How to bathe a cat correctly - is it possible to bathe cats and how often?

How often can you wash your cat?

Cats do not need to be washed daily or weekly; bathing once every 2 months is considered normal.
Watching the cat, it is easy to notice that in her free time from playing and feeding, she likes to “preen” - licking her fur, paws and tail. The animal keeps its fur clean on its own, so it does not need regular bathing. Moreover, too frequent washing can harm the cat, as the pet's subcutaneous glands produce a protective lubricant. The substance is distributed throughout the coat, makes the hair silky, and also serves as a barrier against bacteria. Interesting fact: cats and cats groom themselves differently. Cats spend more time licking their fur and do it more thoroughly than males.

It is important to distinguish between thoroughly washing the cat with shampoo and wiping individual areas of the coat as it gets dirty. If the cat got dirty in the toilet or came home from the street, wipe off the dirt with a soft cloth previously moistened in warm water. This will not harm the pet.

You need to teach a kitten to wash from the age of 4-5 months, so that bathing becomes a habitual ritual, and, as an adult, he would not experience fear of water. In any case, you will have to wash your domestic cat throughout its life, because its fur gets dirty and matted, and you really want the “fur coat” to always be luxurious and well-groomed!

Question answer

Is it possible to bathe cats?

Yes but rarely.

How often can cats be bathed?

As needed, 2-3 times a year, and also if it gets very dirty.

Is it possible to wash a cat with human shampoo?

No. It can not only make the skin dry, but also poison your pet.

Is it possible to bathe a cat with dog shampoo?

No, unless the manufacturer has indicated that it is suitable for both cats and dogs.

Is it possible to wash a cat with soap?

No. Soap is unable to properly clean an animal's fur. It may also contain poisons that are toxic to your pet.

When should you bathe a cat?

It is necessary to bathe a cat only if there are good reasons for doing so. Indications for washing your pet:

• More than 2-3 months have passed since the last bath, and the cat’s fur has become dull, darkened, and matted;
• the cat is very dirty, for example, rolled in the mud or covered in paint;
• If parasites are found in the fur, you need to immediately bathe the cat and then treat the “fur coat” with an antiparasitic agent. You should especially carefully examine cats that are often outdoors and can “catch” ticks and fleas;
• washing may be recommended by a veterinarian if a cat develops allergies, lichen, dermatitis and other skin-related diseases;
• if you find a kitten on the street and decide to take it into the house, then you cannot do without water procedures;
• In preparation for the exhibition, you will have to wash the cat with a special shampoo and give your pet a “styling.”

Regular shampoo or special: what to choose

photo from website: PipCat.ru

If you preferred what you wash your hair with, we hasten to disappoint you - products intended for people are absolutely unsuitable for cats. The reason is a different acid-base balance, the risk of allergies and deterioration of the animal’s skin condition.

Some people use regular soap. Veterinarians prohibit resorting to such radical measures. The consequences of bathing a cat this way are:

• dry skin;
• hard wool;
• dermatitis as a reaction to the aggressive effects of substances contained in soap or shampoo;
• the appearance of dandruff.

It is better to choose cosmetics for tailed and mustachioed animals at a pet store. On their shelves there are different types of products: dry, liquid, sprays. The seller will help you choose the best option.

We repeat once again for those who are still wondering whether it is possible to bathe cats with regular shampoo, and are already reaching for their own Timotei or Pantene to use it for the best purposes - give up this idea. Don't skimp on your pet. A stingy person pays twice - the second time for the services of a veterinarian who will treat your cat for allergies or look for the cause of dandruff.

Contraindications for swimming

In some cases, you cannot wash your cat:

• during rehabilitation after surgery. Typically, complete recovery takes about a month, but it all depends on the degree of intervention in the body and the pet’s health condition;
• late pregnancy. Washing can be very stressful for a cat and can even cause premature birth;
• within 2 weeks after vaccination. The cat’s immunity is weakened, and it is better to postpone washing;
• if the animal is sick, bathing can worsen its condition. Cancel water procedures and follow the veterinarian’s recommendations.

