Chances are good that you have a bar or two of Dove soap somewhere in your house. If you run out of cat shampoo and your furry friend is suddenly in desperate need of a bath, you may think about digging that Dove out. This popular soap brand is gentle on human skin, but is it equally gentle on your cat?
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Not exactly. Dove soap is not designed for cats, so it’s always better to use a dedicated cat shampoo. The problem comes down to the natural pH levels of a cat’s skin, and it’s why you should get a cat-specific shampoo.
Here, we break down all the science, let you know what you should use, and even give you advice on what to do if you’re in a pinch.
Can You Use Dove Soap on Cats?
Not ideally. While Dove soap is a gentle product, it wasn’t designed for the higher pH levels that felines have. A typical feline skin pH range is between 6.2 and 7.2, while humans have a lower pH range of 5.2 to 6.2.
This means that human skin is slightly more acidic than animal skin, and this is the primary reason that you shouldn’t use any human soaps, including Dove, on your furry friends.
While you can use Dove soap on your pet in an emergency situation, you’re likely to run into problems the more often you do it. These soaps strip your pet’s coat of its natural oils and can eventually cause problems with dry and irritated skin.
When you’re grooming your own pet, choosing the right pet shampoo is half the battle. We recommend Hepper’s Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo because the all-natural, pet-safe formula does a great job of cleaning and moisturizing while avoiding irritation and itching. This soothing shampoo features oatmeal and aloe vera and does not contain sulfates, phthalates, dyes, or soaps. Your pet will love this shampoo as much as you do!
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Emergency Cat Shampoo
If you don’t have time to go to the store and get the right stuff, this formula might be precisely what you need to bail yourself out of a tough situation. We don’t recommend this, but if you absolutely have to wash your cat with soap, here’s what you can try:
- 1 cup of Dove soap
- 4 cups warm water
It’s not perfect, but by diluting the Dove dish soap, you’re dramatically reducing the likelihood that your cat will experience any adverse side effects. You’ll still get maximum cleaning power, though, so don’t worry about that part!
Is Dove Soap Effective for Cleaning Cats?
While you shouldn’t use Dove soap on your cat, it’s undeniably an effective product for removing dirt, grime, and other gunk.
Dove formulates its soap for a lower pH balance, which doesn’t affect the way that it cleans. Dove soap is an extremely effective cleaner, whether it’s on your cat, your hands, or your dishes.
Better Alternatives for Cleaning Cats
If you shouldn’t use Dove soap on your cat, what should you use? The ASPCA recommends using hypoallergenic shampoos for cats with sensitive skin, and we think that it’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your cat’s health.
Try a hypoallergenic cat shampoo that ensures that your cat’s skin pH levels stay balanced and thoroughly cleans their coat and skin! You will need to have this pet-specific shampoo on hand, but it’s well worth it to keep your feline friend happy and healthy.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Cat?
PetMD recommends only bathing your cat when they start to pick up an odor, are especially dirty, or are dealing with a parasite problem.
So, don’t worry about a set interval on how often you should bathe your cat. Instead, take a look at them, and if they need a bath, give them one! Since cats are such effective self-groomers, it’s common for them to go for extended periods without needing to be bathed, if ever.
- See Also: Is Dawn Dish Soap Safe for Cats? Is It Effective for Cleaning?
Final Thoughts
While Dove soap can bail you out of a tough situation, you shouldn’t make a habit of using it on your cat. That’s not what it’s for and there are better products out there.
You shouldn’t need to give your cat a ton of baths, anyway, so you should make the relatively small investment that goes into getting your cat a shampoo that’s best for their skin!
Featured Image Credit: Akshay Bandre, Unsplash
