Bathing Your Cat: When, How, and Why It’s Safe

Can I bath a cat? Yes, you can! Bathing a cat is necessary when the animal becomes dirty enough that it cannot clean its fur on its own. As a result, cats that go outside usually experience this not-so-pleasant procedure. Cat caretakers should not forget to bathe their pet only with special preparations.

Cats are famous for excellent coat care. This view is entirely valid, as already two weeks old babies are instinctively taking care of cleanliness. Also, as you can see, these animals spend most of the day on hygiene. However, there are times when they need to be bathed.

Can a cat be bathed? When should this be done?

By nature, kittens cope very well with daily cleansing. As a result, many caregivers mistakenly believe that no beauty help is needed. Unfortunately, while long-haired cats manage to remove a lot of dirt, they especially need help combing their fur to avoid tangles.

A cat should also be bathed if it catches insects such as fleas or on the recommendation of a veterinarian. So the answer to the question of whether a cat can bathe is yes, but in certain situations. Especially pregnancy and very young age are contraindications to swimming.

Does the cat like to swim?

Cats are generally thought to be very fond of water. This is true, but there are exceptions to the rule. Some breeds, such as the Turkish van cat or sphinx, love to swim. Remember that even cats who don’t like water, if they are properly accustomed to it, bathing will not do so much stress. A very important step is to familiarize the cat with the place where it will be washed.

This process is best done in advance, if possible in the bathroom. You just need to equip your cat with a bathroom and allow, for example, yourself to enter the bath or sink. The most important thing is not to do anything through coercion and not to force the cat against its will. Exercises should be done dry. As a result, the pet will get acquainted with the new environment. He will feel even freer if we meanwhile caress him, give him treats or play with him.

How to bath a cat?

Bathing a cat is a real challenge. Before the procedure, all the necessary accessories must be prepared in advance – towels, a soft sponge, shampoo recommended for cats (no cosmetics for humans are used in any way), and a container. It is good to put a rubber mat on the bottom of the bowl where the bath will be so that the pet does not slip.

Remember to comb your cat in front of the bath, otherwise it may look tangled. During the first bath or if we know that the kitten hates water, it is worth using the help of a second person. One will take care of the wash, the other will keep, entertain and distract your pet.

Cats bathing

Can I bath a cat? The cat should not be bathed under running water. Before starting the procedure, the container in which it will be washed is filled. It is best to wash the coat gently by pouring into a jug. The water should be around 38.6 ° C, which is close to the cat’s body temperature, and should not be more than half a foot.

Be careful not to wet your ears when bathing. After the procedure, wrap the cat in a towel, dry gently and comb your hair. The use of a dryer is not recommended. Too warm air can dry out and irritate the skin. After bathing, make sure your pet can’t go outside and is not exposed to drafts. Otherwise, cold weather can cause friction.

What products to use?

Special care must be taken in the cat’s bath. You can buy cat shampoo at pet stores and visit your vet. The range of products is quite wide. It is best to choose one that does not irritate the eyes and has hypoallergenic properties.

It is good if it contains cationic polymers that protect the fur from the harmful effects of external factors. There are even two-in-one products (shampoo with conditioner), especially recommended for long-haired cats. They strengthen the fur, increase its volume and prevent it from tangling.