Preparing to wash your cat

Trim your cat's nails to prevent him from scratching you while bathing.

Comb the fur and remove tangles.

Choose a place for bathing - a bathtub, sink or basin. The bathtub is perfect for large cats; you just need to cover the bottom with non-slip bedding. Many owners wash their pets in sinks. The option with a basin is less convenient, since the cat may begin to grab onto its edges; give preference to a container with a volume of about 30 liters or buy a special bath.

Remove all foreign objects from the sides of the bathtub or sink, hide washcloths and other things that the cat can get caught on.

Make sure you have everything you need to bathe your pet on hand:

• shampoo selected specifically for cats (laundry soap and detergents are not suitable for humans - cats have a different skin Ph);
• a hat that covers the cat's ears, or cotton swabs that can be placed in the ears, or you can tie a small bag on your head like a scarf;
• soft washcloth for washing hair;
• a large towel in which to wrap the cat after washing so that it does not freeze and cannot scratch you;
• standard towel for collecting remaining moisture and drying;
• caring assistant (preferably).

Check the temperature in the room where you are going to wash your cat. Pets can easily become hypothermic and get sick, so the air should be no colder than +22 °C.

Pour water into the bathtub, basin or sink in advance. The cat is more afraid not of the bath itself, but of the sound of water pouring from the tap. Before starting water procedures, add warm water to a level of about 10 cm so that the water reaches the cat’s belly. The animal must stand confidently on its paws, but so that its head does not get wet. By the way, you can also pre-fill a watering can with water, with which you can then wash off the foam from your pet if he is afraid of the shower. The water temperature should be 38-40 °C. If you don't have a thermometer, place your hand in water up to your elbow. If you do not feel the water, then it is suitable for a cat.

Rules for washing pets

In order to make the washing process as comfortable as possible for your pet, you need to follow several rules:

• prepare in advance everything you might need;
• remove everything that could fall and break if the cat suddenly breaks out and starts rushing around the bathroom;
• When bathing your pet, act carefully but confidently;
• try not to delay the washing process.

How to train?

It is easiest to accustom kittens to washing, but an adult animal can also get used to water procedures over time. You can help him by following the recommendations of experts:

• act gradually, first give the cat a chance to get used to the bath, then pour some water into it;
• Place a mat or towel on the bottom, as the slippery surface is very annoying for cats;
• minimize stress for the animal, for example, do not take in too much water, do not turn on a strong stream to avoid noise and splashes;
• bathe the cat, constantly talking to him, calming him down;
• If the animal categorically refuses to sit in the water and shows aggression, you should not insist.

How to properly bathe a kitten for the first time?

It is very important to properly conduct the kitten’s first bath, since it will largely determine its future attitude to water procedures. To prevent your baby from being frightened by a large amount of water, it is better to use a basin with a towel on the bottom. The water should reach the kitten's belly; there is no need to pour more.

You shouldn’t involve many people in the process; you can wash the baby alone, and the kitten will feel calmer without spectators. After washing, you can treat your pet with a treat so that in the future washing will be associated with something pleasant.

Optimal water temperature

The normal body temperature of cats is about +38⁰С. Bathing water should be 1-2 degrees warmer. Over time, you will be able to determine the temperature by hand, but the first few times it is better to use a thermometer.

Features of washing cats in winter

Veterinarians strongly do not recommend bathing cats in winter. Firstly, the temperature in the bathroom in winter may not be high enough and the cat will freeze while in the water.

Wet cat

And besides, after washing the animal is rarely able to dry thoroughly, so for some time the pet walks around the house with wet fur. In this case, the slightest draft can cause a cold. If necessary, in winter you can use dry shampoo, which does not require moisturizing the coat.

