Bathing Cats

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Most cats are terrified of being bathed, and most cats don't ever need to be bathed.  Cats are designed to be self-cleaning, with tiny barbs on their tongues that pick up extra fur, dirt and fleas.  However, there are times when cat baths become necessities.

 

Here are a few of them:

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1. Your cat is a Sphynx or other hairless breed

Hairless breeds need to be bathed once every week or so to get rid of the oils that accumulate on

their skin.  If they’re not regularly bathed, they can develop cat acne and very oily skin.

 

2. Your cat has ringworm

This fungal infection requires medicated baths as part of treatment.  Your vet can teach you how to give these baths in a way that’s safe for you and your cat.

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3. Your cat has a severe flea infestation or flea allergy

Baths aren’t necessarily needed for cats with fleas, but you may need to bathe cats with severe infestations or flea allergies.  Also, if your cat is too young for regular flea products, a bath with Dawn dish soap is the only choice to safely remove the fleas and their eggs.

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4. Your cat got into something dangerous or toxic

Sometimes cats get into things that they can’t get off their own fur.  Or, what they got into may be

toxic or smell awful, like skunk spray.  In this case, a bath is the best solution.

 

5. Your cat is obese or arthritic

Cats who are obese and / or arthritic have trouble cleaning themselves, and may need your assistance to do so.  While you’re helping your obese cat get to a normal weight, cleaning them in order to avoid urine scald and other problems will be a huge help.  Arthritic cats may actually appreciate the warm water.

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Alternatives to cat baths

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In most cases, you can clean your cat using unscented, hypoallergenic wipes made for cats rather

than giving full-scale cat baths.

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How to give your cat a bath if necessary for one of the reasons above:

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1. Prepare: Get all your tools together: shampoo, towels, a pitcher or detachable shower head, lots of towels and, of course, treats to reward your cat for their patience.

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2. Get your bathing site together: Use your sink or a dish tub in your bathtub.  Lay a towel, non-slip bath mat or other surface that your cat can grip onto, in the bottom of your sink or dish tub.  Fill with a few inches of warm water.  Make sure the water isn’t too hot by testing the temperature on the inside of your forearm.

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3. Bathe the cat: Gently place and hold your cat in the sink, using the pitcher to wet down your cat’s coat.  Do not pour the water over your cat’s head.  Lather up: Use a hypoallergenic, unscented shampoo specifically designed for cats.  If your cat has ringworm, your vet should give you a medicated shampoo to use.

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4. Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the shampoo off, using a pitcher or a shower head.  If you’re using a shower head, use a low flow rate so you don’t further frighten your cat.  If you’re using a sink, use the sprayer.  Again, test the water temperature before using the sprayer or shower head on your cat.

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5. Dry: Use a series of towels to thoroughly dry your cat.  Don’t use a blow dryer unless your cat is already familiar with it.  Put your cat in a nice, warm place to finish drying off.