Anyone know of a non toxic dye for animals?

[DrKym]

btw ridiculous is spelled with an I not an E

[Karen]

With all due respect Karen, "testing" a spot of the cat to make sure it is not sensitive to dyes??? We're talking about a live, precious animal, not a damn couch.

I would not do to an animal anything I wouldn't do to myself. Testing a bit - as in put a little teeny spot on the skin, and make sure it doesn't get red or itchy around it. If it does, you can wipe it off quickly, and wash the spot, and if necessary - because they are Sphynxes - put something over the spot so they don't scratch it. Better to test a teeny spot before dyeing a whole big patch, isn't it? With any skin allergens, the smaller the exposure the better. I only mentioned testing so she didn't just assume dyes were safe because they are vegetable-based.

I am allergic to many things. Before I put anything new - be it soap, shampoo, lotion, make-up (which I don't wear normally anyway) on my skin for actual use, I do a sniff test, and then, if it doesn't make me sneeze, a little skin test on my wrist. If I don't itch, or turn red, or get swollen spot, or feel like my skin is burning, then I know it's okay.

[DrKym]

Karen......No offense as I know your issues, the cat will NOT react like we do. dyeing is NOT safe for a hairless PERIOD

[Catty1]

Ok, apropos of nothing... on the few occasions I have used hair colouring, the instructions ALWAYS say to try a small amount on part of my skin...which I never do. So yes, human skin can be pre-tested.

BC, you had some really cute costumes for them. Did you change your mind on them?

I did some reading up on this...some folks suggest Kool-aid without the sugar. A really good one I saw was to have an animal groomer do it, or at least get the dyes from there.

Here is a really good link with points of view from all sides; please read at least the first 12 replies: http://www.whypaintcats.com/

HOWEVER - all this stuff is about the dye on cat's FUR. Please check with at least a professional groomer about using this on Milo and Duck. Skin might be a totally different thing, and I know you love your babies. Just make sure!

[shais_mom]

btw ridiculous is spelled with an I not an E

hmm
that's pretty funny coming from someone who posted a thread yesterday about how the Pet Talk you know and love and that supported you is tearing each other down now? I notice your thread is gone.

[DrKym]

Good advice Candace...still not safe for a hairless

[shais_mom]

Cats absorb thru their skin more than dogs or we do. That's why you have to be so very careful in using aromatherapy.

[DrKym]

hmm
that's pretty funny coming from someone who posted a thread yesterday about how the Pet Talk you know and love and that supported you is tearing each other down now? I notice your thread is gone.

Yes it is by my choice.... still believe in PT and those that are part of it.

If you have questions over the thread deletion contact Karen. I still will and will always support this board

[shais_mom]

but it's ok for you to pick apart a teenager's spelling? But its not ok for the rest of us to voice our opinions about others?

[DrKym]

take your issue with me to PM otherwise let's stick to the topic.

[Catty1]

Here is a hunky and fluffy news break from Cat General: http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=133719

Local groomer jenluckenbach has been contacted by one of our reporters for her take on Hallowe'en and your pet. "Dying to Dye Rover and Fluffy", next on FWIW news.

We now return to our regular thread...

[shais_mom]

For the record bcup- I don't agree with dyeing the cats BUT I certainly don't think you need to rehome them, nor do I feel you need to be treated as harshly as what you are being treated.

[crow_noir]

When i was done reading everyone's replies i was going to go look an old post of mine where i posted about that book. I didn't even know it has its own website.

Very... interesting read. (If one can step outside of any moral issues for a few moments...) From a purely art point of view it is AMAZING! (Edit: I want to state that i didn't find all of the stories/paintings so... amusing. )

... http://www.whypaintcats.com/...

Also must note that Karen's idea of spot testing is a VERY good one.

I personally don't agree with dressing up pets for fashion in any way, but if someone is going to do it, they should at least do it is a safe manner.

Kudos to you buttercup132 for asking for advice and looking up info instead of just jumping into it.

[buttercup132]

Please check with at least a professional groomer about using this on Milo and Duck

I AM a professional groomer.

Donna really how is it stressfull for them?

[catnapper]

I'm not gonna get into whether you should or shouldn't dye them - thats your prerogative.

However, based on the crystals thing, I do have to comment.... yes, by Halloween they should clear up. but they can reappear over night. Crystals are serious and once a cat develops a propensity towards them, they'll continually get them. Ducky is young to start having them, which leads me to believe he'll have them chronically. From my experience with Pouncer, I do anything in my power to keep him stress free... sometimes I think I stress myself out in order to keep him stress free He just had very expensive surgery so that the crystals won't kill him. He'll forever stress and get crystals but now he'll be able to pass them.

Lastly, a LOT of things that are safe for dogs are horribly toxic to cats. So just because a mom dog can groom her pup without getting sick, doesn't mean a cat won't experience a reaction.

If you really want to dye them, contact your local cat folks (not sure what they're called, but its kinda like the AKC for cats) and ask them what they recommend for color.