My Cat Ate Dish Soap – What Now? (Solved & Explained!)

Cats are curious creatures. And, as anyone with a feline friend can attest to, they have an insatiable appetite for mischief. So it’s probably not all that surprising when your cat decides to help herself to some dish soap. But what do you do now?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the dangers of dish soap for cats and offer some tips on how to deal with this potential emergency. Stay safe, kitties!

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My Cat Ate Dawn Dish Soap, Should I Worry?

There is no need to worry if your cat ate some dish soap. Dawn dish soap and most liquid dish soaps are non-toxic to cats and will not cause them any harm. Plus, it’s unlikely your cat ingested enough dish soap to cause harm.

If your cat has eaten a significant amount of Dawn dish soap, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Dawn Ultra Dish Liquid 7Oz Platinum Refreshing Rain Scent

What Does Soap Do to A Cat when They Eat It?

Soap can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats when they eat it. Symptoms of gastrointestinal upset can include vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. These symptoms are usually mild and will resolve on their own within a day or two.

If your cat is displaying any of these symptoms, offer them small amounts of fresh water frequently throughout the day to help with hydration. Vomiting can lead to dehydration in cats.

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cat with bubble and water in mouth

How Do I Treat Them at Home?

If your cat has only eaten a small amount of dish soap, there is no need to take them to the vet. Simply offer them fresh water and monitor them for any signs of gastrointestinal upset. If they start to vomit or have diarrhea, please contact your veterinarian.

When Do I Take Them to The Vet?

If your cat has eaten a large amount of dish soap or if symptoms like vomiting, lethargy and other signs of sickness persist past the first day, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

cat looking at bubbles

What Will the Vet Do to Treat a Cat that Ate Too Much Dish Soap?

If your cat has only eaten a small amount of dish soap, the vet will likely just monitor them for any signs of illness.

If they have eaten a large amount of dish soap, the vet may give them fluid therapy to help flush the soap out of their system. Your vet may also induce vomiting.

In severe cases, the vet may need to give your cat IV fluids if vomiting has caused dehydration.

What’s Recovery Like?

Usually, recovery is uneventful. Most cats will only experience mild gastrointestinal upset that will resolve on its own within a day or two. In more severe cases, the cat may need to be hospitalized for a day or two to receive IV fluids.

How Do I Prevent My Cat from Eating Dish Soap?

If you have a cat that likes to eat dish soap, the best way to prevent them from doing so is to keep the dish soap out of their reach. You can do this by keeping it in a cupboard or on a high shelf where they can’t get to it.

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You should also avoid using dish soaps that contain citrus oils or essential oils as these can be toxic to cats.

Will Soapy Water Hurt a Cat if They Drink It?

No, soapy water will not hurt a cat if they drink it. Dawn dish soap is often used to remove oil from animals after an oil spill.

However, you should still keep soapy water out of your cat’s reach as it can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts.

soapy water in a sink with colorful cups

What Should I Do if They Drink Soapy Water?

If your cat drinks soapy water, offer them fresh water to drink and monitor them for any signs of illness. If they start to vomit or have diarrhea, please contact your veterinarian.

Is Dish Soap Poisonous to Cats or Dogs?

No, dish soap is not poisonous to cats or dogs. However, it can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts.

Do Dish Detergent Pods Hurt Cats if They Eat One?

Yes, dish detergent pods can hurt cats if they eat one. The pod itself is non-toxic, however, a pod contains a large amount of soap and chemicals, more so than they would eat if they were just licking soapy water or straight liquid dish soap.

If your cat has ingested a dish detergent pod, please contact your veterinarian or local animal hospital immediately. Dish detergent pods contain several harmful chemicals, including surfactants and bleach, which can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation.

In addition, the wrapper that holds the pod together can pose a choking hazard.

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So please exercise caution and keep these products away from your pets!

Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Pods, Actionpacs Dishwasher Detergent with Dishwasher Cleaner Action, Lemon Platinum Plus, 30 Count

If You Wash Your Cat with Dish Soap and They Like Themselves After Will It Hurt Them?

No, it will not hurt your cat if you wash them with dish soap and they lick themselves afterward. Dish soap is not toxic to cats, however, it can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts.

If your cat ingests dish soap, offer them fresh water to drink and monitor them for any signs of illness.

Conclusion

Dish soap is not poisonous to cats, but it can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts. If your cat has eaten dish soap, offer them fresh water to drink and monitor them for any signs of illness. If they start to vomit or have diarrhea, please contact your veterinarian. In more severe cases, the vet may need to give your cat IV fluids if vomiting has caused dehydration.