How Often Should A Cat Be Bathed? Know the Reasons

Cats usually don’t need to be bathed daily as they groom and wash regularly. However, if you plan for them to participate in cat shows or letting them go outside, they should be trained and get used to a bath. Getting a cat used to the bathing process will make it easy and pleasant whenever you opt to bath it: there will be no hassle.

Should a cat be bathed?

YES, a cat should be bathed but not regularly. Here are some conditions why and when cat bathing becomes a necessity.

1. If your cat is hairless breed or sphynx

Sphynx or hairless breed need baths at least once a week to remove oils that accumulate on their hairless skin. Failure to regular bathing your cat may develop cat acne, and the oily skin feeling can make affection and petting less enjoyable for both of you.

2. Ringworm control

Ringworm fungal infection needs to be eradicated by medicated baths. A vet or cat groomer can teach how to give medicated baths in ways that are safe for both of you.

3. Fleas control

If your cat loves outdoor activities, then she might have a flea infestation that needs attention. Flea allergies or several infestations can make your cats’ life uncomfortable, and bath can ease it. Bathing is adequate to get fleas eggs off her even if you do use other flea products.

4. Dirt removal

All cats like playing. Outdoor cats can get into the mud and be extremely dirty. Sometimes it cannot be removed entirely by her grooming or washing. Even indoor cats get dirty especially when redecorating or painting.

5. Obese or arthritic cats

Arthritic or obese cats can have troubles washing hence may need your help do it. Besides, cleaning a fat cat can cut off some weight by avoiding urine scald and related problems.

How to bathe a cat that hates water?

Before you kick off the process have the following:

• A rubber mat that will prevent your cat from slipping off in the sink;
• Separate bowls of rinsing water. Should be warm;
• At least two towels. One to place the cat on after finishing the bath and others for more drying;
• Cat shampoo. Specifically, use cat shampoo as human or baby shampoo contain unpleasant additives to the cat;
• Small soft cloth for washing or face washer;
• Some treats to use after bath;
• Helping hand like a vet or professional groomer.

Cats should get used to the idea of bathing or being in the sink. Massage the cat’s coat with a few handfuls of water to make her get used to the feeling of water and being in the bath. Talk encouragingly and gently to her at all times and if it tends to jump out, don’t force anything. Just keep trying until she feels safe being in the water.

When both of you are ready for the real thing and everything close at hand, gently wet the cat’s whole body except the head (never pour water onto to your cat straight from the tap because it will frighten her). Massage the cat with shampoo and use a soft cloth to rinse off the dirt as you pour small amounts of water on her. Thoroughly rinse out the shampoo and place your cat on the towel and completely dry her with other towels. Hair dryer noise and warm air can frighten the cat hence cease from using it. For long hair breed, use the cat air conditioner as well.

Gently handle your cat throughout the whole process as you make her happy. If she gets upset at bathing, don’t push her instead allow a vet or professional groomer to take over. Keep in mind that cat bathing isn’t a chore. Should a cat be bathed? There you got the answer; it should be done at the right time.