All cats need baths occasionally. Although your kitty probably sees themselves as a more-than-capable groomer, debris like mud, sap, and excess dirt can be extremely difficult for a cat to remove from their own coat; a thorough bath may be the only way to get rid of the gunk. Your kitty’s physical traits can also affect their need for some grooming assistance. Cats who are obese, elderly, or have arthritis may not be able to reach all areas of their body when grooming themselves. Plus, longhaired cats might have a hard time thoroughly cleaning their body and hairless breeds need baths to get rid of excess body oils. All of these furry friends should receive periodic baths to stay clean enough for both of your standards.
Receiving a bath once every 4 to 6 weeks will work for most cats, according to National Cat Groomer’s Institute. As a rule of thumb, it’s smart to bathe your kitty when needed. If you notice something smelly in your cat’s fur, for instance, take the opportunity to wash them. Bathing your cat too often can dry out their skin, so use your best judgment to decide when it’s time for a bath. Ask your veterinarian how often your cat needs baths if they contract ticks or fleas, as they may need more frequent washing.
Cats do need baths, and teaching your kitty to accept some occasional bathing will help them stay calm in the future. Your cat will probably learn to trust you in the tub after a few repetitions, and they certainly won’t mind looking even cleaner than before!
Cat Bath
All cats need baths occasionally. Although your kitty probably sees themselves as a more-than-capable groomer, debris like mud, sap, and excess dirt can be extremely difficult for a cat to remove from their own coat; a thorough bath may be the only way to get rid of the gunk. Your kitty’s physical traits can also affect their need for some grooming assistance. Cats who are obese, elderly, or have arthritis may not be able to reach all areas of their body when grooming themselves. Plus, longhaired cats might have a hard time thoroughly cleaning their body and hairless breeds need baths to get rid of excess body oils. All of these furry friends should receive periodic baths to stay clean enough for both of your standards.
Receiving a bath once every 4 to 6 weeks will work for most cats, according to National Cat Groomer’s Institute. As a rule of thumb, it’s smart to bathe your kitty when needed. If you notice something smelly in your cat’s fur, for instance, take the opportunity to wash them. Bathing your cat too often can dry out their skin, so use your best judgment to decide when it’s time for a bath. Ask your veterinarian how often your cat needs baths if they contract ticks or fleas, as they may need more frequent washing.
Cats do need baths, and teaching your kitty to accept some occasional bathing will help them stay calm in the future. Your cat will probably learn to trust you in the tub after a few repetitions, and they certainly won’t mind looking even cleaner than before!