It’s okay to wash a cat, and you even have to wash it. But each cat has its own requirements for the frequency of this procedure. For example, cats rarely need to be washed. However, cats that roam the corners of the street need to be washed more often. Let’s consider the peculiarities of cat washing.
Why and how often do cats need to be washed
Most pets are exemplary cleaners. Their tongue is able to clean the wool so that any sponge will envy them. Still, over time, the coat can stick together, smell bad and get covered in fat.
It is necessary to wash in case:
- The animal is not too clean;
- The kitty is dirty somewhere;
- The coat started to smell;
- the body got fleas and ectoparasites.
The frequency depends on the cleanliness of the cat, the density of the cover and the time of year. Long-haired breeds tend to form coltuns, so they need to be washed more often.
Pets can be bathed about 1-2 times a year. Cats that walk down the street – once every 3 months.
I can’t wash animals:
- during illness;
- if the room is cold or there are draughts;
- If your cat is too afraid of this procedure, severe stress can lead to serious health problems.
What do you need to bathe cats
For bathing, a special cat shampoo must be purchased in advance. If your pet has fleas, the detergent should be antiparasitic.
People’s shampoos are not suitable for washing. Human and cat skin are different. Inappropriate detergent can lead to dry skin, dandruff and even ulcers.
The water temperature is about 37°C. You will also need two towels to collect water from the wool.
If your pet is panicky about water, it’s better to buy a dry shampoo. The powder is applied to the coat and then combed. It will collect dirt and grease and will also preserve the friendship between cat and human.
Shorthair cats can be wiped with a wet towel. It will remove dirt and loose hair.
How to properly bathe cats
Before the procedure, we need preparation:
- Feed your pet 2-3 hours before washing and don’t give it any more food. Stress may cause your pet to throw up.
- Cut his claws. This will protect you from injury.
- Remove all objects from the bathroom that the cat can tip over and break.
- Put a mat or towel on the bottom of the bathtub. This is to make sure your cat doesn’t slip and feels confident.
- Comb your pet and unravel the tangles.

When everything’s ready, take the cat and take her bath. Put the cat’s bottom down and hold it steady with your hand. Loosen the grip and the cat will immediately take advantage of it and pop out. But don’t hurt him in any way!
Gently wet your pet’s coat with a mild water pressure from the shower. Strong pressure and noise will frighten your pet. You can water your pet with water from the pelvis. It is important that the liquid does not get into your pet’s nose and ears. The latter can be sealed with cotton balls.
Then soap the cat’s body and massage it. The chin and paws are the last ones to be washed. Rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat soaping if necessary.
At the end of the procedure you can apply an air conditioner. It will help to wash away the rest of the shampoo and make the coat soft and shiny.
It is important that you talk to your pet gently while washing. The movements should be neat, but confident.
After the water treatment, squeeze the water out of the wool, wrap the cat with a towel and take it out of the bathroom. Then place it on a second towel, wrap it up and gently rub the coat.
You don’t have to dry the cat. She’ll dry herself out fine. You can use a hair dryer if you want to:
- The animal is not afraid of it;
- It’s cold in the house;
- On the eve of the exhibition.
The air jet from the hair dryer should be about 40 C°. You can’t blow in the face – for a cat it’s a threat.
Kitty’s first bath
You should start bathing a kitten at 4 months of age, not before. Babies are extremely sensitive to temperature changes and improper bathing can lead to serious consequences.
You can start to get used to it 2 weeks after a complete change of teeth. In order for the process to go smoothly, you need to convince your kitten that water is not dangerous. To do this, put a bowl of water in the room and throw rubber toys there. The child will be interested and will try to play with them.
Then you can wash your feet, under the tap or in the pelvis. Pour some water into it and put the kitten down. If your kitten doesn’t run away in panic, she’s already ready for water treatment.
If fear is present, you can distract your kitten with toys and toys while she’s washing. If you have a helper, ask them to inflate their bubbles. While your kitten is watching them, you can wash her completely.