The chemicals coat fabrics to reduce static cling and soften their texture. She has received more than 40 awards for excellence in journalism and photography. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. I advise everyone to keep dryer sheets away from your pets. These products are designed to be safe for both animals and humans. MjQwOTUxOTIwNWJjZGY3OTQyNzhmODYwYjc2ZTQzOWE0ODJjMzc1ZWUzYjcy 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. OTVhMWIyYjkyODc3ODljOTFiY2RlMjBkMjAyOTBkOGY4YzVkYmJiOTk4NjE2 YzY2YjBmYjI3MmM1MTI5ZjU1YzI4ODA4MGMwYzcyY2I0MDBlYzQ0ZWQ0ZDky OTU2OTZkODQ0MWNkZDI1OTRhMTQzMmEyMzcwMWVmZmIxMGFiZjY4ZjU2OGYy I had heard somewhere it was bad for them even if they hadn't eaten it. Yes I read that then I read another report on about I think it was that said it was ok. 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. They are intelligent, active, and playful. Fever and elevated white blood cell counts are signs the exposure poses more advanced health risks. If you believe Wordfence should be allowing you access to this site, please let them know using the steps below so they can investigate why this is happening. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. Follow these tips to keep your cats safe in the laundry room: Dryer sheets can be harmful to cats if they come into contact with the animals skin. ";"Time spent with a cat is never wasted. the tallow is what attracts them, and that wouldn't be so bad in and of itself, it's the other chemicals that are hazardous. The caustic chemicals can lead to irritation and ulceration in the mouth and GI tract. MTY5MDc3MzNkOTEyNzRhN2FhODNjZTYxYmMwMjQ3Zjc0YzcxYWZhMmIxZjQ1 Although used dryer sheets have lower concentrations of chemicals, it doesn't mean they are safe. If your cat eats a natural fabric softener, you should still contact the vet for advice. Certain cat breeds, such as the Siamese and other Oriental cats, will be more inclined to lick fabric. Fact or Myth Dryer Sheets Can Be Wiped on A Cat (or Dog) to Remove Loose Fur, Fact or Myth Dryer Sheets Can Be Wiped on Furniture to Remove Loose Fur. In serious cases, the ingestion of these harmful chemicals can lead to organ damage or central nervous system depression. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals indicates cationic (positively charged) elements added to dryer sheets and fabric softeners can cause drooling, appetite loss, oral burns and stomach pain in dogs and other animals as well, but is even more dangerous for cats, whose digestive systems are much more sensitive. This may be due to the breed's longer weaning period. Cat just got a dryer sheet I was woken up in the middle of the night by my cat playing with a used dryer sheet. If you think that your cat ate a dryer sheet or drank some liquid fabric softener, it is essential to contact your veterinarian immediately. Although used dryer sheets have lower concentrations of chemicals, it doesn't mean they are safe. If your cat is extremely content, she may lick the blanket. A blockage in the GI tract can lead to serious illness and even death. The best way to prevent your cat from getting into your dryer sheets is by keeping them locked up. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. MjhlNjcyMWNkMWU4NWI4NmI1YTFhMGZhOGE0YmFkMzAzZTg4YzBhZmMxOTRh YTRjYmY0YWM0MDg2ODZhMWM5YWQ5N2U5OWFmMzI3NGYxYWRlMTNhNWIxOThk Still noone is telling me WHY they like it. 180 Count (Pack of 1) 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,474. . Has anyone else had this happen? ~ Unknown Author, Alkitotle aka "Alkee", "Lambie" (July 2/04 - Oct. 2/15) -- white Devon Rex. No need to get rid of them. I never used dryer sheets before and now I wish I never started using them. 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. Im so, so sorry to hear this. MWM3NDY2N2EyYjc1MTEzYzE1NWM1MzJiYzQ3ZDk5MDc3Y2RjODQ2NWIzZGIw 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. Click to get it NOW! 