How often should a domestic cat be bathed

Follow the instructions and your cat will outshine all of its congeners at the show!

How to Wash a Cat Properly

By nature, cats are very clean. But, one way or another, periodically the owner should wash his pet, especially if he is outdoors. Not all cats like water, only a small percentage of animals allow the owner to wash themselves. How much you can bathe a cat, how to do it correctly and much more you will learn in our article.

Animal hair collects dust and dirt. In long-haired cat breeds, dirty hair can bunch up into sloppy balls, which gives the animal an untidy appearance. If a cat lives outdoors or is out there a lot, it is likely that parasites can get into his fur. Washing your cat will help maintain the right level of hygiene, and your pet will always look well groomed.

How often should I wash my cat?

There are sebaceous glands on the animal's body that produce a secret. This secret has a specific smell and it is different for each cat. This secret also helps to provide a protective fat barrier to the skin. Frequent washing washes away this barrier and the pet's skin can become more sensitive.

It is recommended that a domestic cat be washed on average once every three months. The exception is when the pet's fur is heavily soiled or has parasites. Outdoor cats can be washed once every 4 to 6 weeks. Their fur collects dust and dirt faster, so you can bathe the cat more often in this case.

Should Cats Be Washed?

Unlike dogs who just love water procedures, cats don't like water, bathing is stressful for them. It is necessary to know how to bathe the cat correctly so that it does not become a local disaster for everyone involved in the process.

You should bathe your cat if it has been walking outside or if you are preparing it for a show, for example, where its coat condition will be carefully evaluated. In addition, not all cats are perfect cleaners and over time their coats become dirty and may even give off an unpleasant odor.

How often should you wash your cat?

With the onset of moulting, many cats devote more time to their fur and take extra care of themselves. However, bathing speeds up the removal of dead hair, as mechanical manipulation and water wash away the hair well. At this point the question may arise: how often should I bathe my cat? There is no definite answer, but there are several factors to consider:

"Plush", long-haired breeds or short-haired healthy cats with normal, thick undercoat have no contraindications to taking water procedures during shedding. The exceptions are Rex cats, some Oriental and Siamese breeds.

How often we wash a cat also depends on the degree of contamination of the coat. Experts do not recommend washing a pet more than 5-6 times a year. Pets that do not participate in exhibitions should be bathed 2-3 times a year not to wash off the protective layer that is on the surface of the coat.

Representatives of long-haired breeds need a bath more often than their short-haired counterparts. As a preventive measure or if fleas get infested, you should wash your pet a few days before the planned treatment with special medications.

Not everything that foams is good

If the owner cares about the condition of the skin and coat of the pet, the question of which shampoo to wash the cat should interest him first of all. The main parameter in choosing shampoo is the breed of cat.

Kittens with short hair should wash with shampoos that contain oils and surfactants. After washing, the pet's hair is pressed tight to the skin and becomes smooth and even.

But the fluffy Persians or Siberians are not suitable for such a wash. After it, the hair will stick and hang lifeless icicles. For long-haired cats should use a shampoo that includes herbal extracts and wheat protein. Such a product makes a fluffy coat velvety and prevents the formation of tangles.

Can I wash my cats with human shampoo? Veterinarians unanimously answer this question negatively. Human hair products are not suitable for bathing cats, because they have a completely different pH level. Using shampoos not designed specifically for cats, you risk the health of your pet. After all, it can spoil the hair, manifest allergies or dermatitis.

A similar answer can be given to the question: is it possible to wash the cat with laundry soap? Absolutely not. Do not be lazy to look in a pet store and choose the right product for washing. Special shampoo is usually concentrated, so it will last you more than a month. And your pets' coats will be silky smooth.

No hassle with a clean cat

So, it's time to learn how to properly wash your cat. First of all, provide your cat with a calm atmosphere during the wash. Excessive fuss and noise can frighten the animal.

Use a bathtub or ordinary basin with lukewarm water (33-35 C). Do not make the temperature any higher. Your hand, dipped into the water, should feel only faint heat. It is advisable to place a rubber mat at the bottom of the basin, so that the cat's paws do not slip. This way your cat will feel much more confident.

