In most cases, it is not necessary to bathe your cat regularly, as cats are fastidious groomers and do an excellent job of keeping themselves clean. They use their tongues to remove dirt, debris, and loose fur from their coats, and their saliva contains enzymes that help break down any odour-causing substances.
However, there are some situations where it may be appropriate to bathe your cat:
- If your cat has gotten into something dirty, sticky or toxic, and they cannot safely groom themselves.
- If your cat has a medical condition, such as a skin allergy or infection, that requires special medicated shampoos or bathing as part of the treatment plan.
- If your cat is overweight or elderly and cannot groom themselves effectively, occasional baths may be necessary to maintain hygiene and prevent skin issues.
Because baths should only be used in specific situations, bathing your cat can be a challenging task. Even generally gentle breeds, such as the British Shorthair, can become plenty feisty once faced with the prospect of the dreaded B-A-T-H. However, with proper preparation and a few tips and tricks, cat bathing doesn’t have to be a whole ordeal.
Preparation is Key
Before you attempt to bathe your cat, gather all necessary supplies so that you don’t have to keep leaving them to grab whatever you need. You should have:
- A washbasin or large sink that fits your cat
- A non-slip mat for the bottom of the basin or sink
- A gentle cat shampoo
- A handheld showerhead or pitcher for rinsing
- A large towel for drying
- A brush or comb to remove tangles and loose fur
- Treats or toys to reward and distract your cat
Place all items within reach, so you can easily access them during the bath. Now that you have everything, you can start bathing your cat.
10 Tips for Drama Free Cat Baths
1. Choose the Right Time
Select a time when your cat is calm and relaxed, preferably after a play session or a meal. Avoid bathing your cat when they are agitated or energetic, as they’re much more likely to fight back or injure themselves – and you. If you’ve just come in from the outdoors, give them 15 minutes to lose their ‘wild mode’ before you attempt to bathe them.
2. Acclimate Your Cat to Water
Help your cat become more comfortable with water by gradually introducing them to the sensation. Allow them to explore a shallow water basin, giving them the chance to get used to the feeling of water on their paws. In general, you’ll want to have done this well beforehand so that you don’t have to spend a lot of time doing this on the day of the bath.
3.Create a Comfortable Environment
Fill the basin or sink with just enough warm water (around 3–4 inches deep) to cover your cat’s paws, and place a non-slip mat at the bottom to provide secure footing. Make sure the room where you’re giving your cat a bath is warm and free of drafts. You’ll also want to make sure that the room is secure and your cat can’t escape if they decide that they don’t want a bath today. This shouldn’t be a problem for most normal bathrooms, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure.
4. Gently Introduce Your Cat to the Bath
Hold your cat securely but gently, and slowly lower them into the water. Offer treats or toys as a distraction and to create a positive association with bath time. Talk to your cat in a soothing voice to reassure them and keep them calm. You can hold your cat by the scruff of their neck, or use a harness if you’ve never given them a bath and think they might be tricky to control.
5.Wet Your Cat’s Fur Gradually
Using a handheld showerhead or pitcher, slowly pour warm water over your cat’s fur, starting at their neck and working your way down their body. Be careful to avoid their face and ears, as getting water in these areas can be uncomfortable for them, and in the worst case can cause infections.
6. Lather Up with Cat-Specific Shampoo
Gently massage a small amount of cat-specific shampoo into your cat’s fur, starting at their neck and working your way downward. If you are bathing your cat because their coat is contaminated, be sure to scrub especially well wherever their coat is most particularly soiled; otherwise, you can focus on their paws, genitals and tail.
7. Rinse Thoroughly
Gently rinse your cat’s fur with warm water, ensuring that all shampoo is removed. Residual shampoo can cause skin irritation – just another reason to not give regular baths – so take your time and be thorough. Be prepared for your cat to shake off excess water during this step, or get “the zoomies” in an effort to dry off.
8. Dry Your Cat
Wrap your cat in a large, soft towel, and gently pat them dry. Avoid rubbing the fur, as this can cause tangles and is generally uncomfortable for most cats – don’t rub them the wrong way if you value your skin. If your cat tolerates it, you can use a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting to speed up the drying process, but be sure to keep it at a safe distance to avoid burns.
9. Groom and Reward
Once your cat is dry, use a brush or comb to remove any tangles and loose fur. Of course, you’ll want to use a brush or comb that suits your cat’s coat – something this basic should already be in your care kit. This is also a good chance to check for any signs of skin irritation or parasites. Play with your cat and reward him with treats, praise or a favourite toy to reinforce the positive experience and help them associate bath time with positive outcomes – there’s no reason to be conservative with their rewards, since this isn’t something, they should be getting very often.
10. Be Patient and Stay Calm
Remember that bathing a cat can be a stressful experience for both you and the cat. Patience and calm are essential to creating a tranquil environment and ensuring a successful bath. If your cat becomes too agitated or frightened, stop the process and either try again later or bring them to a professional instead.