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. Depending on the situation, your vet may recommend you bring your cat into the animal hospital for treatment. I've known for a while now that dryer sheets are bad for cats, but I can't remember where I read about it originally. When people come round she jumps on your knee and licks away leaving a big sopping wet area. Is It Ok for Cats to Play with Or Chew Wool Dryer Balls? NTM0MGU4ZjY4N2FlNWM1MGU4NzY1Yzg2MGUyZjExNTNkOGZhZmQyZjdhNDI1 So I guess its fine, but I still feel somewhat concerned about the toxicity issue (being woken up after 3 hours of sleep hasnt helped me logically process the situation either). Essex. ZmExMGU4N2ExYWU5MWZmMWU1OGQxMTAxYWJmNzNlZGY3MzBhYTkxMDhmMmY5 I was woken up in the middle of the night by my cat playing with a used dryer sheet. Cats love anything cozy and warm, and clothes right out of the dryer check all the boxes. He doesnt eat them he just plays with them My dog does the same thing just rolls and rolls on them. We all know that cats can get into anything, even stuff we thought we had put out of their reach. @ethorn13, t behind not using dryer sheets is that your baby may be sensitive to the chemicals/scents used in the dryer sheet. MTAyMTBlZWM3OTUyMGNiZjg3ZDM4YWUxMGJjZWVhOWQzMzM5OTM5OWRjYmI4 Cat is trying to initiate play when the other is using the litter box. YWQ0NmE0NjdlNjlhN2EwZDUwNzcyNGEwZjQ2ZGFiMWY2NzkzZGQ1YTBkNTdh I'm really worried if he's going to get sick from this. 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). 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. Fabric softeners, both in liquid and dryer sheet form, can be very dangerous for your cat to ingest. If you must use dryer sheets, be sure to keep them away from your cat. The best way to prevent cats from eating dryer sheets is to keep them out of reach. He was in a lot of pain before he passed on. Nov 13, 2010 #7 kailie Your access to this site was blocked by Wordfence, a security provider, who protects sites from malicious activity. So he isnt going to be around them anymore that also mean my dog doesnt play in them either. Patricia is a pet writer and lifelong animal lover. In many cases, GI obstructions need to be removed surgically or via endoscopy. Its important to keep dryer sheets away from your cat and to always follow the label instructions when using any cleaning product. MThlMjIyYjY4MGJlNTAyNzkxMzc5YjZiNmY5ZjhmZGUzOGE1ZjBlZGJjNjcx Keep the washer and dryer doors closed at all times. My sweet boy Frankie passed away this morning from ingesting dryer sheets. Consider safer alternatives to chemical fabric softeners, such as dryer balls made of wool or plastic. In addition, some of these chemicals can lead to lung damage, central nervous system depression, and acute kidney disease. 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 I heard some heavy breathing and found the cat with a dryer sheet lodged in his throat. Thanks, Scan this QR code to download the app now. 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! Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Accidents like this are hard to get over. A blockage in the GI tract can lead to serious illness and even death. like jacq said, almost all dryer sheets are made with tallow, which is just another word for lard or animal fat. You should also avoid using fabric softener on any pet bedding, as the chemicals can be transferred to your cats fur and skin. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. YWQxZDdlNDIwYmE4MzAxYjQyNWM2Y2I1NWM4MmNlOWMxMWI1ZDdmNjc1NzMz 6. Dr. Harrison is part of The Spruce Pets veterinary review board. Answer (1 of 8): I am pretty sure there are chemicals in that stuff, so you should not let them do it. 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. These procedures can increase the risks to your cat's health. Should I Use Dryer Sheets when Drying a Cat Bed? It's no secret that comfort-loving felines are naturally attracted to the warmth associated with laundry pulled fresh the dryer. Laundry dryer sheets contain fragrances and chemicals to soften your clothes and reduce static electricity. Cationic surfactants are chemicals in dryer sheets that can be harmful to cats. I have had a couple of cats that liked to eat cobwebs. Put on gloves and found the bits that looked like they could be dryer sheets - they looked more like mucous. However, dryer sheets can be a big problem with pets. NGFkYzRkNzU0NjMyYmZlYjk1MzUyZjBkZDE3ZGRhMjZhNmUzYWUyZTdmNzM1 Also, a cat that eats a dryer sheet ingestion may develop gastrointestinal obstruction. 