About Dander Cloths for Cats

Cat dander cloths are moistened grooming cloths that are used to clean a cat's fur. These cloths are widely available in pet stores, but are they really necessary? Most cats do a great job of cleaning themselves. However, you may find cat dander cloths to be useful if your cat gets dirty. They may also help people with cat allergies to tolerate cats more easily.

  1. Function

    • Cat dander cloths are used to clean cats and to remove dander from their fur. Dander is a substance that consists of dried saliva and tiny flakes of skin. Unless your cat has dry skin or dandruff, her dander is probably invisible. However, even though you can't see it, cat dander can cause serious problems for people who are allergic to cats. Using cat dander wipes can not only make your cat smell better and make his fur shiny, they can also reduce the amount of allergy-causing dander on his fur.

    Types

    • There are a variety of cat dander cloths available. Most contain some sort of mild soap or cleanser, moisturizers and a fragrance. Others are fragrance-free, so they won't irritate people (or cats) who are sensitive to perfumes. If your cat has special needs, such as dry skin or excessive shedding, you can find specially formulated grooming wipes that may help.

    Benefits

    • Although people with allergies may experience some relief from using cat dander cloths, their main benefit is to keep your cat's coat soft and shiny. They are also a great way to clean a dirty cat without having to immerse it in water. Your cat will appreciate it if you use grooming wipes instead of bathing her in the tub, and you will appreciate not having to dodge her razor-sharp claws as you groom her.

    Warning

    • Cat dander wipes will not remove all of the cat dander from your cat. Nor will they stop your cat from producing dander. Although allergy experts recommend wiping your cat off with a damp cloth daily to minimize dander, there are other steps that you need to take if you are allergic but insist on keeping your cat. For example, you should also keep her out of your bedroom, clean your house frequently and install HEPA filters. Even after taking all of these steps, you may still have an allergic reaction to your cat if your allergies are severe. Talk to your doctor to see what options are available for you if you have allergies but want to keep your pet.

    Shopping

    • When selecting dander cloths for your cat, one factor to consider is the type of coat he has. A long-haired cat would benefit from grooming wipes that contain more moisturizers and conditioners to keep mats from forming in the coat. Some grooming wipes are made specifically for cats, while others can be used on cats or dogs. Be careful when using grooming wipes made for dogs on cats if they contain any kind of essential oils. Cats are much more sensitive to essential oils than dogs are.