How Recommendable Is It To Bathe The Cat?

One of the most frequent questions when we have a feline at home is usually if we should bathe it and how often. The discomfort felt by most of these pets when in contact with water is no secret to anyone, which leads to bathing the cat in a stressful fight for both the owner and the animal.

Cats, without a doubt, are extremely delicate animals with their personal hygiene, which is why they are constantly groomed. This is because the skin, as in humans, is one of its most extensive, sensitive and important parts:  it generates protection, heat and even hydration.

For these and other reasons, many people tend to be inclined towards the idea that bathing the cat is not necessary. However, different factors can force the owner of the animal to contribute with the grooming and brushing of their pet, essential actions to preserve their health.

Is it necessary to bathe the cat?

In general, cats spend at least eight hours a day cleaning themselves, a consequence of their wild instinct arising from the desire to eliminate all traces of their own scent to ‘sneak away’ and capture their prey. But sometimes, certain scenarios, mostly accidental, require another type of hygiene.

If a cat is healthy and looking good, it does not need to be bathed as often. Bathing your cat constantly is detrimental to it, as it can lose the body’s natural essential oils and cause serious skin diseases.

Bathing the cat is not mandatory, as some people may think. His tongue, laden with small, coarse pores, serves as his main tool in keeping his body clean. On the other hand,  the owner can help the pet with weekly fur brushing.

What is the ideal age to start bathing him?

One of the basic recommendations of the experts is to accustom cats to taking baths from a young age, specifically from 2 or 3 months, when they are in their socialization stage and their immune system begins to stabilize.

It is important to gradually accustom your pet to this activity, since it will allow him to adapt to the sensation of the water and soap, which can even generate the enjoyment of the pussycat. If your cat is reluctant to the bathroom from the beginning, do not force it to do so, unless it is necessary, because you will create a negative association.

It is important to gradually accustom your pet to this activity, since it will allow him to adapt to the sensation of the water and soap, which can even generate the enjoyment of the pussycat. If your cat is reluctant to the bathroom from the beginning, do not force it to do so, unless it is necessary, because you will create a negative association

When is it convenient to bathe the cat?

Throughout the life of your feline companion there will be extraordinary situations that will force you to give him a bath, whether he is used to water or not. One of the first is if you have taken in the cat or puppy from the street and it is dirty ; in case it has fleas, you should clean it with a special shampoo.

Another reason to bathe the cat is if it suffers from a skin infection or allergy, but you must follow the veterinarian’s recommendations. On the other hand, if your pet gets dirty with a toxic product – such as oil, gasoline, grease, disinfectant or chlorine – you should clean it quickly, as it could lick it and get sick.

If you live in an area where summers or dry weather are very strong, you will probably need to help it groom itself, to lower the temperature of the animal and avoid dangerous heat stroke.

Felines with abundant or semi-long fur, require more rigorous hair care from their owner, since the small tongue of the cat does not completely cover the surface of the hair. Therefore,  to untangle it and restore its natural color and shine, you must bathe the cat.

Finally, if your pet is older or stopped grooming for no apparent reason, it is usually an indicator that something is wrong. It is important to detect what his condition is, consult the vet and help him with his grooming while this is solved.

If your cat manages to get used to the sensation of water, or you find a way in which he feels a little more comfortable at the time of his hygiene, you can bathe him at least once or twice a month as the case may be.

How to bathe a cat?

If you decide or need to bathe your cat, there are certain steps you must follow to make this uncomfortable situation more enjoyable for most of them. The first thing you should have is time, at least an hour  for your pet to stay relaxed.

You must find a suitable space to bathe the cat, preferably a bathtub or a sink that can fit completely. Fill it with lukewarm water before bringing it closer, so you don’t get scared by the sound of water falling. If you want,  you can put a towel on the bottom so that it clings and doesn’t hurt you.

Use specialized soaps and shampoos for felines, since their pH is different from that of humans and you could affect it with some other product. Before starting the hygiene of your cat,  you should have everything you need on hand to bathe and dry it.

Talk to your friend, offer him peace of mind. Through caresses and praise you can create a comfortable and safe space that will keep your cat relaxed; the good emotions that you transmit will be fundamental. At the end,  offer your warmth and reward him for his good behavior, thus generating positive reinforcement.