How to Get Rid of Static Electricity in a Cat's Fur

Static electricity is common, and occurs when an electrical charge accumulates on an insulated body, like an animal or person. During dry months and in dry climates, static accumulates on a cat's fur from rubbing against blankets, couches, carpet and other household items. The signs of static electricity on a cat's fur are electric shock when the cat touches a human or other animal, and fur sticking out in all directions that won't lay down with simple petting or brushing.

Things You'll Need

  • Vaporizer or humidifier
  • Anti-static spray (for cats)
  • Cat moisturizing shampoo
  • Leave-in conditioner
  • Cat fur wipes
  • Moist cat food
  • Damp washcloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put a vaporizer or humidifier in the cat's favorite rooms. Vaporizers deposit more moisture into the air than a humidifier. Choose based on the dryness of the air.

    • 2

      Use an anti-static spray on the cat's fur. Mist the spray lightly without getting the cat wet or saturated. Anti-static sprays can be purchased from pet stores or on-line.

    • 3

      Give Kitty a bath using moisturizing cat shampoo. Some cats do not allow their owners to bathe them, but kittens are typically more compliant, as are cats who have been bathed regularly since they were young. Using a moisturizing shampoo will help keep the fur from drying out. Bathe the cat only at the beginning of the dry season, because over-bathing will dry out its skin and fur even more. Use lukewarm water, as hot water is drying and can also hurt the cat.

    • 4

      For cats that will not bathe, use a leave-in pet conditioner solution. Mix water and conditioner, using more water than conditioner. The ratio will depend on the kind of cat conditioner, so experiment with different ratios. Start with a ratio of 10 parts water to one part conditioner. If it doesn't work well, increase the amount of conditioner slightly. Use a spray bottle to deposit the solution on the cat's fur. Mist the fur without saturating it, then rub it in.

    • 5

      Use cat fur wipes to dampen and clean your cat's fur while temporarily removing static. Wipes are temporary solutions to cat fur static because they do not specifically contain moisturizers or anti-static ingredients. The moisture reduces static immediately, though. Lightly rubbing the fur with a washcloth moistened with water will also allow the cat to be pet for a while without static shocks.

    • 6

      Feed the feline moist cat food to help give it extra hydration. Wet food will add moisture to kitty's skin, giving the fur extra natural oils to help combat static electricity.