There are several household items that can be extremely toxic to cats, and one of them is baby powder. Because of its primary component, baby powder should never be used on or near cats.
Talcum powder and cornstarch are common ingredients found in baby powder. Both of these chemicals are not considered safe for cats, and they can pose different risks to your feline friend.
What Does Talcum Powder Do To Cats?
Talcum powder, derived from the talc mineral, is used in baby powder and pet grooming products for its moisture-absorbing and skin-irritation-reducing properties. However, if your cat ingests it in any way, it can lead to serious health risks.
The safety of talcum powder is a debated topic even for humans, and the same applies to cats. Exposure to talcum powder may cause respiratory issues or worse in cats.
Some talcum powder products may even contain asbestos, which increases the risk of cancer. Therefore, it is best to keep talcum powder far away from your feline friend.
What Does Cornstarch Do To Cats?
On the other hand, cornstarch is sometimes used in baby powder, but it is also not safe for cats. While it may be less harmful than talcum powder, cats should not ingest it.
If your cat licks or inhales baby powder, it can upset their stomach or cause respiratory issues, necessitating a visit to the vet. Therefore, it is essential to keep baby powder away from your feline friend.
What To Do If A Cat Comes Into Contact With It?
If your cat comes into contact with baby powder or any other poisonous substance, remove them from it immediately and ensure others stay away from it as well. Contact your vet right away and bring the poison sample and ingredients list.
Even small amounts of baby powder on their fur can be harmful, so do not hesitate to seek guidance from your vet. They will instruct you on safely removing the powder.
You may need to clip off the parts of your cat’s fur that have come into contact with talcum powder. Afterward, gently wash the affected area with warm water and cat shampoo.
Avoid forcing your cat to take a bath and be patient during the process. You can use a washcloth to slowly groom your cat’s fur and take care not to traumatize them while drying.
In Conclusion…
While baby powder was once used as a grooming product, it is no longer recommended due to potential health risks to your cat.
Talcum powder can be poisonous, and though cornstarch is not as dangerous, it can still cause gastrointestinal problems.
It’s best to avoid using baby powder around your cat whenever possible to keep them safe and healthy.
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