Many of us are familiar with the stereotype that cats despise water. We've been taught that our furry feline companions have no interest in water except for drinking. Therefore, many cat owners find themselves puzzled when considering a cat's cleanliness.
If your cats hate it when the faucet is turned on, why give them a bath in the first place? While we might feel like dressing them in cute outfits or giving them human names, it's important to remember that they're not human. Therefore, they might not need to follow all of our habits. Is it truly necessary to bathe indoor cats?
As a general guideline, the simple response is no. However, there are instances where this may not apply.
Giving baths is not required, but here are the occasions when bathing your cat can be needed.
Bathing a Cat: When Does it Become Necessary?
All cats require baths at times. Even though your cat is surely an adept groomer, there are situations when they need a bath. Since outdoor cats are more exposed to these situations, they will likely need more frequent baths than indoor cats.
Because you love your furry family member, it's important to know that there are many exceptions to the rule:
1. When the situation calls for it.
Cats can be quite adventurous. This isn't necessarily negative, as it's instinctual! However, it may not be long before they find themselves in a tricky situation. Some of the most prevalent ones include:
- If your cat encounters something with a strong odor, like being sprayed by a skunk, you can ignore the widely recommended tomato juice and use this alternative method instead: Combine one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap (specifically, blue Dawn), 1/4 cup baking soda, and a liter of white vinegar. Vinegar is preferred as it is more potent than water but safer than peroxide, which can cause discoloration. Gently massage the mixture into your cat's fur, being cautious to avoid contact with the eyes or ears, and then thoroughly rinse with water.
- If your cat gets very dirty or sticky from rummaging through trash, scavenging for food, or encountering sap, mud, oil, or toxic substances outdoors. Cats will clean themselves out, but it raises the question: do you want your pet to ingest everything found in its fur? Additionally, dirt and residue won't go well with your clean carpet and light-colored upholstery.
- If your cat catches bugs in its fur, it can be unsettling for you as an owner and a nuisance for your feline friend. Even if you can get past the creepy thoughts, your cat could suffer because common pests like fleas, mites, ticks, and lice feed on blood and can cause irritation, infection, or disease.
- If you or a member of your family is allergic to cats, it's beneficial to regularly bathe your cat. Doing so can decrease the presence of allergen-producing dander in your home. However, ensure that someone who isn't allergic is responsible for giving the cat a bath.
Bathing your cat can remove a superficial infestation, but it's best to visit the vet if the pests are deeply embedded (especially if they appear engorged). Special shampoo, removal techniques, or medicine may be necessary.
In these situations, it is important for both you and your cat to either clean them yourselves or have them professionally bathed with medicated shampoos as soon as possible, using any available method! You'll be grateful because you'll have peace of mind knowing that no pests will bother you, your cat is healthy and comfortable, and that your living space remains clean.
However, there are still other reasons not to neglect giving a cat a bath, particularly when it comes to more specific aspects of pet care. Sometimes, it depends more on the particular cat than on immediate situational or event-related needs.
2. Cat breed requirement.
You can typically know when someone requires a bath – regardless of whether it's a cat, dog, or a child. A foul smell is a clear indication that they have encountered something. However, there are specific breeds or conditions that require regular bathing to maintain their health. Here are instances where bathing is essential:
- If your feline has long hair, like Persians do, it may be challenging for the cat to keep the fur clean on its own despite their self-grooming habits. Cats with shorter or no fur, like the Sphynx, require regular baths to eliminate body oils.
- Your cat may also need a bath for medical reasons. It can be difficult for elderly, overweight, arthritic, or mobility-impaired cats to groom themselves properly. In some of these cats, the back half of the coat may become tangled, leading to itchy and flaky skin.
If your cat requires special grooming assistance to maintain its health due to health issues or specific hair and skin types, we recommend using the guide below to ensure your cat's well-being and happiness.
How Often Do Cats Need Baths?
Giving a bath every 4 to 6 weeks is suitable for most cats, as suggested by the National Cat Groomer's Institute. Bathing your cat too frequently can cause their skin to dry out, so use your own judgment to determine when it's appropriate. Consult your vet about the frequency of baths for your cat if they come into contact with ticks or fleas, as they may require more frequent washing.
Keep Your Cat Calm During Baths
Bathing cats can be challenging since they are not always fond of water. It's important to find effective ways to keep your cat relaxed during bath time. Following these suggestions can help your feline friend stay calm.
