I am always serious when it comes to getting sap out of cat fur. It must never be treated as a joke. Although it is a difficult task, it is a very important one.
From using peanut butter and oils to ice cubes and pet clippers; we are certain that all these items help in getting sap out of cat fur.
But what is sap exactly? Well, it can be described as an extremely gluey substance. It can be the main source of debris like dirt, pebbles, and pine needles. This rubbish gets caught in the cat’s paws or body, causing a lot of pain to the feline.
Having experienced the same with my cat, I have put down some best strategies that can help in getting sap out of cat fur in no time. If you are a cat owner, make sure you read the complete article for a better understanding.
How to Get Sap Out Of Cat Fur? [Best 3 Strategies to Try]
Given below are the 3 best approaches I usually use to get sap out of my cat’s fur. Most of these items can usually be found in a common household.
Peanut Butter and Oils
The first product is peanut butter. It contains a lot of peanut oil, which has the ability to dissolve sap-like elements. Not only this but vegetable and olive oils can also do the job.
All you are required to do is massage a generous amount of either the butter or olive oil onto the affected part of the fur.
Continue doing this until the sticky material loosens up a little bit. After I get rid of the sap, I wash the fur with warm water and shampoo thoroughly to remove all the peanut butter.
Petroleum Jelly
Using Petroleum jelly is another effective way I use to shake off sap from the cat’s fur. To make this method work, a lump of petroleum jelly should be enough. Rub it into the fur. After this, use a cloth but make sure that it is clean.
Repeat this process until there is no more sap in sight. After being sure, use a degreasing shampoo designed for cats over that area of their fur to eliminate all the petroleum jelly.
Ice Cubes and Pet Clippers
I was surprised to find out that even as simple as an ice cube can break up sap from a cat’s fur! It is one of the most certain methods. First, apply ice to it. Then, with the help of pet clippers, clip the sapped part of the fur. While using your hands, do it in the gentlest way.
Note: Under no circumstances should you make use of scissors to cut the fur. This can seriously injure the animal. You should use the services of clippers cut out for pets only.
Also, retrain yourself from using paint thinners or gasoline to discard the sticky part. The reason is – these products contain chemicals in large volumes. This might result in burns to the skin.
The situation gets even worse when/if the cat licks the affected area as it gives the mouth as well as the tongue a fire-like sensation.
Other Ways to Get Sap Out of Cat Fur
Other than the above-mentioned methods, I have come across some other methods as well. Check them out below.
- Blow Dryer: If the sap has remained on the fur for hours now and is as stiff as a board, it is only wise to use a blow dryer in this situation. It will slowly heat up the sap, leading it to ease off.
- Wide Toothed Comb: This particular piece will assist in the latter process of removing the sap from the cat’s fur.
- Mineral Oil: It is just like liquid petroleum. It is used in the same way olive or vegetable oil is used.
- Vodka or Bourbon: I am sure you are as confused as I was when I learned this fact. Indeed, alcohol is a good substitute for liquefying the sap.
Generally, applying alcohol is not widely encouraged. It will have more dangerous consequences than Vodka or Bourbon if your cat were to lick the applied part.
How to Remove Sap from Fur?
Here is a step-by-step detailed guide to help you remove sap from your cat’s fur effectively:
- Check if the sap has become as hard as a stone. If it has, then a blow dryer will come in handy. Put it on its lowermost heat setting and blow air on the dried sap. The heat must not be too hot for the cat to handle.
- Once the sap starts releasing its grip, loosen the sap by way of using the earlier said items. For instance, employ any oil, peanut butter, or even Vodka; apply it to your cat’s fur with care and put it to rest for a few minutes.
- After allowing the ingredient to set on the affected part, take out the sap from your cat’s fur with caution. For this, use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb.
After these steps, use a well-washed towel and clean the leftovers. Use a pet-friendly clipper if you or the cat is not yet satisfied.
The final step would be to cleanse your pet with shampoo. I had to wash my cat several times before drying it. I did this to remove the oiliness that refused to leave with one turn of applying shampoo!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Sap Toxic to Cats?
Yes, the sap is extremely harmful and toxic to cats. Cats take in nickels of sap because of chewing on branches or needles. As a result, vomiting, drooling, loose stool or diarrhea can be expected.
What is more, ingesting small amounts every day can impair the kidneys and liver as well as result in irritation to the skin if the sap is allowed to stay for a longer period of time in the fur.
2. Is Olive Oil Safe for Cats?
In my opinion, olive oil may not be the best of all ideas for cats. It does not act as a poison to the cat but again consuming too much fat is not good either.
3. What Dissolves Dried Sap?
The products best used to dissolve dried sap are – alcohol, hand sanitizers as well as nail polish remover; or any such thing that has a high percentage of alcohol content.
Apart from these alcohol-infused items, cooking oils such as olive, coconut, and vegetable oils also serve as an excellent choice to do away with sap off the cat fur.