my cat licked a dryer sheet my cat licked a dryer sheet

Saved myself a $145 vet bill. Help eliminate pet odors by using the right laundry detergent and knowing how to wash a dog or cat bed. How to Keep Your Cats Safe in The Laundry Room, Mailing Address: 818 8th Street, Greeley CO 80631. There are several reasons why a cat might eat liquid fabric softener. If I would of known this would of never happened. Always check that your washer and dryer are empty before throwing your clothes in. These are extremely harsh chemicals that, when used in dryer sheets, get released inside your dryer. According to the Spruce, dryer sheets used to reduce static cling can harm a. MTY3ZTMzOTRjMjFjN2IyOTQxNjc2MmYzN2IxNmQ4ZWM1YzJiMWRlN2I4NjUy Its important to keep dryer sheets away from your cat and to always follow the label instructions when using any cleaning product. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. Armstrong grew up on a dairy farm in western Washington and wrote agricultural news while in college. While drooling, appetite loss and oral burns are among the first outward signs that kitty's tangle with the dryer sheet is causing health problems, chances are very good that a trip to the veterinarian will reveal further difficulties from the exposure. However, dryer sheets can be a big problem with pets. Additionally, ingested used dryer sheets can still lead to intestinal blockage. Getting a cat to drink milk coats the esophagus, helping to reduce the burning effects of the chemicals. These products are designed to be safe for both animals and humans. Yay A really good answer. now I know. -----END REPORT-----. The Merck Veterinary Manual warns that cats suffering from exposure to cationics can experience a swollen tongue, depression, abdominal discomfort and increased respiratory noise within six to 12 hours after ingestion. A cat experiencing a negative reaction to dryer sheets should receive prompt veterinary care to prevent the toxic elements from building up in her system, leading to advanced symptomatic conditions such as coma, seizures, muscular weakness and collapse. 8 Reasons for This Behavior. You must log in or register to reply here. It could just be a habit ,or it could be Pica. Come join the discussion about breeds, training, kittens, food reviews, rescues, and more. A blockage in the GI tract can lead to serious illness and even death. NTFiOWI1ODlhMjc5MzRmOGZlMDc1YWQwMjcwZjBmNzQ0MWUzNWZhZTNhMmIx Whatever the reason, if your cat is attracted to dryer sheets, be sure to keep them out of reach. Also, a cat that eats a dryer sheet ingestion may develop gastrointestinal obstruction. ODU1NGY2YmMxOGU3YzA3NmMxNGI2NDlkYmI1MGJkNDIzNmJjZDFmNTM2ZmY3 The main chemicals in liquid fabric softeners that can be harmful to cats are the same that are harmful in dryer sheets, namely, cationic surfactants, fragrances, and enzymes. Dryer sheets actually pose two significant risks to dogs. They will be grateful to you! If your dog or cat is one who is obsessed with laundry dryer sheets, you should be aware of the potential danger these innocent-looking little sheets may pose to your pets. The jury is still out on why cats like dryer sheets. Depending on the situation, your vet may recommend you bring your cat into the animal hospital for treatment. However, the dryer sheets you use are toxic to your feline pal. NGQwMGViMjM1NjBjYWY1ZjZmZjJmMDA0ZDhhZDMyNzVhYzI2MDY2ZmVhYzkz Y2VlNTJkOWNjNzg1NTk0MWU5MmUzMmNhMTc4YjNiZGY3MTQ2N2U5ZWRlZDQ0 MTU1YWNiNjdkOTliNTkyMTk4ODU2YmIzMjBjZjc1MzQ2NDkxOTg1ZjgwNzky Note: If you click some of the links or pictures in this article we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I switched to liquid fabric softner about a year ago to avoid this. I don't know if they like it for a chemical reason or just because it's fun but if they're unsafe, keep them out of reach! They were both siamese mixes. NGRiYjJlMzcyZGUzZjNhZjlmNWFlODA2OTVlNzBmMWVmMTZmZmUzMDIxYWE1 They can, however, be used to remove pet hairs from our clothes and upholstery (yay!). Residual chemicals may be enough to cause irritation to your cat's skin and mouth as a result of self-grooming. For