Hepper blog

Search our database of over 9,984 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians.

Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Make Homemade Cat Wipes (4 Methods)

By Nicole Cosgrove · Reviewed & fact-checked by Dr. Nia PerkinsVet Approved
Dr. Nia Perkins
Reviewed & Fact-Checked byDr. Nia PerkinsDVM (Veterinarian)
A graduate of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Nia dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since she was a child growing up in Chicago. She's been a veterinarian for almost 20 years, and has practiced in various settings including private practice, emergency, shelter medicine, and telehealth. She also owned a mobile vet service and a brick and mortar small animal and exotics hospital, in Alexandria Virginia.View authorThe information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Read about our vets
Share
Ask us a question in the comments
woman using cleaning wipes on pet cat

Cats are excellent at grooming themselves. Their tongues and claws are effective tools to keep their fur sleek and smooth and remove dirt and debris. However, cats may need occasional help from their humans. This may occur when they have mobility issues, they have been declawed, or they have mats that are impossible to remove on their own.

If your cat needs a little help, you can make your own homemade cat wipes with products you may have on hand. Some of these wipes are for general pets or dogs, but you can follow the instructions to make them cat-specific. However, please consult with your veterinarian before using these recipes. Have a look at these simple plans to make homemade cat wipes.

How to Make Homemade Cat Wipes

1. Homemade Pet Bath Wipes by Cuteness

  • Materials: Water, apple cider vinegar, vitamin E oil
  • Tools: Mixing bowls, paper towel, wire whisk, airtight container, knife
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

These are intended for dog grooming, but a few modifications make them safe for grooming cats. The directions are easy to follow and use many of the ingredients you’ll find in your home.

To make this recipe cat-safe, omit the aloe vera oil and tea tree oil, which are toxic to cats. Lavender oil is generally safe for cats but consult your veterinarian before using it. As with the previous recipe, apple cider vinegar should be diluted before use.

Giving your pet a quick bath is much easier using wet wipes, but you do need to make sure they're safe for your pet's skin. Our gentle, effective Hepper Wash Wipes are hypoallergenic and made with natural, moisturizing ingredients. Manufactured in the USA, these convenient wipes are safe for cats and dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds.

Our recommendation
Hepper Pet Wash Wipes
Hepper Pet Wash Wipes
  • Gentle Care For All Pets - Infused with moisturizing hypoallergenic ingredients & enriched with cucumber & aloe fragrance for healthier fur, coat & skin, the ultimate dog and cat cleaning wipes
  • Deep Cleans From Head to Tail - Tackle the toughest dirt & messes with our extra strong pet wipes for dogs, cats and other pets while being gentle on sensitive areas like the face, ears, butt & paws
  • Freshness On The Go - Each dog grooming wipes pack contains 30 counts of premium dog wipes that leaves your pets fresh. Packed in resealable packaging, keeping the cat wipes fresh & ready whenever

2. DIY Pet Grooming Wipes

How To Make DIY Dog Grooming Wipes
Photo Credit to: Puppy In Training
  • Materials: Water, all-natural pet shampoo, tissues
  • Tools: Empty container with flip top, mixing container
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

These are intended for dogs, but the recipe can be easily modified for cats. The grooming ingredient is a pet shampoo, and you can choose any cat-safe shampoo from the pet supply store. This recipe is one of the easiest on the list.

One of the best aspects of these wipes is that you'll have a container that allows you to pull one wipe out each time, just like store-bought wipes. The wipes are also easy to take with you on a trip to keep your cat clean.


3. DIY Pet Paw Wipes by Chemistry Cachet

DIY DOG PAW WIPES AND SPRAY
Photo Credit to: Chemistry Cachet
  • Materials: Water, mild dish soap, coconut oil, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
  • Tools: Container for wipes, paper towel
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

These can be modified as homemade cat wipes, and the best part is that they use cheap, easy-to-find ingredients! The ingredients are generally safe for cats and should effectively clean their coats. The coconut oil soothes, and once it's diluted, the dish soap is a good cleansing agent that works well for sensitive skin. It may be best to omit the hydrogen peroxide or ask your veterinarian about its use.

These wipes will be easier to use if you get a container similar to store-bought wipes, but any container will do.


4. Homemade Pet Eye Wipes

  • Materials: Water, pet-safe shampoo
  • Tools: Container, paper towels
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

These can be modified for a quick and simple recipe. The primary cleansing ingredient is a pet-safe shampoo, so you can control the ingredients and scents you prefer for your wipes.

Besides shampoo, you only need paper towels and an airtight container to hold the wipes. If possible, use a container designed for wipes, which makes them easier to take out individually, but any airtight container will do.


Cat Wipes vs. Dog Wipes

Some pet owners use dog and cat grooming products interchangeably, but not all dog products are safe for cats. Although they may both be companion animals, they each have unique needs and experience adverse effects and toxicity from different substances.