4. NmQ2NmI2ODQ1MjhkNDY2OTgyMDAyYmU1ZTJiOTg0YmE1MzljMzlhNzlmYzk4 What You Need to Know. If your cat ate fabric softener, call your vet immediately. M. Miss_Angel05. The Merck Veterinary Manual warns against corrosive tissue injury it claims is caused by cationics -- particularly for cats due to their grooming habits. First, the ingestion of the dryer sheet material may result in gastrointestinal obstruction. These chemicals can be harmful to both animals and humans if ingested in sufficient quantities. NTI2ZTA5Y2I0OTlmMzY2ZmM3ZGU3YzUxZTM4MDQ0OTc3Y2NhNWQ5MmIyZjNk Dr. Bartley Harrison is a veterinarian with more than 15 years of professional veterinary experience treating dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and small mammals, with a specific focus on Emergency Medicine. The silicone coating on the dryer sheet will help soften the food. 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. YTY5YTZmNjJhNTQ2YmIyNjUzYmYxMmRiYzViNTA3YTYwMWQ4Yzk4OTgwNTI4 MDM0MjVjNDE4MTA3MmZlNmY2MTk5OGFlOTJhZThmNTk1YmQ2ZTllMWQ5MmI0 I always dry my cat separately on high and never have issues like op. You can try using a pet-safe fabric softener when washing your cats bedding. Your Cat Is Happy. With prompt treatment, your cat can make a full recovery and find something safer to chew on. What to Do if Your Cat Eats Fabric Softener, 10 Reasons Why Cats Make Better Pets Than Dogs. they still might not be good for your cat, but if there's no tallow then the cat probably won't be so attracted to them. 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. They should still be kept out of the reach of all pets in the home. If you are concerned, just rewash the clothes. Site Help | Featured Image Credit: Noah Rolseth, Shutterstock. "Natural" and environmentally friendly products, although potentially leas harmful, are not necessarily safe. Your cat might find a random dryer sheet to lick or eat. JavaScript is disabled. People are also using dryer sheets to repel pet fur on furniture. 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. Well fabric softener liquid even they like i spilled some and thought I cleaned it all up funny thing with black light what you see. My sweet boy Frankie passed away this morning from ingesting dryer sheets. Yay A really good answer. now I know. How to Safely Use Fabric Softener Around Cats. I usually grab a clean damp rag and wipe the surface (sheet, sofa, etc) with it to get the cat fur off. If you think that your cat ate a dryer sheet or drank some liquid fabric softener, it is essential to contact your veterinarian immediately. A blockage in the GI tract can lead to serious illness and even death. Or under doors. You should never use dryer sheets when drying a cat bed (or any pet bedding for that matter). Some owners have reported kidney failure in animals that have ingested dryer sheets. Animals lick their fur and the areas on which they rest, so using dryer sheets to repel dander may needlessly expose Fluffy or Fido to health risks. (Photos were taken, ew). Merck outlines the use of fluid therapy and activated charcoal to combat the toxic effects of cationics. . 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. These chemicals are in high concentrations that are released in the dryer. MzQ1MDViYyJ9 This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support! Theyre designed to soften your clothes and prevent static buildup. Should I Use Fabric Softener when Washing a Cat Bed? Residual chemicals may be enough to cause irritation to your cat's skin and mouth as a result of self-grooming. NzNkYTlkMDNjZmIwMjI2Y2Y2OWQyMDNhYTc1MmNiZTUzOTc0YWI1NjI5NTdm They particularly like tossing them and pouncing on them, and putting them under rugs and then getting them out. If youve ever caught your cat licking or chewing on a dryer sheet, you may be wondering if its harmful. If you have baked-on or stuck-on food in a pot or pan, place an unused non-woven polyester dryer sheet in the pan and fill