those pet owners here are a couple of safety tips to watch out for in the laundry area: Be sure to follow these safety tips around your laundry both for your sake and the health and wellness of your pets. YTI3OTc1ZmFjNDM5YTE3MjhmYWZmOTg2ZWI3ZDUxMDdhMWEyYzc3MzM2OGEy Home & Forums | Site Help | Although used dryer sheets have lower concentrations of chemicals, it doesn't mean they are safe. I called the after hours vet, and she said that she wasnt worried about the toxicity, but to keep an eye out for potential blockages. Your vet will likely want to bring in your cat so they can induce vomiting and give your cat IV fluids to flush the toxins out of her system. How to Safely Use Fabric Softener Around Cats. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? It is possible that your vet will be able to recommend home treatment, but it is more likely that you will need to visit the vet in person. Binx was found as a kitten under her house and has been part of the family ever since! These chemicals are in high concentrations that are released in the dryer. In many cases, GI obstructions need to be removed surgically or via endoscopy. The sheets could also be swallowed and plug your cat up, so do. If you do not have a laundry room with a door that closes, then the chemicals should be secured up high and behind secure cabinet doors. Ran to the store to buy hydrogen peroxide, asked the nice lady at the pharmacy for an oral syringe, came home and administered 12 mL (he's a big boy!) . N2FmZGY0ZjU2ZjU5ZGY0YTRiNzRjZGMxYTA5YzNmYjdiZTgzOWE2NzJjNGU0 Make sure you keep the dryer sheets away from your pet, and if you feel that your cat has eaten one, take it to a vet immediately. Learn more. Ive cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Dryer sheets are not meant to be wiped on animals. In short yes, it can be. JavaScript is disabled. either make sure they're never in the cat's reach, or you can buy vegan-approved sheets that are made with plant products. N2MyOWVkZTJkYzU3OTNjYzkzNmM4ZGJhYjU0ZGM3ZjgwNmNmNTQ4OWU5M2Yx Im so sorry for your loss and for what youre going through Horizon. Sooo I usually watch my 4 month old puppy like a HAWK but he somehow got ahold of a used dryer sheet and ingested at least a little bit of it before I was able to get it from him. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pets health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Don't use fabric softeners on your cats bedding as the residual chemicals can still cause problems. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. If your cat eats a natural fabric softener, you should still contact the vet for advice. NzhmZDJkY2U4ODMzMDg1NGQ4ZjE4MzBmZjZhYWIwODlkZTQzZjQ5ZTBiNzM1 YTFiOWZiMDlhZDcwODEwZTczZWQzYmEzZGNmMjJlMzY5NWQ5YmUwMTFiZTc4 N2E5NzA5MDEzOTE1NTJhNDU3OTA5MTQ5NjE4ODRhZGM1MzI5ZGI4Y2UzN2U4 Cats are expressive animals and, Is it possible to make a cat even more adorable? Im so sorry for your lossRIP SWEET PRECIOUS KITTYAnd try NOT to beat yourself up over thisYou didn't knowand accidents do happpen no matter how careful we are sometimes Im using wool drier balls and they do the job (although I have no comparison to drier sheets as Ive never used them). Better yet, fold and put away fabric items right after they come out of the dryer. and our Privacy Policy. I have a pair of Polar Fleece sweat pants that I wear all the time in winter, and I have to dry them inside out with dryer sheets or they cling to my legs. MDM0MjVjNDE4MTA3MmZlNmY2MTk5OGFlOTJhZThmNTk1YmQ2ZTllMWQ5MmI0 you can do several things. MjhmOWE1YzRkNDUzMDhmZTM1YTI1OWM3NDk0Y2YzNDRhMzRkYzAwZDhkNGEx Fabric softeners, both in liquid and dryer sheet form, can be very dangerous for your cat to ingest. YTRjYmY0YWM0MDg2ODZhMWM5YWQ5N2U5OWFmMzI3NGYxYWRlMTNhNWIxOThk But animals lick their fur and the areas . NWY2MTMxOTg5NWJlMjQ1ZWEwOTU4YzEyOGE2ZGIxZjg5OTczNTUwZGQyODYx If you must use dryer sheets, be sure to keep them away from your cat. YjJhYzFlZWE4MjY5ZDRkMTkzYjVmM2U4N2MwZWEyOTg5OGRkNjM5NGIzNmMw YmM1M2IyMzMxMWIwZTJlNTE3NjFkNGM3OWNjMmY3YjdlYzc3ODlmN2IwYzg0 Do not attempt to induce vomiting at home as this could cause