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I briefly perused this thread, and saw many people stating virgin/extra virgin etc... I did a lot of coconut oil research when purchasing it for my own hair/skin(which, btw, if anyone is interested, yes I love it for my own hair/skin)
There is no industry standard for "virgin" labeling of coconut oil like there is with olive oil. In the end, it really means nothing to differentiate between "extra virgin & virgin".
For myself I personally avoid "refined" coconut oil, in some cases refined coconut oil is made using solvents/lye. Refined is usually odorless & tasteless. Some refined coconut oil is crude, and not suitable for consumption. If its hydrogenated after refining, its melting point increases from 76F to 97F-104F. Ive only ever seen consumable coconut oil for sale, but then again I've never *looked* for a non-consumable.
Unrefined oil is usually labelled "virgin" or "extra virgin" or "raw" or may not even be labelled as such at all and could still be unrefined.
So big thing to look for when shopping for your coconut oil.... is it safe for human consumption?
Do you want it to melt in your hands? If so, make sure its not hydrogenated.
Lastly, the decision comes down to do you want kitty to smell of coconuts. If not, go for food grade refined.
Anyways, the point is you dont have to worry so much about trying to track down a specific type or virgin or raw and still provide the best for your kitty.
I personally like Trader Joes coconut oil, it has a pleasant scent of coconuts to me. Walmart local to me carries Spectrum Naturals refined coconut oil (as do most of the grocery stores now too).
I no longer use coconut oil on my sphynx boys. It took their stains right out without a doubt, but they were left with a bit of a residue which made them dirtier much quicker. I now use Pure Pet's Pet D'Greaser to bathe them...followed by Johnson & Johnson's Baby Bath.
I did like the coconut oil as lip balm for myself.
How do you use it on your hair? To coat your hair before blow drying? To use before shampooing? Tell me how as I'm intested (I have dry, damaged hair). Thanks.