it with hot water. Cats are typically very sensitive to chemicals, and those in fabric softeners are no exception. These products are designed to be safe for both animals and humans. NmJhYmJmYjIyYmFkNTU2MDMwM2U3NDM4MDA5NDExYTJmM2ZiM2YxNzFiOTli Keep the washer and dryer doors closed at all times. It is best to keep your cat from bonding with your clean laundry by closing the door to the laundry room or the area in which you are sorting and folding laundry. YTRmYWE3N2M2MWE3YjlmM2MxY2E0OTg0YmZkNWNlN2FiMWVmODVlYmMwMmE2 OWFlYWZlNWIwNWJhZjU1NGZlZWY2ZDcxODc0OTFhOWQ0ZTllYTM2ZDc1YjNi We had no idea that we would have to give up . Kidney failure is also one of the problems that can occur after ingestion of dryer sheet chemicals. NmEzYzE3OWVjOTViNjU3Y2IwOTJjODRiY2E3ZTRkYTZiNDBhNjM2YTEwMTAy Won't work for me, then. NDhlMWUxZGY2NTJkYzAyYzVjNDdkNDlkZDhhMjJjNmU5MjM5MmMxNzA5ZGFh She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Washington State University. And, are dryer sheets a safer alternative? Unravelled them, stretched them out and made the puzzle with the piece I had gotten earlier. Better yet, fold and put away fabric items right after they come out of the dryer. Your cat might find a random dryer sheet to lick or eat. YjU2YjA4MGYzYmY4MGQ4MGQzNDRiYjY3YThiMDJiNGQyOTVhMmZhYTEwMWQz Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Home & Forums | These procedures can increase the risks to your cat's health. Unused dryer sheets are definitely a greater threat since they still carry most of these chemicals, but even used ones are a problem. All chemicals in the home should be stored out of reach and, if possible, behind closed doors. Within 20 angry, distrustful minutes he had vomited his entire stomach contents into the bathtub. Even though the word "cationic" begins its spelling with kitty's common namesake, that doesn't mean this element is friendly to your feline friend's digestive system. We got a kitten in March. That includes toxic chemicals, toxic plants, and even dryer sheets. If your cat ate a dryer sheet, she may have an upset stomach or even intestinal blockages. CBS News: Scented Laundry Products Release Carcinogens Study Finds, The Merck Veterinary Manual: Cationic Detergents, Thrifty Fun: Warning About Dryer Sheets and Pets, Santa Barbara Independent: National Poison Prevention Week. Some of these signs can only be determined by your vet, so if you suspect your cat has eaten a dryer sheet, its best to take it to the vet right away for diagnosis and treatment. Archived post. Your vet may need to get in touch with animal poison control to find out more about the toxicity of that specific brand. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. In many cases, GI obstructions need to be removed surgically or via endoscopy. Dryer sheets are semi-rough, smell good, and slide around easily on hard flooring. Generated by Wordfence at Mon, 1 May 2023 7:48:34 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString());. Come join the discussion about breeds, training, kittens, food reviews, rescues, and more. 1. Never try to induce vomitingthis may increase the irritation to the esophagus and mouth. The cationic surfactants and synthetic materials are significant hazards to your cat, and you should avoid leaving dryer sheets or liquid detergents where your pet can access them. ODViY2E1OTE4NjhiMjU5Y2U3ODU5MmFlMTdiZTFmOWJhNGUwNmMxMTA4ZTU0 "~ Colette, "A loving cat can mend a wounded heart." The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Learn more. Milk is also often used to coat the cats esophagus, which helps to reduce the burning caused by the chemicals and helps the pain your cat is in. MDI1YzNmZjdkMjU0MzZmNTc2ODllZDg4YzlmMWMxYmFkZmFlM2FiYTAwMjNk It's just a recipe for disaster if kitty ate some. YzYwMmFkOTdiM2YxOTE2MmIxMjBjNzU5YjUxMzdlZWI2ZWY2NjRjMDM3MTBi Getting a cat to drink milk coats the esophagus, helping to reduce the burning effects of the chemicals. The sheets could also be swallowed and plug your cat up, so do. Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Choosing a Detergent to Help Eliminate Pet Odor in Bedding By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.