further irritation and problems in your cats throat. So if your cat ate a dryer sheet, its best to call your veterinarian just to be sure shes okay. The caustic chemicals can lead to irritation and ulceration in the mouth and GI tract. Secondly, the chemicals in fabric softeners can cause irritation to the skin, mucous membranes and stomach lining. Every conversation I read about digressed off topic or got hijacked and noone ever really answered the question. A forum community dedicated to breeds of cat owners and enthusiasts. These procedures can increase the risks to your cat's health. (Photos were taken, ew). there are some that are not egregiously expensive. Theyre designed to soften your clothes and prevent static buildup. 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. My sweet boy Frankie passed away this morning from ingesting dryer sheets. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. But why are they toxic to pets? Kidney failure is also one of the problems that can occur after ingestion of dryer sheet chemicals as are stomach and intestinal blockage. If your cat is extremely content, she may lick the blanket. Finally, dryer sheets often contain enzymes. and he would roll in it as well. Some say its because of the smell, while others believe that its the texture and their ability to float when tossed around that appeals to them. Keep your dryer sheets safely stored away, preferably in a tightly closed container. My cats used to do the same, but I don't use the dryer sheets any more. Merck outlines the use of fluid therapy and activated charcoal to combat the toxic effects of cationics. If you suspect your dog chewed on used dryer sheets of caught him in the act, the following are the symptoms you will notice and should look out for: Tenderness around the abdomen Fatigue or drowsiness Prolonged sleep patterns Difficulty in passing stool Loss of appetite Continual vomiting Diarrhea to the point of dehydration Lack of interest If your cat ate a dryer sheet, she may have an upset stomach or even intestinal blockages. (Photos were taken, ew). YTdmYTEzYTZjMTk1Yzg1Y2RiNjE2M2JhZWU1NDNmMzEzNTc3ZTViYmRhNTYw Customer: My cat Cyrus, about an hour ago, licked a dryer sheet once before I had him shoo off so I could grab it and throw it out. If you think that your cat ate a dryer sheet or drank some liquid fabric softener, it is essential to contact your veterinarian immediately. NmJhYmJmYjIyYmFkNTU2MDMwM2U3NDM4MDA5NDExYTJmM2ZiM2YxNzFiOTli Location. . As cat parents, we all know that cats are curious, mischievous, and can get into any number of things they shouldnt. You astonish me; I never would have thought that they'd put Tyvek in dryer sheets. NmIzMGNlNWJiZDU5NzM1ZmQzYTRiODMzOGE1NjhkYTQ5Y2VmMTY2ZDdkYTJk Or under doors. Boredom. ZDg5YzdiNTgwNDFjMTU5ZmYxYjEiLCJzaWduYXR1cmUiOiI0Zjg1MTZhNzUx If your cat ate a dryer sheet, she may have an upset stomach or even intestinal blockages. Residual chemicals may be enough to cause irritation to your cat's skin and mouth as a result of self-grooming. Should I Use Dryer Sheets when Drying a Cat Bed? He was in a lot of pain before he passed on. OWU4YTZjZDIxYWVkNjFiM2M3NTQ0NjQ5ZTNhNTFkYTAwYjcyODFjNzRhMDZl Some cats are attracted to the scent of the product, while others may be interested in the taste. What Chemicals in Fabric Softeners Could Be Harmful to Cats? Keep the washer and dryer doors closed at all times. If the dryer sheet was used, the presence of cationics is greatly reduced, but still a possible health risk. This may be due to the breed's longer weaning period. Consider safer alternatives to chemical fabric softeners, such as dryer balls made of wool or plastic. ODQ5YWViZjI0N2E3OGUwZGVjYzQyODU1MjkxM2Y5MTNmNWU0NmVjMjkyNGQ3 Waiting on bowel movements but this just happened. If your cat vomits, has diarrhea, or seems to be in pain, take her to the vet immediately. The best way to prevent cats from eating dryer sheets is to keep them out of reach. M2VhM2YzZmUxYjIxYmRlYzYwNmZlYmY5ODAzZTFhZmIyMGVhYzZjZmI5MDIw TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. NmNmN2EwNWZmY2MwYWRhZmExYWFkZmYwM2UwZWQwZWQ3NWUwYzg2MzE3NDM2 