Should I Wash My Cat?

Dark colored cat

Whether you’re a new cat owner or have been the proud owner to a fur baby for some time now, there’s one thing that all cat owners should be aware of. Grooming is extremely important when it comes to your cat’s health and wellbeing, and we all want our cats to be healthy and happy. In case you find yourself wondering “Should I wash my cat?” we have the answer, as well as some advice on grooming your feline friend to keep them looking purr-fact.

Why is grooming important for cats?

Grooming your cat by brushing them can help you to build a strong bond and your cat will trust you more after each grooming session. Many cats really enjoy being brushed and it can help to reduce stress. If you’re wondering “Do cats need baths?” the answer is, not really. The right cat brush helps to soothe and massage your feline buddy whilst removing dead hair and preventing matts, particularly important for long-haired kitties. Don’t underestimate the importance of claw trimming too, as this helps domestic cats to feel more comfortable. Regular grooming sessions, either yourself or with a registered cat groomer, can help to check your kitty for abnormalities like lumps, bumps or skin conditions, which are best caught early for the necessary treatment.

Should you wash your cat?

If you’re wondering about bathing a cat and whether it is necessary, you may be glad to hear that cats actually have everything they need to keep themselves clean. Most cats, especially short-haired breeds, are excellent self-groomers, but you may need to bathe a cat in extreme circumstances. For example, if your cat has been unwell with diarrhoea or has been stuck up a chimney and is covered in soot, you may need to wash their coat. Bathing a cat can also help to reduce shedding, which is great news if you’re the owner of a long-haired feline. Showering rinses away dead hair but you can always achieve a similar result with brushing alone. Finally, if your cat is a purebred and you’re taking them to a show, it goes without saying that a trip to the groomers for a bath is in order.

Light colored cat

How to wash your cat – the dos and don’ts

The average indoor cat may never need a bath, but if you do decide to take the plunge, most domestic kitties can enjoy a couple of baths a year. Only you know your cat’s personality and levels of aggression, which can be a key deciding factor when it comes to bathing a cat. Cats that have been bathed regularly since they were kittens are the most likely to tolerate being bathed as an adult cat. A scared cat can hiss, spit and become hostile, so you need to consider whether it is worth the stress (for you and your kitty) to bathe your cat, unless they are extremely dirty. Here are a few tips for the best way to bathe a cat:

It is important to stay calm when bathing your cat, as they will pick up on your stress. Take things slowly and soak your kitty gently from the neck down, washing their neck, body, belly, legs and tail. Diluting the shampoo can make rinsing easier, and you want to gently massage them to help them relax.

If your cat wants to stop at any stage, they will let you know and you should respect this. However, you should always rinse shampoo thoroughly until the water runs clear. You can wash kitty’s face gently with a wet, warm washcloth and then dry them gently with a towel.

Hire the experts to wash your cat.

If bathing your cat all seems like a lot of stress or work, then the good news is that there are professionals who can help you. If you find yourself wondering, “Where can I get my cat groomed?” then the answer is that there are probably many professional groomers in your area. Just a quick search online or in your local directory will give you plenty to choose from. Professional cat groomers can help your cat to stay calm and ensure they enjoy a relaxing bath without any of the stress.

When it comes to bathing a cat, remember that many cats go through their whole lives without ever being bathed, but there may be times when you need to give your cat a bath, for whatever reason.