The level of water in the basin should reach the cat's belly. After putting the cat in the basin, gently moisten its fur with water. It is better to do this with a plastic cup. Lightly run your hands over the fur, saying affectionate words to your fluffy pet.

Water procedures should begin with a croup so that the cat gradually gets used to warm water. It is important to know that pouring water on the head is strictly forbidden, so that it does not get into the ears. It's easy to protect the ear canal from accidental contact with water: cover it with cotton balls for the time of bathing.

Some owners water their furry pets from the shower. This method allows a much better way to soak the coat or rinse off the shampoo. But you can experiment with the innovation if the pet does not show much anxiety. Otherwise, the noise of pouring water may frighten the cat.

Let's proceed to soaping the hair. Shampoo should be taken very little, because it foams a lot. And it won't be easy to rinse all the foamy mass. Carefully distribute the foam all over the cat's body. Do not forget to soap the back, belly, paws. If your pet manages to get dirty from head to toe, shampoo twice.

Leave the detergent for 2-3 minutes and then start rinsing. Rinse out any shampoo residue thoroughly with clean water. A badly washed coat will look like a wire after washing, because detergents weigh it down a lot. In addition, the cat risks "eating" the shampoo, licking its hair every day, which can lead to poisoning or vomiting in the cat.

Contraindications to bathing

• During rehabilitation after surgery. Usually a full recovery takes about a month, but it all depends on the degree of intervention in the body and the health of the pet;
• Late pregnancy. Washing can be very stressful for the cat and even provoke premature birth;
• Within 2 weeks after vaccination. The cat's immune system is weakened and bathing should be postponed;
• If the cat is sick, bathing may make it worse. Cancel water procedures and follow your veterinarian's advice.

Trim the cat's claws so he doesn't scratch you while bathing.

Choose a place to bathe – a bathtub, sink or basin. A tub is great for large cats, but make sure the bottom is lined with non-slip matting. Many owners wash their pets in sinks. A variant with a basin is less convenient, because the cat may start grabbing at its edges, give preference to a capacity of about 30 liters or buy a special tub.

Remove any objects from the tub or basin and keep sponges and other items that the cat might get stuck on.

Make sure you have everything you need to bathe your pet on hand:

• Shampoo selected specifically for the cat (laundry soap and detergents for humans won't work – cats have a different Ph skin);
• A cap to cover the cat's ears, or cotton swabs that can be placed in the ears, or you can tie a small bag around the head like a headscarf;
• a soft washcloth for washing the head;
• a large towel to wrap the cat in after washing to keep it warm and to prevent it from scratching you;
• a standard towel to collect residual moisture and dry it off;
• A nonchalant helper (preferably).

Check the temperature in the room where you are going to wash the cat. Pets can easily get overcooled and sick, so the air should be no colder than +22 ° C.

How to Wash a Cat Properly

Before the water cools down, and the cat does not suspect anything wrong, grab it and take it to the bathroom. Talk to your cat affectionately, don't make any sudden movements that may frighten it. Don't forget to close the door – in case the cat escapes it will be difficult to catch and wet paw marks will be left all over the apartment (possibly together with the foam, if you manage to soap up the kitty).

Gently place the cat in the bathtub, basin or sink. You can hold him by the scruff of the neck during the immersion, so that the pet does not break away and scratch you. Put a bathing cap on him or put cotton swabs in his ears. Splash warm water on his fur, avoiding getting it in his eyes, nose, and ears.

It is very likely that the cat will not be happy and will resist. You will have to be persistent, for her own good. Squeeze kitty's shoulders just under his chest in your left hand, if you are right-handed. This way, the dominant hand will remain free, and you can use it to soap the animal. If the cat is swinging its hind legs, you just need to sit it down and hold it so it can't jump and kick.

At this stage the assistant will help you a lot – he can water the cat from a watering can or shower, shampoo, towel and other necessary things, while you do all the manipulations with your free hand.