How to properly wash a cat

Before the water gets cold and the cat suspects something is wrong, grab her and take her to the bathroom. Talk to your purr gently, do not make sudden movements that could frighten your pet. Don't forget to close the door - if the cat escapes, it will be difficult to catch, and wet paw marks will remain all over the apartment (possibly along with foam, if you manage to soap the cat).

Gently place the cat in the bathtub, basin or sink. During the dive, you can hold it by the scruff of the neck to prevent the pet from breaking free and scratching you. Put a bathing cap on him or put cotton swabs in his ears. Run warm water over the fur, avoiding the eyes, nose and ears.

It is likely that the cat will be unhappy and begin to resist. She will have to be persistent - for her own good. Grasp the cat's shoulders directly under your chest in your left hand if you are right-handed. This way, your dominant hand will remain free and can be used to lather the animal. If the cat is waving its hind legs, then you just need to sit it down and hold it so that it cannot jump and kick.

At this stage, the assistant will make your task much easier - he can water the cat from a watering can or shower, supply shampoo, a towel and other necessary items, and you will do all the manipulations with your free hand.

Note: pet stores suggest using a short leash with suction cups to bathe your cat. This accessory makes sense to use only as a last resort, since the pet may be more afraid of the leash than the washing, and in the future it will be difficult to lure the cat into water treatments.

Now apply shampoo to the wet cat's fur with light massaging movements. Consistently soap your back, chest, belly and tail, don’t forget about your paws and chin. Do not use too much shampoo so that you do not have to wash off the foam for a long time.

Using a special washcloth, gently wash the cat's face. If you want to wash your cat's hair, ask an assistant to pinch his ears or put cotton swabs in them. Also make sure that water does not get into your cat's nose.

It's time to thoroughly rinse your cat's fur. Rinse off the foam strictly from top to bottom. It is convenient to wash off the shampoo with a hand shower, just do not lift it very high. Residues of detergent should not remain on the cat's skin, as this may subsequently lead to irritation.

If you rinse your pet's fur using a basin, consider its length. For a short-haired cat, one basin will be enough, while for a long-haired cat, several.

Important: you should not wash your cat after feeding or immerse it in water with its head.

When the shampoo is rinsed, remove the purr from the water, wrap it in a large towel and hug your “cocoon” for a few minutes. The cat should come to its senses and calm down.

Drying wool after bathing

Take the freshly washed cat into the room and dry it with a towel. For short-haired cats, one towel will be enough, and for long-haired cats, do not skimp on 2-3 pieces. You can place your pet on a newspaper or hoe so that the dripping moisture is absorbed faster.

For your information: a cat has a so-called air cushion between its skin and the top layer of fur. This layer of air is heated by the animal's body heat and protects the cat from freezing. During bathing, the fur gets wet and temporarily loses its thermoregulatory properties, which is why it is so important to warm the cat with towels after washing and protect it from drafts.

If the cat is not afraid of a hair dryer, then about 10 minutes after bathing you can lightly dry his fur. The air flow should be warm, but not hot. If the cat is afraid of electrical appliances, it is better to wait until the “coat” dries naturally.

Use a special comb to comb the fur.

After washing, your domestic cat needs to stay warm for at least an hour.

Important tips for choosing a bath for cats

• Use cat shampoo : To clean your cat's fur, cat shampoo is best. It will cleanse your cat's skin and fur without disturbing it. Any hard soap is bad for him. You can try another method if your cat shampoo has run out or is not available at the moment.
• Be Bath Friendly : Don't be harsh on your cat if she acts crazy during bath time. Stay calm as this is important for an easy bath. That's why try to remain friendly with him.
• Do not use a thin brush : during the bath, the hair roots become soft. A thin brush will pull out these hairs by the roots. Instead of using a brush, give her hair a good rub with your hand.
• Dry faster : Domestic cats are too sensitive. Instant drying is too important for these pets. For instant drying, you will need a hair dryer with medium-high air flow.

