[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If your favorite feline is looking a little grungy around the whiskers, perhaps it is time for a bath.
Bathing your cat can be an important way to keep it clean, says Dr. Bethany Hsia, a veterinarian and co-founder of
CodaPet.
“Regular bathing can help remove dirt, dander and excess oils from your cat's coat, which can reduce allergens in the environment and improve the cat's overall hygiene,” she says.
Should I bathe my cat?
A bath also might be necessary if a cat comes into contact with something that coats its fur, such as mud or another substance.
In addition, a bath can help control fleas and other parasites if appropriate medicated shampoos are used, Hsia says.
Some cats also might
benefit from some help with cleaning if they have trouble grooming themselves due to conditions such as arthritis, obesity or another medical condition, according to Texas A&M University.
The drawbacks of cat baths
However, baths can also come with drawbacks for your cat. In fact, they might not be appropriate for some cats.
Cats are meticulous groomers, and they typically keep themselves clean, Hsia says.
“Over-bathing can strip the natural oils from their skin, leading to dryness, irritation and increased dander production,” she says.
In addition, some cats find the bathing process itself to be stressful. This can potentially leading to anxiety or even aggression on the part of the animal, Hsia says.
Many veterinarians say you should only bathe your cat when it is clearly necessary. In deciding whether to give your cat a bath, take into account your pet’s breed, lifestyle and health, Hsia says.
“For short-haired cats, bathing every few months might be sufficient, unless they get particularly dirty or have a specific skin condition,” she says.
Long-haired cats may require more frequent bathing -- perhaps every one or two months -- to prevent matting and tangles, Hsia says.
She says a veterinarian can provide personalized recommendations based on your cat's specific needs.
How to give your cat a bath
Bathing a cat can be daunting if your pet is resistant to water, Hsia says.
Because bathing is stressful for many cats, it is important to create an atmosphere that will help to keep your pet calm.
Hsia says that before a bath, owners should prepare everything in advance, including having all the necessary supplies within arm's reach, such as towels, shampoo and a non-slip mat for the bottom of the bathtub or sink.
Other supplies that can be helpful are a cup for rinsing the cat and a washcloth to clean its face.
“It’s essential to minimize stress when bathing a resistant cat,” Hsia says. “This can be achieved by gradually introducing the cat to the bathing process.”
Gently wet your cat’s paws and slowly work up to a full bath. “Some owners may also find it helpful to use a calm, gentle tone of voice and to reward the cat with treats for good behavior,” Hsia says.
It is important to choose the right water temperature. Many cats prefer lukewarm water, as cats are sensitive to extreme temperatures, Hsia says.
She adds that owners should be careful to avoid getting water in the cat's ears, eyes or nose, which can cause discomfort and stress.
Other tips for bathing a cat include:
- Trim your cat’s nails before a bath to reduce the risk of injury if the cat scratches you
- Run the water before your cat enters the room to reduce the odds of stressing the cat
- Consider using two basins – one for washing and the other for rinsing
- Apply the shampoo in a manner that creates a sudsy lather
- If the cat is especially dirty, you may need to apply shampoo two or three times
Once the bath is finished, thoroughly dry your cat to prevent its fur from matting.
“Always be mindful of your cat's body language during the bathing process,” Hsia says. “If your cat shows signs of extreme stress or fear, it's best to stop and try again another time, or consider speaking to your veterinarian.”
Consider a waterless cat bath alternative
If your cat simply cannot abide a wet bath, you might want to try using a waterless cleaning product.
“Waterless cat shampoos offer a convenient alternative to bathing if your cat has a high aversion to water,” Hsia says.
Such products can freshen a cat's coat, moisturize the skin, and eliminate odors without the need for rinsing. They are often formulated as foams or sprays.
“It's important to note that while these shampoos can be effective, they may not be suitable for removing toxic substances or severe dirt,” Hsia says. “In such cases, a full bath is necessary.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="185505" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1749832958619{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/project-sudz-dog-cat-spa-collection-bar-shampoo-hibiscus-lily"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="185506" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1749832975595{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/project-sudz-dog-cat-waterless-bath-lavender-clary-sage"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="185507" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1749832994570{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/vets-best-waterless-cat-bath-veterinarian-formulated"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
