Being a first-time cat owner can be pretty stressful. Many things could be safe for a human child but life-threatening for your little fur ball.
Knowing what is and isn’t good for them can be difficult, especially since most cats have no survival skills and will try to eat everything.
They will try to sniff, play, and even eat almost anything without a care in the world and no regard for their health. It all comes down to the owner to keep an eye on their feline.
This guide will provide a concise and detailed answer to the main question, “Is Witch Hazel Safe For Cats?”
What is Witch Hazel?
Witch hazel is a medicinal herb used to treat issues such as diarrhea, cancer, tumors, and even skin problems. Parts like leaves, twigs, and bark are being sold.
Can I apply Witch Hazel on my Cat?
NO! Applying witch hazel on cats is a big no. And there are multiple reasons.
Firstly, cats do not like smelling like something else and will 100% lick anything that smells different off of their body.
Secondly, every witch hazel product sold is different and can contain alcohol which will inflate skin.
And lastly, witch hazel can seep into the skin if applied to open wounds. It will cause inflammation and other issues.
Cat Will Lick It Off
Felines are sensitive to smells and dislike smelling differently. They will lick anything that smells differently which can lead to the ingestion of harmful substances.
Product Ingredients
Every company selling witch hazel is bound to use different ingredients. It means that there could be alcohol or other harmful chemicals in the product when applied, can cause inflammation and other issues.
Witch Hazel Poisining
If applied on open wounds, witch hazel can seep into the skin and cause irritation, inflammation, and infections.
Is Witch Toxic For Cats?
Witch hazel is toxic for cats. Cats have sensitive bodies, and their stomach cannot handle chemicals like witch hazel. It can induce vomiting and constipation. They are also better in taste, making it unpleasant to ingest.
Witch Hazel For Cat Acne?
Cats get acne, but unlike humans, they get it due to extra keratin production, which clogs their hair follicles, making the chin area appear swollen and dirty.
It has been proved that witch hazel is poisonous for cats, and it is a dangerous risk to take by applying it on their chins.
A better solution would be some saline water which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and is safe for cats. Some pet stores sell acne wipes that are gentle, calming, and harmless for cats.
What to do if my pet ingested witch hazel?
The best option would be to consult a vet and get it checked out. If the feline has ingested only a bit of witch hazel, it will be fine in a day or two. But if the amount ingested by the cat is high, it can prove fatal to their health.
The pH of witch hazel is known to irritate the cat’s skin, and a vet may be able to administer medicine or a stomach pump to help it.
Witch Hazel for Cat Dermatitis
Witch hazel in the form of spray and lotion is a great option as it gets absorbed in the skin before the pet can have a chance to lick it off. It is exceptional for calming and relaxing dermatitis.
Do change the diet of the feline. High-quality cat food, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil, is the best choice. An oatmeal bath or a vinegar-diluted bath is recommended.
Try avoiding the use of a plastic bowl, use a steel one for food or water, and keep the steel bowl clean by washing it occasionally.
Witch Hazel for Cat Fleas
Herbal sprays are great to get rid of cat fleas. Consult a vet to prepare a witch hazel spray solution on your little fluff ball.
The solution can be prepared with witch hazel, water, vinegar, and lemon juice.
Witch Hazel For Ear Mites
It is not effective for ear mites but can help solve ear issues. Witch hazel products are unreliable because some might dry the cat’s ear, whilst others are great at treating bacteria and yeast infections.
It can also clog the ear ducts causing greater discomfort. The ear mite is an extremely painful ear problem and we do not want anything that can worsen it.
The best option is to keep your cat’s ears clean and always consult a vet.
Conclusion
Witch hazel is extraordinary in some cases but in other cases, it can prove fatal for the cat.
Cats are more sensitive compared to us humans. Plus, they cannot describe their pain with certain things to use. It is always better to consult a vet before applying something new to your child. This can prevent many issues and be a fool-proof method to avoid pain and discomfort for the cat.