Also, a cat that eats a dryer sheet ingestion may develop gastrointestinal obstruction. MTU1YWNiNjdkOTliNTkyMTk4ODU2YmIzMjBjZjc1MzQ2NDkxOTg1ZjgwNzky what is up with my cat and dryer sheets? | Cat Forum The toxic elements easily transfer from foot and body to mouth, which is a more direct and more toxic method of exposure than merely rubbing the dryer sheet against the body, creating exposure through the skin. Apr 28, 2015 at 3:23 PM. So he isnt going to be around them anymore that also mean my dog doesnt play in them either. I always dry my cat separately on high and never have issues like op. MzJhNmUyZTU5NmJmMDBiMGViNDM3NzlmZjhlOTRhZjNhOGEyYmMwNjJiZDRk Consider safer alternatives to chemical fabric softeners, such as dryer balls made of wool or plastic. YWQ0NmE0NjdlNjlhN2EwZDUwNzcyNGEwZjQ2ZGFiMWY2NzkzZGQ1YTBkNTdh Y2I5ZGE3MDI5MTk0N2I1YTJmMzljODU1MjAyMGY5MWFlOGFiMzUyNmEyOTY4 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. First, the ingestion of the dryer sheet material may result in gastrointestinal obstruction. Archived post. Patricia is also a published author under the pen name Skylar McKinzie. and our Help, cat keeps licking bed linen and clothes.. - TheCatSite Don't really know, this is funny this is exactly how the other posts were answered well so far noone had an answer. In many cases, GI obstructions need to be removed surgically or via endoscopy. The blogs listed the following ingredients as toxic components of dryer sheets: Alpha-Terpineol, Benzyl acetate, Benzyl alcohol, Chloroform, Ethanol, Ethyl Acetate, Linalool, and Pentane. 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. Chemicals in dryer sheets can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation. Jenna Stregowski is the Pet Health and Behavior Editor for. Fun/play (cats often enjoy the texture) Teething in kittens. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Always check that your washer and dryer are empty before throwing your clothes in. In concentrated amounts, the damage may be serious and appear as burns or ulcers. Well, I know that they definitely have animal fat in them (one of my sisters is vegan, and she can't use them) which may explain the attraction - unless your cat just likes being static free! Dryer sheets and fabric softeners usually contain harsh chemicals called cationic surfactants. In serious cases, the ingestion of these harmful chemicals can lead to organ damage or central nervous system depression. How to get the cat hair out of my sheets - this is fresh from the dryer The best way to prevent cats from eating dryer sheets is to keep them out of reach. JavaScript is disabled. 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. Another way in which they come into contact with them is when, as stated before, owners, following advice from different internet articles, may decide to rub a dryer sheet on their pets fur to get rid of static or loose hairs. 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. I mean its like he is getting high it worse than stuffing his head in my shoes after ive been in them awhile. Theyre designed to soften your clothes and prevent static buildup. Trouble is, dangerous exposure can occur at this point, as the chemicals applied to the dryer sheet are highly active. What to Do If Your Dog Ate a Dryer Sheet All chemicals in the home should be stored out of reach and, if possible, behind closed doors. I'm so, so, sorry for your loss, absolutely heart breaking. Patricia is a pet writer and lifelong animal lover. YTRjYmY0YWM0MDg2ODZhMWM5YWQ5N2U5OWFmMzI3NGYxYWRlMTNhNWIxOThk They're terrific, although they can leave the clothes a little staticy compared to dryer sheets but I work with it. Cats love to bury themselves under recently dried clothing, towels and blankets in an effort to soak up the heat. Thanks for the info on it. 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. They do the same thing you described, and I don't wash them in anything. Your Cat Is Happy. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. NDhlMWUxZGY2NTJkYzAyYzVjNDdkNDlkZDhhMjJjNmU5MjM5MmMxNzA5ZGFh NzNkYTlkMDNjZmIwMjI2Y2Y2OWQyMDNhYTc1MmNiZTUzOTc0YWI1NjI5NTdm According to the Spruce, dryer sheets used to reduce static cling can harm a. Its best to keep the laundry door closed to keep your cat from entering at all times. Obsessive-compulsive disorder. This never recommended since your cat is likely to lick the chemical residue from his fur. 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. YTY5YTZmNjJhNTQ2YmIyNjUzYmYxMmRiYzViNTA3YTYwMWQ4Yzk4OTgwNTI4 Try to bring the fabric softener packaging so your vet can determine exactly what your cat ate. Location. I have had a couple of cats that liked to eat cobwebs. The same paws that play with the dryer sheet are the ones kitty licks and brushes across her fur when primping. there are some that are not egregiously expensive. ";"Time spent with a cat is never wasted. lynnette79. Cat just got a dryer sheet : r/Pets Additionally, ingested used dryer sheets can still lead to intestinal blockage. Answer (1 of 8): I am pretty sure there are chemicals in that stuff, so you should not let them do it. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Generated by Wordfence at Mon, 1 May 2023 7:48:34 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString());. Some people think that since the fabric softener in a dryer sheet is dry that it cant hurt their cats. If your cat eats a natural fabric softener, you should still contact the vet for advice. MjhlNjcyMWNkMWU4NWI4NmI1YTFhMGZhOGE0YmFkMzAzZTg4YzBhZmMxOTRh Is Pet-Safe Ice Melt Really Safe for Pets. Ive heard conflicting answers all over the web some say its dangerous others say there nothing left in the dryer sheet after its used and it might be the animal fat in them. There are several reasons why a cat might eat liquid fabric softener. They also bring plenty of odors, often in pet bedding, blankets, or your own sheets if Figaro or Fido likes to cuddle up. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? If your cat is exposed to any of these chemicals (via licking or chewing dryer sheets) then call your vet to discuss. Remember that cats are fastidious groomers and may get the chemicals in their mouth. In short yes, it can be. MDA2NTNkNTU1ZjA2MzZmNjMyMTU0OTYyODI3YmYxOWU1NTI3ZjY5ZGFlYjY4 If you think that your cat ate a dryer sheet or drank some liquid fabric softener, it is essential to contact your veterinarian immediately. When clicking a link here and buying, we may be able to make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. 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. Come join the discussion about breeds, training, kittens, food reviews, rescues, and more. N2E5NzA5MDEzOTE1NTJhNDU3OTA5MTQ5NjE4ODRhZGM1MzI5ZGI4Y2UzN2U4 My cats love to play with hair ties. Even though these pet owners do mean well, the dryer sheets, new or used, can cause your dog or cat to become ill or even die. 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. 6. Its also not a good idea to let your cat interact with the clothes coming out of the dryer since they may have traces of chemicals on them. JavaScript is disabled. Get expert advice to help your pet live its best life, What to Do if Your Cat Eats Fabric Softener, What to Do if Your Cat Is Vomiting Up Brown Liquid, The 8 Best Pet Hair Removers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed.