Is there a safe way to remove oil from a cat's fur?

[Hippykitty]

Thank you Gill, I'll try that when he's in a relaxed mood.

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

Yes its sugar!

Put a spoon of sugar on your hand a then add some water and rub on the patch, dont dissolve the sugar on your hand.

Then wash off the fur with a cloth and if its oil it should come off...........if only some comes off repeat.

[Hippykitty]

Cyd came in the other evening with a black mark on the back of his neck. The smell makes me think that it's oil. I tried to remove it with a new J cloth and warm water, but this had no effect (Cyd liked the fuss, though, he's getting really affectionate). It spread the mark about a bit, but didn't get any off.

I considered using washing up liquid, but remembered reading that it was toxic to cats, so I left it and he still has a black mark on his fur.

Is there anything safe for cats which I can use. Something easy to obtain would be great. Thanks.