How to Get Rid of Static Cling on Cats

When you pet your cat and feel a shock, or she rubs up against you and you get shocked, this is because there is static electricity in her fur.

If you want to eliminate this static electricity or at the very least reduce it, then there are certain steps you can take. Then, you won't be shocked every time you pet your cat or she wants to cuddle you.

Cats get static electricity in their fur when humidity is low and the air is cold. It typically happens more in the winter, however, it could also occur in other seasons. Essentially, there is an imbalance of charges when your cat's fur comes into contact with something else, like your hand or your leg, and you get shocked. It may not only bother you – it could hurt your cat as well. If you're turning up the heat in your house during the winter time, that means your house is dry but the air is still cold outside, and static electricity could build up in your cat's fur. Since you don't want to go without heat for the winter, there are other things you can do, including the following.

You could get a humidifier for your home, which will be helpful for you as well. Not only will it reduce statistic electricity in your cat's fur, but it could also improve your hair and skin since it's adding moisture to your environment.

Just make sure that when you get a humidifier, you put it somewhere your cat can't reach it. This is especially crucial if you use a warm air humidifier, since the hot water could hurt your cat. You may want to use a cold air one instead so that if your cat does jump up on it, it won't hurt her.

Remember: If you don't need to turn up all the heat all the time, then you could naturally ensure that your home isn't so dry. If you have a Nest or another device that could control the heat, that could also help reduce static in your cat's fur.

Before petting your cat, put some water on your hands so that there won't be a shock. This water will discharge any static electricity so you won't carry your charge over to your cat.

When brushing your cat, don't use plastic, since it can cause more shocks. Instead, use ionic or metal brushes to groom your cat.

When you give your cat a bath, wash her with moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to eliminate static. Ingredients like aloe vera or oatmeal could be highly effective. You can even use a spray-on condition prior to grooming your cat or utilize grooming wipes regularly to ensure her coat stays conditioned.

If your cat sleeps on a bed or blanket that's synthetic, it could create static electricity. Instead of fleece, find a bed or blanket that's made of something natural like wool, which will be less likely to create static electricity.

While dryer sheets could reduce static electricity in your clothing, it's not a good idea to use them on your cat, since they contain corrosive cationic detergents. They can cause health problems in your cat like seizures, burns on the skin or in the eyes, vomiting, and muscular weakness.

Omega 3's, which are fatty acids, can give your cat a shinier and fuller coat. They have anti-inflammatory properties and can treat dry skin and hotspots. They can also improve your cat's joint health, which will help with arthritis, and ensure that your cat has fewer hairballs. You can feed your cat food that contains omega-rich ingredients such as mackerel, trout, salmon, or fish oil in order to reduce static electricity.

You could also buy different products to help with the static. For instance, Burt's Bees Dander Reducing Cat Spray is made with 99.7% natural ingredients like colloidal oat flour and aloe vera, which deeply condition your cat's dry skin and reduce flaking. It's pH balanced just for cats to keep their skin healthy, and it's made cruelty-free in the United States without sulfates, added fragrances, and sulfates.

Another grooming product that could reduce static and shock is Frisco Hypoallergenic Grooming Wipes with Aloe for Dogs & Cats, which are made without dyes, parabens, or added perfumes or fragrances. It's a mild coconut-derived cleanser with organic aloe vera juice that will soothe your cat's skin as you wipe it. It also contains an added pro-vitamin B5 to nourish the coat, which could get rid of the static.

You can get rid of static in your cat's fur by using a humidifier, grooming her with certain products, wetting your hands before petting her, and feeding her Omega 3's. Then, you and your cat won't get a shock when you're cuddling.