Can dye hurt your cat?
Easter has come and gone, and springtime is the time of all sorts of colours all over the place. Pet owners may be tempted to use dye on their cat’s fur to contr
National Poison Prevention Week approaches, it’s a good time to remember that even simple products such as hair dyes and certain chemicals can potentially be dangerous to cats. That’s because cats have an altered liver metabolism and can’t breakdown certain drugs or chemicals well (which is why they are so sensitive to drugs like Tylenol). Because of cats’ unique metabolism, even common household products such as laundry detergent, liquid potpourris and other chemicals can be corrosive or poisonous!
Some people have an ethical issue with dyeing cats. Regardless of what you decide, make sure you are using a pet-safe dye. For any product you use on your cat, make sure it isn’t sugar-free and doesn’t contain xylitol. Please also know that just because it’s “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe for cats. Take for example, certain concentrated essential oils. When used on cats, these can cause difficulty breathing, walking drunk, corrosive burns in the mouth and even liver failure.
Recently, a veterinary study found that a dog that ingested a natural hair dye – henna – had severe poisoning and developed a life-threatening anemia from it1. Again, just because it’s “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe.
If you do dye your cat, please first speak with your veterinarian, then monitor for clinical signs of a reaction or problem such as:
- Foaming at the mouth
- Drooling excessively
- Not eating
- Lethargy
- Hiding
- Redness of the skin
- Itching or excessive grooming
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hives (rare in cats)
- Difficulty breathing
If you notice any of these signs, gently bathe the dye off if possible with a liquid dish soap (used to wash dishes in the sink such as Dawn, Joy or Palmolive). If signs worsen, get to a veterinarian or emergency clinic as soon as possible.
When in doubt, check with your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center to confirm whether or not the product you’re using is safe. And try not to match your pets to your outfits in bright pink – because they are naturally beautiful!
Questions to ask your veterinarian
- Is it safe for my pet to be dyed?
- Is this product safe for my pet?
- What signs should I look for if my cat is having a problem with the dye?
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call us at Parkgate Animal Hospital (604-929-1863) — we are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
