Is It Recommended To Bathe My Cat?
One of the most frequently asked questions when having a cat at home tends to be whether we should bathe her and how often. It’s no secret the discomfort most pets feel when they come in contact with water. In the case of cats, bath time becomes a stressful struggle for both the owner and the animal.
Cats, without a shadow of a doubt, are extremely delicate animals with regard to their personal hygiene, which is why they are constantly seen licking themselves. That’s because your skin, like the skin of human beings, is one of its most extensive, sensitive and important parts: it generates heat, protection and even hydration.
It is for these and others that many people tend to think that bathing cats is not necessary. However, several factors can force the pet owner to contribute to the grooming and grooming of their pet, which are fundamental actions to preserve its health.
Is it necessary to bathe my cat?
Cats, in general, spend at least eight hours a day cleaning them, because they have a wild instinct that comes from the desire to remove all traces of their own scent to “camouflage” and thus capture prey. But sometimes, certain cases, mostly accidental, require another type of hygiene.
If your cat is healthy and clean, you don’t need to bathe him that often. Constantly bathing the cat is harmful as it can lose the body’s natural essential oils and contract serious skin conditions.
Bathing a cat is not mandatory as some people might think. Your tongue, made up of small, rough pores, serves as your main tool in keeping your body clean. In addition, the owner can help the pet by brushing the coat weekly.
What is the ideal age to start bathing the cat?
One of the basic recommendations of experts is to get the kitten used to bathing from an early age, specifically around 2 to 3 months. At this age they are going through the socialization stage and their immune system is starting to stabilize.
It is important to gradually get your pet used to bathing, as this will allow him to adapt to the feeling of water and soap. If you do, maybe he’ll even enjoy bath time. If your cat is resistant to water from the start , don’t force it unless you have to. This is because you will only be able to create a negative association in the animal’s mind.
When is it convenient to bathe my cat?
Throughout the life of your feline companion, unexpected situations will exist and will force you to have to give the pet a bath, whether it is used to water or not. One of these situations is if you have taken a stray cat or puppy into your home and it is dirty ; in that case it might have fleas, so you’ll have to clean it with a special shampoo.
Another reason why we have to give our cat a bath is when he has a skin infection or allergy. However, it is necessary to follow the veterinarian’s recommendations. Also, if your four-legged friend gets dirty with a toxic product (such as oil, gasoline, grease, disinfectant or chlorine) you should clean him up quickly, as he can lick himself and get sick.
Also, if you live in a region where the summer or dry weather is very strong, you will probably have to help him lick himself to lower the pet’s temperature, thus preventing future heat stroke.
Felines with abundant or semi-long fur require more rigorous care from their owner, since the cat’s small tongue cannot completely cover the surface of the fur. For this reason, to untangle and restore your coat’s natural color and shine, you should bathe the cat.
Lastly, if your pet is old or suddenly stops licking itself for no apparent reason, it’s usually an indicator that something isn’t right. It is important to detect which disease is affecting the pet, consult a veterinarian and, in this way, help him to do his hygiene while his problem is not resolved.
If you notice that your cat has gotten used to the feeling of water, or that you have found a way to feel more comfortable when grooming, you can bathe it at least once or twice a month, depending on the case.
How to bathe a cat?
If you decide or need to bathe your cat, there are certain steps to take to make this uncomfortable situation more pleasant for your pet. The first thing you should have is time, at least an hour for your pet to stay relaxed.
You should find a suitable space for bathing the cat, preferably a bathtub or a sink that fits the cat’s entire body. Fill it with warm water before placing your pet in the container, do this so he is not startled by the sound of falling water. If you want, you can put a towel at the bottom so it can hold on and not get hurt.
Use soaps and shampoos for cats, as its pH is different from that of humans and it can be affected with any other product. Before starting your cat’s grooming, you should have everything on hand to bathe and dry him properly.
Talk to your four-legged friend to give him peace of mind. Through caresses and praise, it is possible to create a comfortable and safe space to keep your cat very relaxed; the positive emotions emanating from you are fundamental. In the end, offer warmth and reward him for his good behavior, thus generating positive reinforcement.
