Ok, I know this is a weird question, but in the last few days, my kitten has turned into a ball of static. Every time I touch him, I zap him, and it freaks him out. His fur in somewhat standing on end (he looks a bit disheveled). I think it might have something to do with the weather.
How in the world can I safely de-static this little guy? I didn’t want to rub Bounce all over him, because I wasn’t sure how it would affect him when he cleaned himself.
I’m really tired of him jumping in fear everytime I touch him because he gets a shock
It’s probably you that needs to be de-staticked. Touch a grounded metal object, like a water faucet before picking up your kitten, and see if that helps.
I believe a humidifier would end your static problems. Maybe you could mist the area with an old spray bottle filled with water if you don’t want to buy a humidifier.
Bolt a 15 gauge non insulated copper wire to a terminal plate or ground clamp attached firmly to the kitten. This may require some shaving for improved conductivity. Weld or clamp the wire to a three foot section of high test (H/T) hardened hot dip galvanized chain. Metal flooring grounded either to the incoming water supply pipe or an approved copper grounding rod will aid in conductivity.
Get a can of Static Guard (in the laundry aisle), and spray a little bit on your hands, and then rub your hands on the kitty. That should take care of it for a little while, but it sounds like you need a humidifier.
But then the cats will lick all that lotion when they clean themselves.
For ultra safe, short term de-staticking, wet a towel and throw it in the dryer to heat it up. Then use the (not too) hot towel to rub down the kitties. Basically, it makes them damp. Also, it will pick up loose hair.
For long term de-staticking: humidifier.
And I’m rather disappointed that the OP used ‘safely’ rather blatantly, otherwise, I’d have tons more suggestions, many of which use duct tape and lightning rods.
People who work around explosives or in explosive atmospheres use leg stats and a grounded, conductive floor. The leg stats are conductive straps that fit around the legs and connect to conductive shoe soles.
I suppose the cat wouldn’t go for that and the conductive floor isn’t exactly decorative.
You could just let the cat outgrow it, and he or she will.
Your best bet is to get a humidifier and get some moisture into the air. Even a pot of water on the stove will work. But then the curious cat might jump up and get burned.
OK, let’s make this clear for the people who don’t read a thread carefully enough… Cats lick themselves, therefore don’t rub or spray anything thing on them that is not 100% safely edible. Hand lotions and chemicals sprays are not 100% edible. If you doubt this, then you take a swig of it first before applying it to a cat.
You can buy little wet towel thingies at the pet store. They are specifically made for ‘bathing’ a cat, so they are safe. I find that helps when my cat starts giving me static.
Kitty will gently float down to the carpet and resume normal duties.
*This would can be replaced with pussy, which would be much funnier, but this, the author feels, would detract from the seriousness of her reply.[/size]