Patrick, the oil will stay there until something wipes it off entirely. Cats do groom themselves more than dogs, but I wouldn't bet on it happening that they get it all off. Because such minute amounts of oil can cause a rash in humans, any amount of urushiol on our pet's fur is too much. The oil stays active (causing breakouts) for years! You should bathe your cats or have them done at a grooming salon. Warn them that they have been exposed to PI so the groomer's don't get a rash too.
Unfortuantely your cats can pick up the oil even in winter when the leaves have dropped off the Poison ivy, oak or sumac. ALL parts of the plants cause a rash and contain the oil. I hope you find a solution to your rash problem.
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