Apple cider vinegar is associated with a bunch of benefits for both humans and animals. But they don’t receive it the same way.
Cats are picky creatures by nature. So, it’s not uncommon to find out they have no tolerance for some smells. Surprisingly, these smells include apple cider vinegar.
To the cats’ distaste, the vinegar is pretty useful for a lot of reasons. Therefore, the fact that cats don’t like its smell shouldn’t mean they won’t have to endure it sometimes.
Here, we’ll answer all questions you may have about the benefits of apple cider vinegar for cats.
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The Truth Behind Cats and Apple Cider Vinegar Smell
Many cat owners now know that their little furry friends aren’t fans of apple cider vinegar. They found out the hard way too. The thing is that apple cider vinegar isn’t among the familiar smells that cats hate, including lavender, citrus fruits, and litter boxes. However, it turned out to be one of the least favorite scents for cats.
It’s up to the point where some people use it as a cat repellent. It’s sprayed on the wall to prevent the cat from urinating on it. Also, it comes in handy if there’s a plant you want to keep the cat away from. A couple of sprays ought to do the job. That being said, if you’ll be doing that, dilute the vinegar in some water first.
To be brief, cats don’t like the smell of apple cider vinegar, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use it. It actually has some impressive benefits for cats; let’s delve into them.
5 Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar For Cats
Even though cats don’t like apple cider vinegar, it can be used to treat a lot of health issues. It’s also one of the fastest-acting medicines. Let’s see when you should use it.
Flea Treatment
Apple cider vinegar doesn’t only repel cats; it also does an excellent job of pushing away parasites and fleas. If your cat’s coat is full of them, you can grab your vinegar bottle and solve the issue in a minute.
All you have to do is pour diluted apple cider vinegar into some distilled water in equal proportions. Afterward, fill a spray bottle of the solution and use it directly on your cat’s body. However, make sure it doesn’t touch its eyes.
Alternatively, you can use a paper towel and rub the mix on the cat’s body. This will work if your cat is scared of the spray bottle.
Urinary Tract Infections
When ingested in small amounts, apple cider vinegar can help your cat deal with UTI. It’s mainly because it’s an antiseptic, so it prevents the infection from growing worse. Plus, vinegar is high on acid, which limits the growth of harmful bacteria in the tract.
Before letting your cat consume apple cider vinegar, we recommend that you consult your vet to make sure the dosage is safe. Generally, the right dose should be quarter a teaspoon daily for 4-6 lbs cat. As for heavier cats, half a teaspoon daily would suffice. You can pour it on their food to disguise the taste.
Ear Infections
Ear infections can be a pain to deal with; it gets the cats grumpy and fidgety. It’s pretty easy to treat, though. You simply need to mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and distilled water. Next, use a cotton ball or a soft cloth to rub the solution in the cat’s ear gently.
Bear in mind that it can irritate the skin if rubbed too hard, so try to be as gentle as possible. Afterward, use a clean cloth to remove any bits of vinegar left in the ears. It’s recommended that you use this remedy daily for fast results. You can use it up to two times a day.
Skin Infections
You can use apple cider vinegar to treat minor skin infections. These include conjunctivitis and ringworm. You only need to dilute it with water and apply it to the affected area. However, make sure it doesn’t touch anywhere where the cat has scratches. It’ll only worsen them and cause pain.
Make sure to clean the area with a soft cloth after you finish to avoid leaving excess vinegar. It can cause your cat harm if it licks it off its fur because it’s not the safe dose for consuming. Plus, we’re already established that cats don’t like the smell of apple cider vinegar, so it won’t appreciate the taste.
Cat Cystitis
Apple cider vinegar is an acetic acid, which means it fights bacteria and fungi. These properties are considerable contributors to the healing abilities of vinegar, which include feline cystitis.
When consumed in healthy doses, apple cider vinegar can treat cystitis in merely a few days. That’s considering the case is mild and doesn’t require medical attention. Otherwise, we recommend that you visit your vet.
[Related Article: Do Cats Go Into Heat In The Winter]When Not to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Cats
Despite its array of benefits, apple cider vinegar is still a harsh element. There are some cases when you should avoid using it. Here are a few examples.
Kidney Diseases
If your cat’s been diagnosed with any kidney disease, it’d be wise to stray clear of apple cider vinegar. It’s simply because the vinegar is very acidic, which can be hard to process by the affected kidney. So, it may cause unnecessary complications.
Yeast Sensitivity
Cats who are sensitive to yeast shouldn’t consume apple cider vinegar under any circumstances. It’ll only worsen the condition because it’ll have a negative impact on the bacteria.
Diarrhea
Pet owners commonly use apple cider vinegar to treat diarrhea, believing it may aid with digestion. However, it actually does the opposite. It does the same role as laxatives, which only causes diarrhea to get worse.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe For Cats?
A lot of opinions are passed around regarding this controversial matter. Some people believe that the dangerous effects of a high dose of vinegar mean that you shouldn’t use it all. On the other hand, a lot of people think of it as a natural remedy for mild diseases that don’t need medical attention.
Here’s the thing, apple cider vinegar is safe for cats when used in the right doses. It’s fast-acting too, which is a bonus. Nevertheless, one tiny mistake in the dose’s concentration can get your cat upset. It can either cause an upset stomach or irritated skin. So, is it worth the risk? That’s for you to decide.
We believe that as long as you’re using it in the right way, it won’t cause your cat harm. And if you’re too concerned, you can only use it topically on your cat’s body, rather than letting it consume it. Besides, there’s always the solution of going to a vet. A medical opinion may clear your confusion out and help you make the right decision.
Closing Thoughts
Now that you’re done reading, you must’ve figured out a way to use that abandoned bottle of apple cider vinegar in your kitchen. While this may be good news for you, we can’t say the same about your cat!
The smell can be annoying for the cat to deal with, but water dilution will significantly reduce the odor. So, your cat won’t be so irritated after all!
