Mary Allen
Resin in cat fur is one of the most annoying problems cat owners can have when it comes to their velvet paw’s fur. The sticky tree sap is extremely difficult to remove. The cat rarely manages to remove the stubborn stuff on its own. So what to do?
Cats are animals that are very careful about their cleanliness. They hate dirt, filth, and any form of uncleanliness like resin in cat fur. Not even the rough tongue of a cat is able to properly lick out the sticky tree sap. So you have to help, if necessary with scissors.
Gentle Method: Butter or Cooking Oil
Depending on the degree of soiling and the amount of resin, there can be differences in how easy or how difficult it is to get the material out of the fur. Water and a brush are usually not enough. Under no circumstances should you use chemical agents such as nail polish remover or even petrol – such substances would damage the cat’s health.
The gentler variant is fat in the form of butter, margarine, or oil. Lubricate the gummy spots with the cooking fat and try to loosen the dirt with a brush. This method has proven itself but does not come with a guarantee of success. Also worth trying: bathing with cat shampoo. Awash with a good, mild cat shampoo can loosen the resin with a bit of luck.
Cut Resin From Cat Fur
If the above methods do not work, you will, unfortunately, have to use scissors and carefully cut out the gummed-up areas. Caution: Use scissors that are blunt at the tip so that you don’t accidentally injure your furry friend. If your cat is very restless or you are too afraid of cutting its skin, it is better to take it to the vet to remove the resin from the cat’s fur. This is also recommended if the adhesion is very large or begins very close to the skin.
In any case, it is important that you get the resin out of the cat‘s fur, otherwise, your cat will lick itself too much. This can be very stressful for her, which is why it is important for you as a cat owner to help it.