As a side note, pet stores suggest using a short leash with suction cups for bathing the cat. This accessory makes sense only as a last resort, because the pet may be more frightened by the leash than by the wash, and in the future it will be difficult to lure the cat to the water procedures.

Now gently massage some shampoo onto the wet cat's fur. Consistently soap the back, chest, belly and tail, not forgetting the paws and chin. Do not use too much shampoo, so that you do not have to rinse out the foam.

Use a special washcloth to gently wash the cat's muzzle. If you want to wash the cat's head, ask your helper to hold his ears or put cotton swabs in them. Also make sure that the water does not get into the cat's nose.

Bath day for the cat

Your pet needs to be prepared for a bath. Human soaps, gels and shampoos should not be used to bathe cats because they are oriented to a different pH level. Unsuitable hygiene products can cause allergies, drying of the skin, dandruff and even ulcers. You should stock up on special cat shampoo for bathing in advance. If the pet has caught parasites, the shampoo should contain special antiparasitic components. Suitable water temperature is about +37 degrees. It will also be necessary to prepare a couple of towels in order to blot the moisture from the coat.

If the cat is very afraid of water, a compromise will be to buy dry shampoo, in powder form. It is applied to the coat and combed out, absorbing dirt and grease secretions. Such a remedy will eliminate stress and keep the mutual love between the animal and the owner. Short-haired breeds can be simply wiped with a warm damp towel, which will remove natural dirt and loose hair from the skin.

Cat bathing rules

If the animal does not like to bathe, the bath should be preceded by a particularly serious preparation. In any case, the following recommendations should be followed:

– Feed the pet no later than 3 hours before bathing, as stress may cause it to vomit;

– Clip the claws. This will avoid scratching; – remove all objects from the bathroom that may be bumped, knocked over or damaged by the cat;

– Put a mat or towel on the bottom of the tub to prevent the cat from slipping and to give it security;

– Comb the cat's fur beforehand and remove any tangles, if any.

Immerse the pussy in water gradually, gently, stroking and gently soothing it. Do not grip its body with a dead grip, this will frighten the animal even more. The detergent should be spread evenly over the skin, taking care not to cause unnecessary discomfort to the animal. In the case of the head do not need to be particularly zealous, just rinse it with water, taking care not to get it in the ears.

The specific acoustics of the bathroom makes the sounds even louder. And water pouring out of the shower is a real challenge to a cat's keen hearing. This is why it is better to rinse the shampoo off with your hands, pouring lukewarm water from a ladle. After the bath is complete, gently squeeze the excess moisture from the paws, chest and tail. Soak the cat with a towel, wrap it up and take it into the room. Once again, blot the coat with a dry towel so that there is minimal moisture left on it. Then you can let the animal go. She can do the rest on her own. It is important to understand that it is not necessary to wash the cat unnecessarily, because what is necessary for the health of us humans, absolutely not necessary for cats. And it can even harm them.

How often to bathe different cat breeds

Any animal should be bathed once every 2-3 months if it walks around the yard.

Cats with hairless breeds (sphynxes, elves, etc.) can be bathed more often – once a month, and in winter – once every two months. As a rule, these cats adore water and do not mind to bathe at all.

Cats of white, beige and peach color need frequent bathing. They are washed with a special shampoo for light-colored hair.

And some more tips about bathing cats and cats

• Do not bathe a pregnant cat or if she is nursing kittens.
• An adult, un-neutered cat needs to be bathed more often. Because of the secret secretion his coat gets dirty faster, becomes greasy and sticky.
• At least two weeks should pass after the operation, and only then the animal can be bathed.
• If you got your pet from a shelter, you shouldn't bathe it in the first few days. Moving and bathing together is wildly stressful.
• During the molting period, washing helps get rid of dead hair faster.
• Do not wash your pet while he is sick.

So, the frequency of bathing is a tentative indicator. It depends on the cleanliness of the cat, the peculiarities of its lifestyle and living conditions. An attentive owner will always understand that his pet needs additional care and will carry out water procedures with maximum comfort. And for professional haircuts and coat care we recommend contacting a pet salon.

