How Often Should Cats Get A Bath?

Cats usually don't need to be bathed, but there are some special circumstances. If they have curls that they can't wash out, or if their long hair is tangled, a thorough cleaning might be a good idea. However, bathing a cat can be quite a challenge because most cats really don't like bathing and they can find the experience very stressful.

How often should you bathe your cat?

Generally speaking, cats should be bathed every 4-6 weeks, depending on how often they are groomed and their typical environment. If your cat prefers outdoor activities and soils itself while playing, it may be a good idea to give it a bath. Helps with the grooming process as they cannot be cleaned properly on their own. The same applies when the cat is old or overweight.

However, hairless breeds require more frequent grooming due to excessive oil production, so you should consider bathing them once a week.

How to bathe a cat at home?

First, fill the tub with enough warm (not hot) water to clean your cat, then gently lower them into the tub. Don’t overfill it as this will only make your cat more anxious! Additionally, the sound of running water is often unsettling to cats, so it’s best to do this before taking them into the bathroom. For the same reason, avoid using a shower head when bathing your cat and instead use a small kettle for greater efficiency and comfort.

Next, use unscented cat shampoo and make a solution of 1 part shampoo to 5 parts water. It's also possible that your cat is allergic to certain shampoos, so be sure to patch test them before using them all over your body.

Another important thing is to take your time and minimize loud noises that may upset your cat. When cleaning your face, be sure to wipe it gently with a damp towel.

During the final part of bathing your cat, wrap them in a large towel and dry them. A hair dryer is also an option, as long as you set it to the lowest setting, but this depends on your cat's sensitivity to noise. Most cats usually find the noise too disturbing, so it's a good idea to give them a good wipe with a soft towel.

After every bath, along with snacks, take the time to praise their good behavior and show them lots of love. Well, that’s it – your feline friend is now clean and probably ready to get back to playing.