Is It OK to Bathe a Cat? We Asked a Veterinarian

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First things first, if you are a cat owner who has never bathed a cat (*raises hand*), you are doing just fine. "Most people will never need to bathe their cat in their lifetime. It is only for very specific reasons they need to bathe a cat, which is extremely uncommon," says Dr. Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with The Vets.

But if [insert sweet, adorable cat's name here] gets into something that they can't clean off themselves—and it's beyond what you can spot-clean with a pet wipe—that could change the equation.

Always consult with a veterinarian or professional groomer first. But if you find yourself in one of the rare situations where you must bathe your cat, "preparing for a cat bath involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth experience," says Dr. Savageau, who walks us through it.

Is it OK to bathe a cat?

"Bathing a cat is generally ONLY necessary in specific situations, such as when they get into something dirty or smelly that they can't clean themselves, when they have a medical condition requiring treatment baths, or when recommended by a veterinarian for specific grooming needs," says Dr. Savageau.

"Even when cats have fleas, we use topical flea products once a month rather than using a flea bath on a cat. The only exception is kittens who are less than 8 weeks old cannot have those topical flea products and may need a bath to remove fleas, either with pet-safe shampoo or Dawn dish soap is a great option!

"Most cats are skilled groomers and can maintain their cleanliness on their own. It's important to consult with a veterinarian or a professional groomer before giving your cat a bath to ensure that it's necessary and done correctly to avoid stressing or harming your feline friend."

What's the easiest way to bathe a cat?

"Bathing a cat involves careful preparation and a gentle approach," says Dr. Savageau. Below she outlines the necessary supplies, preparations, and steps for bathing a cat. But, she advises, "If your cat is too stressed, consult a professional groomer or vet for guidance."

1 | Start by gathering supplies. Here's what you'll need:

• Cat-friendly shampoo that is gentle on their skin.

• Warm water (lukewarm and not too hot or cold).

• Soft towels for drying.

• Grooming gloves or a brush to work the shampoo through the coat.

• Cotton balls for their ears.

• Non-slip mat in the sink or tub to prevent them from slipping.

• Treats for positive reinforcement.

• Sink or tub as a comfortable and safe bathing location.

2 | Before you start, make sure you're prepared.

• Before bringing in the cat, set up all the necessary supplies, including the shampoo, towels, brush, and treats.

• Place the non-slip mat in the sink or tub to prevent accidents.

• Gradually introduce your cat to the bathing area.

• Fill the sink or tub with lukewarm water to a level that's comfortable for your cat.

• Place cotton balls in your cats' ears to prevent water from getting in.

• Have someone available to assist if needed, especially if your cat is anxious.

• Keep a calm and reassuring demeanor to help keep your cat relaxed during the process.
  

3 | Now it's time to bathe your cat. Follow these steps.

"It's essential to watch your cat's body language and stop if they show signs of extreme stress or discomfort," says Dr. Savageau.

1. Slowly place your cat in the water. Wet their fur using a cup or handheld shower head and apply a small amount of cat-friendly shampoo, avoiding the head and ears.

2. Thoroughly rinse the shampoo, lift your cat from the water, and wrap them in a towel to pat dry.

3. Reward them with treats and positive reinforcement throughout the process.

4. Ensure they air dry in a warm space.

5. Brush their fur once dry to prevent matting.

Tips to keep your cat calm during a bath

Using the right supplies is part of keeping your cat calm during a bath. For example, a non-slip mat keeps them from slipping, while lukewarm water and a gentle cat-friendly shampoo keeps them comfortable. Offering treats or rewards afterward can help create a positive association with bathing. But the other part of the equation is you and how you guide your cat through the process. Here are Dr. Savageau's tips for making the bathing process easier on your feline:

• Introduce your cat to water gradually, letting them explore the bath area beforehand.

• Use a calming tone and handle them calmly. Maintain a soothing environment, speak softly, and offer treats as positive reinforcement.

• Keep the process as short as possible, focusing on the areas that need cleaning the most.

• If your cat becomes stressed, take breaks and proceed slowly.

• Some cats might need the assistance of a calming pheromone spray or towel wrapping to feel more secure.

• Watch your cat's body language and stop if they show signs of extreme stress or discomfort.

• If your cat constantly struggles with baths, consult with a veterinarian or a professional groomer for advice and possible alternatives.

• Remember, patience and respect for your cat's comfort are key to a successful and stress-free bathing experience.

Hypoallergenic Shampoo for Cats

Pet Grooming Gloves

Non-Slip Bathtub Mat

Cat Treats

Calming Pheromone Spray

Cotton Balls

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