Bathing a cat? Do they really need it?

As a cat owner, you've probably wondered whether you should bathe your pet regularly. We've found out what the doctors say.

In the public mind, our purring pets live as if they are terrified of water – although this is not true, because several breeds enjoy bathing – which is why most owners don’t bother to bathe them. This does not seem justified, not least because cats are very delicate animals who spend a lot of time on self-grooming. But there are still situations in life when you do need to bathe your cat. Let’s see what they are!

6 times when you need to bathe your cat

1.) Shedding

As a general rule, veterinarians say that a healthy short-haired cat should only be bathed if it is not shedding at a sufficient rate. A wash can speed up the process. In any case, it is essential that you use products specifically formulated for cats. Neither human nor dog products are suitable.

2.) For long-haired cats

But your furrier pet may need your help grooming more often. It is common for them to contaminate themselves with food or have problems defecating. Also, too much ingested hair during self-grooming can cause a lot of discomfort to the animal.

Doctors can tell you about recommend bathing every 6 weeks (although it may be necessary earlier in the event of an accident ), and it is worth getting the cat used to it from the start. In addition, constant brushing, even daily, is essential for longer coats.

3.) Flea infestation

Year-round parasite control is also of paramount importance for cats. However, if your pet does become infected or you have a cat with fleas, bathing may be necessary. There are a number of specialised parasite repellents available, but it’s worth checking with your vet which might be ideal for your cat.

4.) Disturbing stains

It happens that even our clean cats get into things that smell bad to us. In such cases, it is in our interest to give the cat a bath. If your pet doesn’t bathe, be prepared for them to protest. Be careful that he doesn’t scratch or bite you in fear! This can happen to even the most animals in stressful situations. If you’re really struggling, you can ask a pet groomer for help.

5.) Elderly cats

For older pets, there are already a number of health problems such as such as incontinence which may justify bathing. In addition, older cats may find it more difficult to perform precise self-grooming, which may also mean you need to help. Importantly, an elderly animal may react worse to a stressful situation such as bathing, so if you find it easier, use wet cloths or wipes made especially for cats. These are also perfect for cleaning the tail and back tract, for example.

6) Overweight cats

Indeed, obesity can also cause difficulties in this area, as the extra weight makes it more difficult for the animal to move and may not be able to reach all of their body weight. It is important not to accept the extra weight as a cute feature, but to consult your vet on the healthiest way to feed your pet. Not only will you improve their quality of life, but you’re also prolonging their life!