- Tire them out: Before bath time, spend some time engaging with your cat to help them use up extra energy. It's amazing how just a few minutes of play can tire out your kitty!
- Show positive behavior: Being calm yourself is one of the easiest ways to help keep your cat calm. Avoid making sudden or nervous movements while bathing your cat, and be sure to give them praise when they allow you to bathe them. Remember to reward them with a treat after their bath to show them they did well.
- Use waterless shampoo: If there's a particular part of bath time that both humans and cats find unpleasant, it's when soapy water gets in our eyes. Choose a dry cat shampoo that will not cause irritation to their skin or eyes. If you need to use water, put a cotton ball in each of your cat's ears to help ensure they stay dry.
Other Tips to Keep Your Cat Clean
You might not have to frequently give your cat a bath, but there are numerous other ways to help keep them clean. These techniques are simple and highly beneficial.
- Regular coat brushing: Use a slicker brush to gently remove loose hair from your cat's coat and activate the skin's oils. Brush in the direction of your cat's hair growth, focusing on one section at a time.
- Clean their eyes and ears: Taking care of your cat's facial hygiene is a convenient way to ensure they feel fresh without the need for a bath.
- To keep your cat calm and clean, wrap them in a towel and use pet ear wipes and pet eye wipes to eliminate debris.
- Clip their nails: When the time comes to give your cat a bath, it's important to make sure you don't accidentally get scratched. Keeping your cat's nails trimmed regularly will prevent this and also discourage your cat from scratching the furniture. Start by gently pressing on your cat's paw pad and then carefully trim the nails using a cat nail clipper.
For more information on maintaining your cat's cleanliness, including strategies for bathing your feline friend, take a look at our suggestions and guidance on grooming for cats.
Don't Be Afraid of the Tub!
Cats require baths, and introducing your cat to the idea of occasional bathing will help them remain calm in the future. After a few attempts, your cat will likely become more trusting of you in the tub, and they will definitely appreciate looking cleaner than before!
Supplies You Need When Bathing a Cat
Bathing your cat can be quite a challenging task - it's unlikely to be the simplest thing you do all day. However, having all the necessary supplies ready will give you an advantage and simplify the process.
Use a few cotton balls to clean your cat's ears. You should remove any buildup, including natural substances and any warm water or cleaning solution that may have entered the ear. This will help prevent inner ear infections. (Important: Do not insert a Q-tip into the cat's ear, as it can cause damage.) Pay attention to your cat's behavior while cleaning their ears. Forcing your cat to do something they are clearly reluctant to do can lead to stress and potential injury for you or your cat.
If the cat gets dirty with something especially unpleasant or a potential irritant, you might want to use gloves to protect your skin. Wearing long-sleeved shirts can also offer protection.
- Opt for a gentle, approved shampoo made for cats. If you prefer a natural DIY blend, be sure to thoroughly research safe ingredients first. While it may be tempting to use a fragrant shampoo, it's often best to choose an unscented one. Keep in mind that just because you enjoy a certain scent, it doesn't mean your cat will, especially since strongly scented shampoos can linger for many days.
- A non-slip surface should be placed to prevent slipping. You might consider asking a friend to help by holding the cat while you clean and pour plain water, creating a safe environment that benefits everyone.
- A tiny container for pouring lukewarm water over your possibly anxious pet.
- Treats or an approved calming substance that your cat enjoys can be used for distraction and to ensure the experience is as smooth as possible.
- There are numerous towels – you might believe that one will suffice, but if the cat becomes startled at any moment, things could become a bit chaotic, and quickly. Keep in mind that you will be within range of the splashing throughout the complete procedure.
You now have all the necessary supplies. You might still be curious about how to give your cat a bath. By following these steps, you will find that the process is not as intimidating as people often say it is. In fact, both you and your cat may even enjoy it. Who would have guessed?
What We Learned in Debunking the Myth
Even though some people believe the myths about how cats avoid water at any expense, understand that it's not cruel to immerse a cat in water, and it can actually be quite advantageous. In some cases, it's completely essential.
Cat owners like you will go to great lengths to ensure their pets' overall well-being, including taking care of their bathing needs. Although cats may not be enthusiastic about bath time and might initially resist or cause some trouble, staying calm, moving slowly, and being attentive to their needs and emotions can make the process surprisingly smooth. Find more information about caring for cats through our other articles:
What Do You Do If A Stray Cat Comes To Your Home?
Is It Necessary To Trim Your Cat's Nails?
Should I Punish My Cat for Being Aggressive?
