How To Remove Paint From Your Cat's Fur

You were doing some home renovations when, unfortunately, your cat got into the paint. Now your poor cat is walking around with paint stuck in their fur, and you don't know what to do to help. You also want to make sure that they didn't ingest any of the paint since you're sure it's not good for their health. By researching what you can do for paint on your cat's fur, you can try to get it off and keep them healthy.

If there are only small paint spots on your cat's fur, then you could possibly remove it without having to give your cat a bath. Your cat might hate water, so it's best to avoid the bath.

The methods for cleaning the paint off your cat's fur are going to be different for water- or oil-based paints. For water-based paints, first, you could get someone to hold your cat so that your job is easier. If nobody is available to help you, then wrap your cat in a towel and uncover the paint spot areas. Then, pour a small cup of water on the paint spot on your cat's fur or use a wet washcloth to dampen it. Then, rub some dish soap into it. You can pour more water over the spot until the paint comes out, and then towel dry your cat.

If your cat is covered with paint in more than one spot, then you'll have to give them a bath. Fill a sink or a bathtub with only a few inches of warm water. The water should be room temperature and not too hot. Wet your cat's fur with the water, and then rub the dish soap into their fur. The paint should come off. It's best to remove the paint on your cat's face and head with a damp washcloth so the water and soap don't get into their ears and eyes. You can also place cotton balls in your feline's ears to keep the water out.

When you've completely cleaned the paint off your cat's fur, then dry them with a towel right away. You can also put a blow dryer on the lowest air and heat settings to dry them off.

If your cat got into oil-based paint, then you could take a pair of nail scissors and trim away the spots where the paint is located. But if your cat is covered in it, a haircut is not a good idea. You can use mineral or vegetable oil to get the oil-based paint out. Simply pour a small amount into your hand and then work it into the spots. You can then take a paper towel to get the excess oil out. This could take a few tries if there's a lot of paint. Afterwards, give your cat a bath.

Keep in mind that you should never use paint removers like turpentine, since they can burn your cat's skin and cause irritation. Additionally, when giving your cat a bath, only use cat shampoo, since human shampoo will not be good for their skin.

Most paint is toxic to cats. Your cat may have tried to eat the paint or licked the paint off of their fur and gotten sick. If your cat is not feeling well, you may notice symptoms like drooling, diarrhea, breathing issues, seizures, pawing at the mouth, fever, bluish gums and tongue, and head shaking. Take your cat to the veterinarian right away for treatment since the poisoning could be serious.

When you give your cat a bath, you can use Burt's Bees for Pets Hypoallergenic Shampoo with Shea Butter and Honey, which could not only help remove the paint, but will also soften dry skin and condition your cat's fur and skin. It's mild and pH balanced for all kittens and cats, and contains a veterinarian-recommended formula that's free of sulfates, colorants, harsh chemicals, and fragrances. This shampoo includes all-natural ingredients like shea butter and honey, which will moisturize the skin and make your cat's fur shiny.

Another shampoo that your cat may love is Arm & Hammer Tearless Kitten Shampoo for Cats. The baking soda will deodorize cat coats so your cat will smell clean and fresh, as well as give it a sweet almond scent. It contains natural ingredients and is tearless, so it won't hurt your cat's eyes. Still, it's always best to avoid putting soap on your cat's face during a bath.

If your cat got into paint, you can remove it using a damp towel and some dish soap, giving your cat a bath, and/or using cooking oil to gently rub out the point. Make sure your cat isn't sick from the paint. If they are, take them to the veterinarian immediately for medical care.