out of your cat’s fur by following these steps.
Gather the Supplies
Restraining a cat and washing a cat can be a bit of a task and take quite a lot of time. Once you have the cat ready to be cleaned, it is not a suitable idea to leave them and get the items you need. We recommend you gather everything you would need beforehand, so you do not have to run after the cat again.
Here’s what you need:
Yes, that’s all.
Dishwashing soaps and liquids are best at taking out grease stains and act as the right choice for taking oil out of your feline baby’s fur. Let’s tell you how to clean them.
Remove the Collar
The first thing you need to do is remove your cat’s collar to have easy access to the oily spots. If the collar also has oil on it, it is better to give it a quick spin in the washing machine or rinse it by hand according to the material and cleaning instructions.
Dab Dab Dab
Now that the collar is removed and you can easily reach the oil stains on the fur, use a blotting paper to take away the access oil before rinsing off the rest. Doing this leaves you with the least amount of oil on the body, making the cleaning process multiple times easier.
Clip Away
If you think that your cat has suffered an allergic reaction because of the oil spill, combing or brushing might not be the best idea. Clip some of the hair to see through the fur and identify any harm. However, if your fur baby seems fine, there is no need to do so.
Electric clippers are considered a suitable option, yet you can also use scissors, but be careful with them. We don’t suggest you do this until there is no other option to reach the deep oil stains.
Warm-up
You might not need to warm up to bathe the cat, but the water must. Water is the best solvent and works well enough for many stains, but oil stains are tough. Using warm water helps remove oil better without wasting much of it. Adjust the settings of your tap to warm and let the sink or tub fill for your cat to enjoy a warm bath. Do not fill the container to the top or suffocate the cat.
Restrain your fur baby
Once the water is at the right temperature, restrain your cat, so it is easy to clean them without water spilling. Forcing your cat into the sink will not help. For a cat that resists, you can offer some treats or soothe them.
Scoop Water
Now scoop some water in your hands and gradually pour on your pet, making sure it does not frighten them. Keep doing the same until your cat’s body is completely wet with water and ready to be cleaned.
Use Detergent
Next is to take a little dishwashing soap in your hands and rub to create lather. Gently massage the soap into the fur coat until it reaches all greasy spots. Do not hesitate to take more if you feel that oil is still present. However, make sure not to use a lot of soap as it might irritate your feline baby. You may also use pet shampoo if dishwashing liquid does not suit your pet.
Rinse off
Once you have rubbed in the soap well, reaching all oily areas, it is time to give it a good rinse. Firstly wash with the water in the sink. Give your cat a final wash with tap water to remove any residual oil present in the fur coat.
Conditioning
Dishwashing soap and liquid can be harsh on your pet’s body, and you may need to use a conditioner afterward. Use a mild pet conditioner after removing the oil from the cat fur to avoid dryness and itching.
Dry and keep warm
Once all the oil is removed from the cat’s fur, it is time to take them out of the sink and dry with a towel. Keep your pet in a warm space as they may be cold after the bath. Do not rub the towel against the fur as it may cause matting. Instead, pat dry your pet’s fur coat gently until all the fur is completely dry.
Visit a Vet
Whenever something unusual happens to your cat, visiting the vet is inevitable. As cat parents, we may observe what is visible to the eyes, but the vets can point out issues that we may overlook. Your pet may have had an allergic reaction or burn due to the oil spill and needs proper evaluation. Take your pet to the vet immediately to ensure timely medication administration, such as antibiotics, if needed.
Sometimes you may not realize, but the cat may have ingested some of the oil and needs treatment for that. The doctor will perform diagnostic tests and scans to rule out the possibility of any harm to the fur baby. Taking them to the vet in time enables the doctor to give activated charcoal or oxygen therapy when required.
Is Cooking Oil Harmful?
Cooking oil is not really harmful to the cat; and if you have spilled a few drops of (not hot) oil on your pet’s fur, they should be fine. Yet, you can dab a tissue paper or blotting paper to absorb the oil before it’s time for the bath.
What if the oil doesn’t go away?
What if you have washed your cat’s fur multiple times, yet the grease doesn’t go away? Shave them!
We understand you love your cat’s fur and how adorable they look, but it is best to get them shaved to prevent any other problems due to oil residue in the fur. While you can do it at home, taking them to a professional is preferred. Explain why you want to get the cat shaved, and they can suggest what suits the best according to the situation.
The Bottom Line
Having a cat can be challenging when they love to stay out and come home with a new adventure every day. Cleaning a oiled cat can be challenging but not impossible when you have a dishwashing soap and bloating paper at hand. Luckily, dishwashing soap can kill fleas too.
Give your cat a warm bath and wash with dishwashing soap followed by a conditioner, and they should be good to go. Do not forget to visit the vet after you remove oil from cat fur to rule out the possibilities of oil ingestion.
Happy Catting!