If you know anything about cats, it’s probably that they’re very clean little creatures. Most cats are fastidious groomers, and don’t like to be dirty.
And maybe knowing that has you wondering, should you bathe a cat? Is a little rub-a-dub-dub time something you should be adding to your regular routine?
The answer is typically no – most cats don’t need to be bathed, and there are several reasons why. But, of course, there are some times when it is necessary. And just because your cat spends almost half the day grooming, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other things that you can do to help keep your cat clean and healthy. We’re covering all of these things in this post!
Should You Bathe a Cat?
Should you bathe a cat? In most cases, no, your cat shouldn’t need a bath.
Cats are naturally very clean animals. Most just do not like to be dirty. Unlike dogs, who may need help staying tidy, cats groom themselves regularly by licking their fur. Their tongues are designed with tiny barbs that help remove dirt, dead skin, and loose fur, making them highly effective at self-cleaning. Plus, this licking encourages the production of sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the coat and skin healthy. Bathing can actually strip these natural, beneficial oils from the skin.
And not only does it strip those natural oils, it can also destroy the good bacteria that lives in the skin microbiome! The skin is the largest organ in the body. It’s the major interface between your cat and everything in the world outside. The biggest player in this protection against chemicals and the environment is the skin microbiome. It provides essential protection to the skin (and thus the whole body). However, when this protection is compromised, and the bacteria that normally keeps the bad guys in check become destroyed, that’s when the problems begin! This imbalance of the skin microbiome can lead to skin allergies, reactivity, atopic dermatitis, poor wound healing, an overgrowth of yeast, fungal infections… the list goes on and on!
Finally, most cats seriously dislike water. Forcing them into a bath can be highly stressful, and that’s not good for anyone. Stress can even lead to behavioural issues in some cats, among other health issues. Since it’s usually not necessary, you want to avoid the unneeded stress!
When is it Necessary to Bathe a Cat?
Ok, in most cases, the answer to “should you bathe a cat” is no. But there are some situations where bathing is necessary or helpful:
- Severe or Harmful Mess: In cases where your cat gets into something they can’t clean off themselves, or something that could be toxic or dangerous, a bath may be required to avoid potential harm.
- Fleas: If your cat has fleas, a bath with a natural shampoo may be part of what helps get rid of the pests.
- Elderly or Overweight Cats: Older or overweight cats may have difficulty grooming certain areas of their body, leading to the buildup of dirt or matted fur. In these cases, a gentle, occasional bath may help.
[RELATED] Bathing your dog may be contributing to those skin allergies…
How to Keep Your Cat Clean Without Bathing
Even though most cats don’t need regular baths, there are several ways you can help keep them clean and maintain a healthy coat. Here are some tips for supporting your cat’s grooming habits:
1. Regular Brushing: Brushing your cat’s fur regularly helps remove loose hair, dirt, and dander, reducing the chance of matting, especially for long-haired breeds. Brushing also minimizes hairballs and supports skin health.
- For short-haired cats, brushing once or twice a week is typically enough.
- For long-haired cats, daily brushing may be needed to prevent mats and tangles.
2. Clean Their Bed and Living Space: Keeping your cat’s environment clean is essential to their overall hygiene. Wash their bed, blankets, and any other areas where they sleep or lounge regularly. Vacuum and dust the house to remove fur, dander, and other particles that can accumulate.
3. Wipe Down Dirty Areas: If your cat gets into something dirty but doesn’t need a full bath, you can use a damp cloth to clean specific areas.
4. Keep Their Litter Box Clean: A clean litter box is crucial for maintaining your cat’s hygiene. Cats are picky, and a dirty litter box can lead to unwanted behaviours, like refusing to use it.
5. Maintain Good Nutrition: A well-balanced diet contributes to a shiny, healthy coat. Make sure your cat is eating high-quality food rich in essential fatty acids, like omega-3s, which promote skin and coat health. Adding probiotics supplements can also be very valuable!
For the most part, cats are self-sufficient when it comes to grooming, and regular bathing is not necessary. Unless your cat gets into something messy or has a specific medical need, their natural grooming habits are more than sufficient to keep them clean. Instead of stressing your cat out with baths, focus on brushing their coat, cleaning their living spaces, and ensuring they have a healthy diet. By doing so, you can support your cat’s hygiene in a way that’s stress-free for both you and your feline companion.
