Skunks and cats are not friendly with each other. This is an undeniable fact proven repeatedly through the thousands of close encounters between these two species. Typically, the winner in a fight is the skunk, which can repel even the most courageous cat with its potent, smelly spray. You may wonder what would be the best approach in such a situation and how you can get rid of the foul smell caused by skunk spray. Our Atlanta cat sitters from Critter Sitters explain.
What is the Safest Way to Get Rid of Skunk Stink on Your Cat?
Cats are adventurous and curious, and skunks appeal to cats’ almost unbeatable curiousness. Unfortunately, this leads to your cat’s face getting sprayed by a skunk. It’s needless to say how unpleasant and unforgettable this experience will be for you and certainly for your kitty. The biggest concern you may have at this point is how you can safely remove this overpowering smell off your cat safely, quickly, and efficiently.
Typically, your instincts will say, “let’s give you a nice bath.” However, this may not necessarily be the best approach. A skunk’s spray contains an oily substance that may enhance its foul smell if you try to bathe your cat right away. One quick way to get things under control is to mix ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide and one teaspoon of baking soda and antibacterial soap. Scrub your kitty’s face, avoiding their mouth, nose, and eyes. Give your kitty a rinse, and then you can proceed to wash your cat with their shampoo. If you have doubts, please consult with your cat’s vet before trying this method.
Some shampoos are specifically formulated to remove skunk odor from your kitty and are safe to use. This can also be a great way to de-skunk your cat. It is essential to keep your cat inside the house soon after being sprayed by a skunk. You would risk spreading the intense, discomforting smell, and you could get your fair share of skunk smell – which is not ideal. Have your cat’s bathing kit handy, and make sure you are carefully removing the skunk spray from your cat.
Is Skunk Spray Dangerous for Your Cat?
In general terms, skunk spray is just a foul-smelled defense mechanism used by skunks. However, your cat could be potentially harmed depending on the situation. For instance, if your cat ingests the skunk spray, your cat’s life could be at risk. Skunk spray has been discovered to contain a dangerous toxin that can cause your cat to vomit and diarrhea when ingested. If exposed and untreated for an extended period, your cat could die. If you see your cat turn anemic, lethargic, and exhausted, it is time to call your veterinarian and rush your kitty to the nearest emergency pet hospital.
Rabies is another life-threatening condition your loving pet could develop due to exposure to skunk spray. During a scuffle, your cat could also be bitten by an infected skunk, which could lead to rabies. It is essential to get your cat checked by a professional to avoid further complications. A general rule of thumb is waiting for a couple of hours after bathing and removing the skunk smell off your cat to assess your kitty’s behavior. If you see any of the symptoms we described, it is time to take immediate action to protect your cat’s health.
How Can I Protect My Cat from Skunks?
Protecting your cat against the dangers of being sprayed by a skunk is critical. If a skunk has easy access to where your cat is, and if your cat sees a skunk near their home, a scuffle is almost inevitable. The first thing that is best to keep in mind is that skunks are dangerous, and their spray should not be taken lightly. If you have your cat in your backyard, make sure there are no holes or breakings in your fence. The most significant action to take is to cut all potential entrances to your home, and you will have a skunk-free environment. This way, you can take good care of your kitty and avoid any unpleasant interactions with a skunk.
If you have seen any skunks lying around your house, it is an excellent idea to eliminate them. The most humane, responsible, and safe way to remove any skunks from your premises is to call animal control and have them removed from your house.
A general rule of thumb is always to have your cat on a leash whenever you are outdoors. Your kitty may be trained, behave great at home, and be an overall “good boy” or “good girl.” However, sometimes instincts take over, and if a skunk shows up while your cat is unleashed, chances are you will have to deal with a smelly – or potentially dangerous – situation.
The most important take away about this article is to make sure you take any situation between your cat and and a skunk seriously. We have all seen the funny videos on television where a cat instantly regrets messing with a little yet aggressive skunk. However, reality can be more severe if your kitty is exposed to a skunk’s deadly toxins. Always make sure to contact your local veterinarian if you feel your cat is in danger.
Professional Cat Sitters Serving Atlanta
We know how much you love your kitty, and you would do anything in your power to make sure they are safe at all times. However, sometimes life can change your plans in an instant, making spending time with your kitty almost impossible. If you can’t make it home on time to feed Fluffy and take good care of it, we can help. Our Sandy Springs professional cat sitters from Critter Sitters know how essential your cat’s safety is to you. That is why we dedicate all of our efforts and experience to taking good care of your kitty when, for any reason, you are unable to do so. To learn more about all of our services, call our offices today at (404) 793-6178.
