How to Deskunk a Cat

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parts

1Mixing a Baking Soda Solution

2Cleaning Your Cat

3Addressing Other Concerns

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Expert Q&A

Tips and Warnings

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References

Article Summary

Skunks are not aggressive animals, but they will protect themselves if they feel threatened. If your cat comes across a skunk, the skunk may become defensive and spray the cat. This leaves your cat smelling unpleasant, and you should remove the spray as soon as possible. Many common remedies, such as tomato juice, vinegar, and even commercial skunk odor removers have been found inadequate for removing skunk odors. To deskunk your cat, mix a baking soda and peroxide solution and wash your cat immediately.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Mixing a Baking Soda Solution

1. 
   1
   Prepare the baking soda solution. Making a homemade solution from baking soda can help you eliminate the skunk odor instead of just covering it. To make the solution, mix together ¼ cup of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of dish soap, 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, and 1 cup of warm water.

   • If you have a large cat, you may need to increase the amount you mix, or just mix two batches.
2. 
   2
   Mix the solution in an open container. When you put together this mixture, make sure to use a plastic container, like a bucket. Do not place a lid on the container because the gases could build up and explode. Never store leftover solution in a sealed container.

   • Always use caution with this solution and never cover it. This solution can be very dangerous if you cover it.
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3. 
   3
   Use the solution immediately. Make sure to use the mixture within an hour of mixing. The mixture will lose its potency if left for long periods of time. Ideally, you should put it on your cat immediately after mixing, while it is still foaming.

   • Make just enough to use on your cat. Mix another solution if your cat needs an additional dose.
   • Toss out any leftover solution once you are finished using it on your cat.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning Your Cat

1. 
   1
   Wash the cat as soon as possible. As soon as you find out your cat has been sprayed by a skunk, wash them. Skunk spray becomes increasingly difficult to remove if it stays on the cat. The odor can permeate the hair and skin if it sits.

   • The spray is oily and seeps into fur and any material it touches. Keep your cat isolated until you clean them.
2. 
   2
   Try to soak up the spray. Before you bathe your cat, try to clean up some of the spray on your cat’s coat. Use paper towels on the sprayed areas to try to soak up as much as possible. Blot and don’t wipe with the paper towel. Wiping may spread the oil around to unaffected areas.

   • For this process, it’s best to wear ratty older clothes you don’t mind discarding in case they become saturated with the smell.
   • Wearing rubber gloves can also help, as washing a cat can be messy.
3. 
   3
   Bathe your cat outdoors. Do not bring your cat into your home if they have been sprayed by a skunk. This could lead to the smell spreading to your furniture or carpet. Instead, set up an area to bathe your cat outdoors.

   • If the cat is inside already, try to contain them in the bathroom and keep them off furniture, rugs, and other materials.
4. 
   4
   Cover the cat’s coat with the solution. Dampen your cat's fur with warm water. Then pour the solution onto the cat’s fur. While wearing gloves, spread the solution over your cat’s coat and skin with your fingers. You can also use a sponge to scrub the fur. Leave it on your cat for five to 10 minutes.

   • Don’t get the mixture in your cat’s eyes. Use a cloth dampened with the solution to put the solution on the head.
5. 
   5
   Rinse the cat. After you have let the solution sit as long as needed, rinse all of the solution off with warm water. Make sure to get all of the solution off of the coat. If the smell has not dissipated, apply additional doses of the solution.
6. 
   6
   Wash with pet shampoo. Once it is completely removed from the coat, wash your cat with cat shampoo. Make sure to bathe the cat thoroughly.

   • Rinse the shampoo from the cat’s fur with warm water.
   • You can buy specialty shampoos made to break down the skunk's scent. Though it won't remove the odor completely, it will make it a lot less noticeable.
7. 
   7
   Flush the eyes if sprayed. If your cat’s eyes got sprayed by the skunk, you cannot use the solution for that. Instead, use water to flush the skunk spray out of the eyes. You can also apply mineral oil to the eyes to help with stinging or redness. Then, rinse the mineral oil from the eyes with water.

   • You can also soak cotton balls in water to rinse off the cat’s nostrils and mouth.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Addressing Other Concerns

1. 
   1
   Check your cat for injuries. Before you wash the cat, or as you are washing them, you should check for any injuries. In rare cases, skunks can bite or scratch the cat. This may lead to infection or other problems.

   • Skunks can carry rabies. If your cat was scratched or bitten by a skunk, make sure to get them checked out by a vet. If they show signs of rabies, like foaming or drooling at the mouth, get them medical attention immediately.
2. 
   2
   Take your cat to the vet if they were heavily sprayed. Getting sprayed by a skunk shouldn't cause any problems other than a foul odor. However, if your cat got sprayed heavily, you can take them to the vet. The vet will assess their blood work for any problems.

   • The vet will check the blood work again after 72 hours to look for anemia.
3. 
   3
   Trim long-haired cats. If your cat is a long-haired cat, you may want to cut their hair. This can help remove any remaining odor left on the long hair. You may want to take your cat to the groomers to get them professionally trimmed instead of trying to do it yourself.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  Can skunk spray hurt a cat?

  

  Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
  Veterinarian

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

  

  Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Expert Answer

  The chemicals in skunk spray are mildly caustic and will irritate delicate mucous membranes, such as the cornea or the lining of the lungs. This can lead to marked discomfort, breathing difficulties, and even sickness and diarrhea.

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• Question

  How long does skunk smell last on cat?

  

  Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD
  Animal Behaviorist

  Dr. Daniel Lioy-Ryan is an Animal Behaviorist and the Co-Founder of Cats in the City. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in understanding animal behavior, safely grooming cats, and working with cats at all life stages. Dr. Lioy-Ryan holds a PhD in Neuroscience from The Oregon Health & Science University.

  

  Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD

  Animal Behaviorist

  Expert Answer

  Well, it depends on a lot of different factors. To minimize the smell, you should treat it quickly. Don't let your cat groom itself, as that may prolong the skunk smell on its coat.

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• Question

  What neutralizes skunk smell?

  

  Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD
  Animal Behaviorist

  Dr. Daniel Lioy-Ryan is an Animal Behaviorist and the Co-Founder of Cats in the City. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in understanding animal behavior, safely grooming cats, and working with cats at all life stages. Dr. Lioy-Ryan holds a PhD in Neuroscience from The Oregon Health & Science University.

  

  Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD

  Animal Behaviorist

  Expert Answer

  You can use a shampoo specifically formulated for skunk smell, though the best approach is to use multiple products, including benzoyl peroxide, to help break down the oils on the cat's coat.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
  If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn

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Tips

• If you’re not into mixing your own deskunking solution, commercial deskunking products are available at online retailers and some pet shops.
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