quantumeffect


I realize there is a cat joke in here but just to clarify ... detergents contain Anionic surfactants (the classic being sodium lauryl sulfate, SLS, where the sulfate functions as the negatively charged polar head group).  Anionic surfactants are useful for cleaning because they solubilize (or emulsify) grease, dirt and non-polars in general.

Products like fabric softeners and hair conditioners contain Cationic surfactants.  These types of surfactants do their thing when the positively charged head group (the cation part) orients itself with the fiber or hair follicle.  The non-polar tail portions then minimize interaction between individual fibers or follicles.

In general, anionic surfactants “wash-out” fairly easily.  Cationic surfactants on the other hand tend to adhere to biological surfaces.

Surfactants in general, taste awful.  Cationic are usually the worst of the group in this regard because the bind to the soft tissue and leave a lingering bad taste.  Tooth pastes contain surfactants, and at the levels they are used, they are tolerable.  Because of the taste, the cat probably did not consume to much of it … and if it did the effect can vary.

I'm grateful my missus does all the washing, she's far more technically minded than I am, I could never get my head around that lot.

MNorman


If you tumble dry a cat, will they stay upright the whole time?

Hmmm, I think I see a need for some testing. Be right back.




My last cat used to love water. He would sit on the edge of the shower while I was in there and just squint a little when water got him.
Gave him a bath twice and he actually sat there purring. I think he was just an attention whore.


Mike