How to wash a cat that is afraid of water

What to do if your cat is afraid of water? Do you really have to give up bathing completely? This problem can be solved - be patient and smart.

Firstly, do not neglect trimming their nails before washing, because during bathing, especially impressionable cats become very belligerent.

Then play with your cat thoroughly to get him relaxed and tired. You cannot feed your pet.

Having lulled the mustache-striped vigilance, start washing. You need to lower your cat into the water gradually, distracting him with toys. Water should be poured in advance so that the cat does not wait extra time and is not afraid of the unusual sound.

No matter how the cat behaves while washing, there is no need to yell at it or physically punish it - this will only bring additional stress to the animal. To limit movement, you can use a special bathing net, where the cat is placed, like in a bag, and does not go anywhere. Maybe it will remind him of his favorite box?

After finishing washing, treat your cat with a treat - this way she will know that there is a reward waiting for her for bathing!

If your pet still cannot overcome its panic fear of water, you can wash it with dry shampoo. This is a great alternative to traditional shampooing because a good dry shampoo cleans almost as well as a liquid shampoo. Apply the powder to the cat's fur, wait a minute and brush the powder and dirt out.

Should a cat be washed while shedding?

It will be useful to bathe your pet during shedding. Washing speeds up the process, removes a significant amount of excess hair and avoids possible digestive problems.

Who should not be bathed?

• You cannot wash cats after vaccination and throughout the quarantine period. It is recommended to bathe kittens after changing teeth.
• You need to be extremely careful with pregnant animals. The washing procedure itself does not cause any harm to them, however, the stress that often accompanies bathing can be a threat to the cat and offspring. In addition, the risk of injury increases while swimming. Trying to jump out of the bath, your pet may hurt himself. Therefore, it is better not to subject expectant mothers to bath procedures.

If the cat is slightly dirty, just use a regular damp cloth and a comb. But if you need to clean all the fur, then dry shampoo comes to the rescue; it can be used without water. It is simply applied to the coat and combed out, removing excess oil, dirt and unpleasant odors.

How to wash your cat's eyes and ears

So, even the most capricious cat was washed, but during bathing we went around the eyes and ears, and they should also be clean.

The cat's eyes are wiped with a cotton swab dipped in clean boiled water or a weak solution of tea or chamomile. Movements should be light, no need to press or rub your eyes.

It's time for ears. There is no need to clean them unless they become dirty. However, after washing the cat, water could get into the ears. You need to wipe the outer part of the ear with a cotton swab, on which it is better to twist an additional layer of cotton wool. Use a clean stick or dip it in a drop of Vaseline oil. Water and other liquids cannot be used. As a rule, cats love to clean their ears and are happy to present them to their owner. Healthy cat ears should be pink, clean, and free of unpleasant odor.

When not to bathe a domestic cat

• After birth : Newborn kittens are not ready for a bath. Swimming is prohibited. It's better to leave it to your mother so she can clean it by licking it.
• During pregnancy : It may affect the kitten if the cat bathes during pregnancy. Unless there is a serious problem, there is no need to bathe her. They can often be wiped down and gently combed to keep them clean.
• Midwinter : Biologically, cats like to stay warm. In the middle of winter it may suffer from temperature changes. So keep him away from the bath all winter.

Features of washing cats of different breeds

Some purebred cats have coat characteristics that affect their care. In general, we can say that long-haired cats need to be washed more often than short-haired cats.

A common myth concerns Sphynx cats - supposedly because of their oily skin they need to be washed once a week. In fact, it is better to wipe the Sphynx with wet wipes or a soft cloth, and bathe it only if it is very dirty.

The Burmese cat has a very impressive, shiny, short coat, the beauty of which must be maintained. Instead of washing fine fur, which can make your cat look like a hedgehog, wipe it daily with a piece of suede or a damp cloth. This will help give the “fur coat” a glossy shine. Once a week, the cat should be combed with a mitten or brush. You can use a special cat antistatic agent. Your chocolate will definitely love this massage!

