A black cat remodeled right into a rainbow for Pride Month has garnered thousands and thousands of views on TikTok—and sparked a heated debate about whether or not the colourful makeover was protected or moral.

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In June, person @cattledoggdallas posted a clip of their freshly dyed pet, displaying off streaks of pink, blue, purple, orange, and yellow.

“Haters will say it’s fake,” the creator joked within the caption, earlier than including: “Is it REALLY Pride Month without a rainbow? The answer is NOPE. Stay tuned for more creative grooms from me.”

As of Tuesday, the content material creator’s preliminary video had garnered over 1.9 million views. While some commenters have been amazed by the cat’s transformation, its new coat additionally introduced questions, together with from some who puzzled whether or not the colours would final. 

Earlier this week, @cattledoggdallas answered that question with a follow-up clip. Two months on, the colours had light however have been nonetheless seen.

“The color held so well, and I’m still extremely happy with it,” they wrote within the caption, displaying off the still-multicolored feline in a second clip.

Is dye on pets protected?

Many of the feedback on each TikTok movies share concern for the cat’s well-being, with some questioning the security of dye on pet hair.

A veterinarian informed DailyMail that dyeing a pet’s fur is a controversial transfer, and whether or not it’s okay is determined by a number of components. 

Rover experiences that pure or pet-safe dyes can generally be used with out instant hurt, however added that any resolution to dye a pet ought to put the animal’s well-being first and weigh the potential downsides fastidiously.

After all, some pets have delicate pores and skin and may develop irritation or allergic reactions to dyes. The course of itself can be aggravating for animals that aren’t used to being dealt with for prolonged intervals. And, sadly, even with pet-safe dyes, there’s a danger of unintentional ingestion or pores and skin or coat points. 

Because of those dangers, many have argued that forcing an animal via this course of solely for human aesthetic functions is pointless, and even unethical.

@cattledoggdallas Is it REALLY pleasure month and not using a rainbow 🐈‍⬛!!! The reply is NOPE. 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈 Stay tuned for extra inventive grooms from me or the one and solely @Bridgit’s Barking Bow-tique 🤩 • #foryoupage #viral #trending #cat #pridemonth #pleasure ♬ son authentic – ACCOUNT FOR SALE.

That mentioned, should you determine to maneuver ahead with dyeing your pet, TheVets recommends consulting a veterinarian or an skilled groomer first to make sure the product is protected on your pet. If you insist on doing it your self, they suggested utilizing dyes particularly formulated for animals and testing a small patch of pores and skin earlier than coloring all the coat.

There are additionally safer alternate options to utterly dying your pet. TheVets prompt utilizing chalk or non-toxic meals coloring, which they mentioned can create the impact with out the dangers. Pet house owners may attempt equipment like bows or bandanas, which add aptitude with out affecting the fur. 

Dyeing pets has sparked controversy earlier than 

@cattledoggdallas isn’t the primary pet proprietor to attract backlash for coloring their animal funky shades. In December 2021, a canine proprietor tried to dye their pooch brilliant pink, posting a video of the canine of their lavatory, clearly sad and coated in dye that had additionally splattered throughout the partitions and tub.

Even then, commenters questioned the follow. “Is that even safe for the dog?” one wrote. “I’m so confused and scared for it, lol I hope it was!”

“Omg, that is so not ok. Poor baby,” one other added.

Viewers react to the cat’s new coat 

Some viewers commenting on @cattledoggdallas’s video equally questioned whether or not it was moral to dye her cat’s fur.

“Poor kitty,” one wrote. “Cats are not toys,” one other added. 

“Using your cat as a toy is horrendous,” added a 3rd.

Others defended the cat proprietor, noting the detailed patterns prompt the cat didn’t thoughts and was effectively taken care of.

“I can’t believe you would do this,” one lady quipped. “Now your cat is gonna think it’s a rainbow and fly into the sky.”

“I’m sure the cat had lots of patience to let this happen,” added a second commenter.

“Guys, the dye must’ve been pet-friendly,” a 3rd one mentioned. “The cat looks completely unbothered, no scratching or signs of discomfort.”

Some additionally mentioned the cat reminded them of another person.

“Real life Lisa Frank,” one wrote. 

“LISA FRANK CAT!” one other echoed.

The Daily Dot has reached out to @cattledoggdallas by way of a touch upon TikTok.

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