How often should you bathe your pet cats?

Rules of care, indications, and contraindications.

Let’s be honest: most cats simply hate water. Regular bathing procedures are more of a whim of the owners who want their pet to be clean and well-groomed. Let’s figure out if cats need to be bathed themselves and what experts think about it.

Cat owners have different attitudes towards bathing their pets. Some are convinced that it needs to be done regularly, while others believe that the process is too complex and laborious, and their pet is capable of maintaining cleanliness without human intervention. Who is right?

Do domestic cats need to be bathed at all?

Most veterinarians agree that it is not necessary to bathe cats that live indoors unless it is necessary. Water procedures are, first and foremost, an unnecessary stress that can affect the mental state of both the animal and its owner (remember the scratched hands!). However, there are cases when bathing becomes a necessity rather than a whim.

The cat has become dirty

In general, cats are clean animals, so they are capable of taking care of their fur and intimate areas without human assistance. However, there are exceptions among cats as well. If a domestic cat gets dirty and refuses to clean itself, it can be washed using a special pet shampoo recommended by a veterinarian or a pharmacist at a veterinary pharmacy.

The cat is shedding excessively

Intensive shedding is one of the indications for more frequent bathing. If the fur is not properly cared for during this period, there is a risk of matting, which the cat cannot get rid of on its own. If the undercoat has already become matted and tangled, a single bath may not be enough, and you may need to help the animal by combing and/or trimming the mats.

The cat has fleas

Another reason for bathing is the appearance of parasites or fleas on the animal. In this case, you need to purchase a special shampoo with insecticidal action for your pet. The procedure should be repeated several times, and in case of a severe infestation, the cat should also be treated with drops or sprays, and then bathed again after the treatment period.

You have taken in a stray cat

If you have adopted a stray animal, it must be bathed. However, before doing so, it is necessary to examine the fur and skin of the animal for wounds, bald patches (ringworm), ticks, and fleas, wearing gloves. Ideally, you should seek the advice of a specialist who will assess the animal’s condition and, if necessary, take the necessary tests.

Contraindications for bathing

There are situations where bathing an animal is strictly contraindicated.

Yes, water procedures are undesirable for cats if:

• the animal has just eaten – it may start vomiting due to fear;
• the cat has recently experienced stress – for example, a fall from a height, an attack by other animals, etc.;
• the cat has recently had surgery – it is necessary to wait at least two weeks;
• the cat is pregnant or nursing – there is a risk of the animal getting cold or complications caused by stress, up to miscarriage;
• the cat has a skin or infectious disease in the active stage. The decision regarding bathing should be made by a specialist. Age and frequency of bathing for cats

1-3 months – experts do not recommend bathing newborn kittens. All necessary hygiene procedures are performed by the mother during this time.

3-4 months – bathing a kitten at this age is only necessary in extreme cases. The immune system is still poorly developed, so the risk of hypothermia is high. In addition, the mother may stop nursing the kitten if she detects a foreign scent.

Adult cats with medium-length fur – bathing is allowed 2-3 times a year and as needed.

Fluffy and long-haired cats – the maximum number of baths is 6 times a year.

Senior cats – the animal can be washed no more than 2 times a year and only in a state of complete calm.

Unneutered male cats – due to hormonal changes, the sebaceous glands in unneutered cats produce more secretions, which can soil the fur. More frequent bathing is permissible as needed.