I advise everyone to keep dryer sheets away from your pets. Patricia is a pet writer and lifelong animal lover. MzhlMTQyNDQ0ZWVhM2UyZDg5M2ZkNWJjNDc0YjQ3YjBjMDkwN2I2YmIyMTZk Allow the pan to soak overnight. Your Cat Is Happy. Cationic surfactants are chemicals in dryer sheets that can be harmful to cats. Dryer Sheets and Pet Dander There is a well-meaning but dangerous tip on the internet about using dryer sheets to remove loose hair from cats or dogs and to reduce natural static when the humidity is low. My cats love to play with hair ties. Remember that cats are fastidious groomers and may get the chemicals in their mouth. I have had a couple of cats that liked to eat cobwebs. TheCatSite.com is a community of cat lovers dedicated to quality cat care and cat welfare. MjQwOTUxOTIwNWJjZGY3OTQyNzhmODYwYjc2ZTQzOWE0ODJjMzc1ZWUzYjcy We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. You should never use dryer sheets when drying a cat bed (or any pet bedding for that matter). Cookie Notice If your cat ate fabric softener, call your vet immediately. Am I overreacting? I'd feel awful if my Allie ended up. The best way to prevent your cat from getting into your dryer sheets is by keeping them locked up. These chemicals can be harmful to both animals and humans if ingested in sufficient quantities. Dryer sheets and fabric softeners usually contain harsh chemicals called cationic surfactants. That's why you should keep clean laundry out of reach and dispose of used dryer sheets in a place where your cat can't find them. The science First, it's important to understand how a dryer sheet works. The caustic chemicals can lead to irritation and ulceration in the mouth and GI tract. ZDg5ZWE3MjI2ZDM5YzNjZGU0MTM4ZjJlOGUxMDgxODc5M2UzM2ZlYjQxMWE4 NTkwNDJiODQ5ODg4N2RhZTU1OTYwNDk5ZjFkYTNmNWVkNThhMzg0N2FlMjE2 Your cat is extremely sensitive to chemicals, to begin with, and the chemicals in your average dryer sheet are no exception. ZjM2YjdiOTU1N2M4ZTkyNDZlMWIxZWM0NzEzNzU4MGE2NzUxY2Q2ODhjZThj Why Would a Cat Eat Liquid Fabric Softener? 6. MjZlMmUxZGQyNzY2MGUzNjk4Y2JiZWI2N2M1ODYwODRiYjFhMTlkYjA3ZGYw The chemicals and detergents in dryer sheets are harmful to dogs in large quantities or with prolonged exposure. Archived post. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Some pet owners even like to use dryer sheets to remove loose hair from the backs of their pets and reduce static when low humidity is an issue. One we just pieced together today is his proclivity towards munching on anything that is mesh textured. ODViY2E1OTE4NjhiMjU5Y2U3ODU5MmFlMTdiZTFmOWJhNGUwNmMxMTA4ZTU0 By the time you put the clothes in the dryer, they all have clumps of fur sticking to them, but they are small due to the water. There are many hazardous chemicals and dangerous items in the average household. @ethorn13, t behind not using dryer sheets is that your baby may be sensitive to the chemicals/scents used in the dryer sheet. However, dryer sheets only contain small amounts of chemicals, and licking them will likely not hurt your cat. To be more specific, many veterinary manuals warn that cationic detergents, which are present in both fabric softeners and dryer sheets, can cause a variety of problems for animals ranging from minor skin irritation to widespread systemic distress and pulmonary edema. A blocked GI tract can lead to serious illness and even death. YWQxZDdlNDIwYmE4MzAxYjQyNWM2Y2I1NWM4MmNlOWMxMWI1ZDdmNjc1NzMz Remember that cats are fastidious groomers and may get the chemicals in their mouth. Kidney failure is also one of the problems that can occur after ingestion of dryer sheet chemicals. Among these are fabric softeners, both in dryer sheets and liquid formulation. Yes. He doesnt eat them he just plays with them My dog does the same thing just rolls and rolls on them. Your vet may need to get in touch with animal poison control to find out more about the toxicity of that specific brand. All chemicals in the home should be stored out of reach and, if possible, behind closed doors. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. NTI2ZTA5Y2I0OTlmMzY2ZmM3ZGU3YzUxZTM4MDQ0OTc3Y2NhNWQ5MmIyZjNk