If you’re modifying a recipe, like many on this list, make sure that each ingredient you use is safe for cats. When in doubt, omit the ingredient completely and substitute with cat-safe ingredients. NEVER use human personal care products on pets without consulting your veterinarian. Human shampoos and conditioners are formulated differently than pet shampoos and conditioners and may contain toxic ingredients.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to grooming, cats are pretty low-maintenance. They handle most of their grooming and may be obsessive about keeping themselves clean. If your cat needs help due to a mobility issue, homemade cat wipes are a quick and easy solution. This should give you plenty of options for your cat’s grooming needs. Ultimately, if you’re not sure about the safety of an ingredient, avoid it entirely or consult your veterinarian about its use.


Featured Image Credit to: NONGASIMO, Shutterstock

Get Hepper In Your Inbox

Pet care tips from our vets and experts, straight to your inbox.

List

Select all that apply.

You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

Nicole Cosgrove
Authored by

Nicole Cosgrove

Join the conversation

Ask a question, share your story, or send private feedback.

Rate this post
Required to post. Only our editors see your rating.
Who should see this?

A human reviews every comment before it appears. Your email is never published.

Picked to go with this article

How to Make Homemade Cat Shampoo for Itchy Skin: 4 Vet-Reviewed Recipes

How to Make Homemade Cat Shampoo for Itchy Skin: 4 Vet-Reviewed Recipes

Cats already do a decent job keeping themselves clean, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need a real bath occasionally. Some felines have trouble bathing t…

Hallie Ballard
By Hallie Ballard ·
Are Baby Wipes Safe for Cats? Everything You Want to Know

Are Baby Wipes Safe for Cats? Everything You Want to Know

Cats are known for being self-reliant creatures that have no problems cleaning themselves. However, sometimes your feline pal might need a little help getting…

Patricia Dickson
By Patricia Dickson ·
5 Homemade Cat Shampoo Ideas You Can Try Today (Vet-Approved)

5 Homemade Cat Shampoo Ideas You Can Try Today (Vet-Approved)

Cats don't usually love water, but sometimes they need a bath, and that leaves you reaching for the shampoo. Do you only have human shampoo in the house? Does…

Chelsea Mortensen
By Chelsea Mortensen ·
Homemade Flea Spray for Cats: 6 Vet-Reviewed Recipes

Homemade Flea Spray for Cats: 6 Vet-Reviewed Recipes

Cats are cute and cuddly, but the fleas that they can harbor are nightmarish. Many medications on the market can be used to keep fleas away, but you might want…

Rachael Gerkensmeyer
By Rachael Gerkensmeyer ·

Keep reading

More stories you might like

How to Make an Easy Homemade Detangler Spray for Cats (With Instructions)

One of the best parts of owning a cat is that they handle a lot of their own grooming. Unfortunately, long-haired breeds like Maine Coons and Persians may need…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
How to Make an Easy Homemade Detangler Spray for Cats (With Instructions)

Can I Use Dove Soap On My Cat? Cleaning Efficiency & Alternatives

So, you need to wash your cat, but you don’t have any cat shampoo. It seems like every time you need something for your pet, you suddenly don’t have it. Don’t…

Cassidy Sutton
By Cassidy Sutton ·
Can I Use Dove Soap On My Cat? Cleaning Efficiency & Alternatives

How to Wash a Cat Without Shampoo: 8 Great Alternatives

If you want to give your cat a bath, one of the best choices is to use shampoo formulated for cats. But sometimes, you do not want to buy a whole bottle for on…

Chelsea Mortensen
By Chelsea Mortensen ·
How to Wash a Cat Without Shampoo: 8 Great Alternatives

How to Clean Cat Paws - 7 Simple Steps

Cats are excellent self-groomers and usually take care of their cleaning and hygiene needs quite well. That does not mean you won’t come across a situation whe…

Luxifa Le
By Luxifa Le ·
How to Clean Cat Paws - 7 Simple Steps

Is Witch Hazel Safe for Cats? Vet Approved Risks & Safety Guide

Witch hazel, a small tree with delicate yellow flowers that strangely resemble spider legs, certainly lives up to its name! Indeed, this North American shrub i…

Genevieve Dugal
By Genevieve Dugal ·
Is Witch Hazel Safe for Cats? Vet Approved Risks & Safety Guide

How to Give a Cat a Bath Without Water: 5 Vet-Approved Steps

Most cats are known to be very vocal opponents of baths. After all, many cats aren’t that into getting wet or swimming. The good thing about cats is they are s…

Brooke Billingsley
By Brooke Billingsley ·
How to Give a Cat a Bath Without Water: 5 Vet-Approved Steps

Can You Use Human Eye Drops on Cats? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Care Tips

If your cat has eye problems, it’s natural to worry about them, and you undoubtedly want to help them as quickly as possible. Using human eye drops can be temp…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
Can You Use Human Eye Drops on Cats? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Care Tips

6 Homemade Cat Urine Cleaner Recipes (Chemical & Enzyme Cleaners)

There’s nothing worse than the stains and smell left behind when your cat decides to urinate outside the litter box. Sometimes this may be the result of stress…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
6 Homemade Cat Urine Cleaner Recipes (Chemical & Enzyme Cleaners)