British cats and Maine Coons have sensitive skin, so it is extremely important for them to select specialized shampoos based on their coat type. From low-quality cosmetics, cats can begin to constantly itch and develop dandruff.

What can and cannot be used to wash a cat?

You can wash cats only with special pet shampoos, and choose them in accordance with the breed and coat type of your pet. Soap or regular shampoo is absolutely not suitable for cats. Products for humans are more aggressive; they contain surfactants and other active substances that can cause disruption of the sebaceous glands, dry skin, and dandruff in cats.

How to wash a kitten?

It is better to bathe a kitten no earlier than he is 3-4 months old. Until this time, his mother takes care of his hygiene. For washing, choose shampoos approved for kittens.

In some cases, for example, if the baby is bothered by parasites, the kittens are washed with special antiparasitic agents. To get rid of fleas, you can wash the kitten in a saline solution (1 tablespoon of salt per glass of water) or in an infusion of wormwood.

Insecticide shampoos

Medicinal shampoos contain active substances that destroy fleas and can rid your cat of them in a short time. You can wash your cat with insecticidal shampoo no more than once every two months and only when indicated, since chemicals negatively affect the condition of the coat, and in addition, can gradually accumulate in the body, causing poisoning.

From what age can it be used?

There are quite a few anti-flea shampoos that can be used on kittens over 8 weeks of age. Some manufacturers produce products that can be used starting from one month of age. In any case, before washing a kitten with shampoo, you need to find in the instructions an indication of the permitted age.

Bathing with shampoo as a flea prevention

You can wash your cat with preventative flea shampoos much more often than with therapeutic ones, since they do not contain toxic insecticides. To protect against fleas, herbal shampoos are used, which contain natural ingredients - plant extracts and essential oils that repel insects.

But, despite the safety, it is not recommended to frequently wash your cat with flea shampoo; it is better to additionally use another means of protection, for example, a flea collar.

Bathing a cat before a show

Before participating in the exhibition, any domestic cat will have to be washed. Such bathing will have some features:

• You need to wash the cat twice before the exhibition; during the second wash, use a tinted shampoo (or balm) selected depending on the color;
• the foam is also washed off 2 times, first with water, then with a rinse aid or a weak solution of vinegar;
• while drying with a hairdryer, the wool is smoothed with a massage comb with antistatic teeth, starting from the back and ending with the collar;
• Now you can apply powder to the still slightly damp “fur coat”, which will absorb the remaining moisture and make the coat smooth;
• After a couple of hours, finish treating your cat's fur by applying a protein conditioner.

Life hack: how to choose a tinted shampoo for cats of different colors

White pets are washed 2 or even 3 times with shampoo intended for white cats. When reapplying, leave the shampoo on for 2 minutes for a deeper effect, and then be sure to rinse well. White shampoo is also suitable for chinchilla and silver marbled cats, but there is no need to leave the detergent on the coat. If a cream, blue or lilac cat seems a bit dark to you, use the same shampoo to create a lighter, brighter shade.

Cats with rare red, tortoiseshell and merle colors should be washed with red or bronze shampoo. If your cat has a chocolate-colored coat, add a few drops of black to the bronze shampoo. Black shampoo is suitable for fluffy beauties of black colors.

Follow the instructions, and your cat will outshine all its relatives at the show!

What's the best way to wash your mustachioed friends?

Owners often use regular human shampoo or soap to wash their pets. Not everyone knows that this should not be done - you cannot bathe cats with ordinary or even children's products. A special shampoo with a special composition is developed for their skin type. There are two types of shampoo:

• Liquid shampoo
  - cares for the coat thanks to its natural ingredients.
• Dry shampoo
  is a product for applying to an animal's fur without using water. If it absolutely refuses to be bathed, then you can use the combing method using a dry cat wash. Visually, the shampoo resembles baby powder.