When should I start bathing?

The earlier your kitten begins bathing, the calmer he will be during this procedure as he grows older. It is ideal if the kitten is accustomed by the breeder from the first months of its life; if not – you have to accustom it from the first weeks of its life in your house as soon as its adaptation period is over.

In the first weeks of life there is no need to bathe a kitten, because at this age the temperature changes, which are inevitable when bathing, can do more harm than good, and does an excellent job with this task.

It is recommended to start bathing at an age. Then they get used to this procedure from an early age, and in the future there will be no problems with bathing.

How often should I bathe my kitten?

It seems optimal to bathe weekly during the molting period and once every two weeks – at other times. Although it is better to listen to the wishes of the cat. Some run to bathe every time the bathtub is filled with water!

If soiled, if the cat went to the bathroom sloppily, or if there are parasites, you should bathe the kitten "off-plan". In this case, the frequency should be in accordance with the veterinarian's recommendations and guidelines for the use of specific detergents.

If you feel the need to wash more often, you need to find a product that will not dry out the coat and skin, and is suitable for your kitty.

Testimonials

According to veterinary experts, it is not necessary to bathe your pet unnecessarily. Bathing is an extreme stressor for most cats and kittens, so resort to this procedure only if necessary. However, there are reasons that can be considered objective indications for bathing.

Appearance of a kitten

If a kitten comes into the house from a well-groomed house cat, bathing him most often is not necessary.

Animals raised at home rarely suffer from parasites and skin diseases. In this case, you only need to carefully inspect the baby, assess the cleanliness of its fur, ears, nose, armpit and groin folds.

Small pets taken from a shelter do not usually need a bath either. Employees of such organizations and volunteers, as a rule, give their wards to new owners already clean, neat and brushed.

The situation is somewhat different when a kitten is found on the street. In this case the animal should be thoroughly examined with particular attention paid to the state of the ears, eyes, nose, abdomen and groin.

The coat should be inspected equally carefully, running your fingers against it (gloves should be worn beforehand). The presence of gaps in the coat may indicate the development of herpes, while the presence of streaks and traces of pus in the nose and eye area may indicate an infectious disease. After examining the cat, you should bathe him gently with anti-parasitic shampoo.

If the cat is dirty

Although cats and cats are considered to be clean animals, some of them do not conform to this stereotype at all. Certain members of the feline family manage to get dirty while in a clean house without even leaving the house.

Some cats and cats can get their fur dirty quickly and frequently, falling into unkempt tangles due to increased sebum production. This phenomenon is often seen in animals undergoing hormonal changes. In this case, pets should also be bathed with a special pet shampoo with an anti-seborrheic effect.

Are there any contraindications?

Often there are also situations where bathing a cat or cat is categorically not allowed. The list of such contraindications includes the following circumstances when:

• The pet has just or very recently eaten (due to stress, vomiting may open up);
• The pet has been under severe stress, is frightened or aggressive;
• The pet has had an operation (cats should not be bathed for at least two weeks after an operation);
• The animal is currently diagnosed with a disease.

Great caution should be exercised when bathing small kittens, pregnant and lactating cats and older animals. In particular, this condition must be observed when the pet avoids and is very afraid of the bathing procedure.

How often can a cat be bathed?

Cats are carnivores, and their hunting instincts make them frequently lick themselves and make sure they are hygienic so that potential prey will not smell them. That's why if you have an apartment cat you should wash it only when it gets dirty, but if it's a free-range cat you may have to wash it more often, but you shouldn't do it every day.

To avoid that the cat develops a fear of water and any hygienic procedures, it is better to accustom it to bathing, brushing ears, teeth and grooming from an early age. Kittens and adult cats should be washed with special shampoos for cats, products for humans will not work. If the cat is afraid of water, act gently but confidently, do not punish the cat, but on the contrary, encourage it while bathing.

Anastasia Nikolina Royal Canin research support expert, veterinarian, specialist in veterinary dietetics and zoopsychology

Popular Questions

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