Do Cats Need Baths?

Ask any cat owner and they'll tell you the same thing: most cats don't like getting wet. But what should you do if your feline friend gets dirty? Your first instinct may be to give them a bath—or at least a partial bath.

However, keep in mind that not all cats need regular soaking, notes Vanessa Spano, associate veterinarian at Behavioral Veterinary Medicine in New York City. "Domestic cats don't need baths," Spano said. "Unlike dogs, cats groom themselves every day, which is a normal species behavior. Most cats may also dislike contact with water, and for those felines not accustomed to water, unnecessary bathing may It’s a lot of stress and discomfort.”

Of course, there are some situations where bathing is necessary, but you should check with your veterinarian first. Felines' agile bodies and sandpaper-like tongues make them excellent self-groomers, so unless your pet has a skin condition like ringworm, Hannah Shaw, Royal Canin feline expert and founder of Kitten Lady, says , otherwise you can skip soaking (check with your feline expert). Does the vet use medicated soap), or becomes particularly dirty.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the likelihood that your cat will need an actual bath, as well as effective ways to clean them at home if they do need it.

How to bathe your cat

Prepare everything you need for your bath ahead of time. This requires preparing the following supplies:

1.Safe shampoo for cats
2.washcloth
3.Pour water measuring cup
4.Clean, dry towels
5.Brush your cat
"Groom your cat thoroughly to remove any tangled or matted fur," says Juma. "Just like humans, cats' hair can become more tangled or matted when wet."

Give your cat a bath

"Fill a sink or bathtub with a few inches of lukewarm or lukewarm water," says Juma.
Wet the area to be cleaned by immersing the cat in water and pouring water over the cat using a measuring cup or using a washcloth to dampen the cat's fur. Avoid getting water into your cat's eyes, nose and ears.
Use a washcloth when cleaning the facial area. Use a washcloth or soft brush to apply cat-safe shampoo.
Wrap her in a towel and pat her dry. "You can also comb her fur back to help her ventilate faster," adds Shaw.