Kitties are naturally exceptionally clean, which is one of the advantages of choosing one as a companion. Fluffy may dedicate a significant portion of her day to grooming herself. Bathing your feline buddy is optional, so it’s up to you whether you choose to do so. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you do. Continue reading to receive helpful tips from a local Chesapeake, VA veterinarian on how to bathe your cat.

Should I Bathe My Cat?

It’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before giving Fluffy a bath. This is especially important if your furball is older or a young kitten or has any medical conditions.

It is also unsafe to bathe a cat that is recovering from surgery, at least until your Chesapeake, VA veterinarian has given the green light.

How Often Should You Bathe Fluffy?

Indoor cats typically maintain their cleanliness without the need for regular baths.  If you bathe Fluffy, you should only do so once every four to six weeks at the most. Otherwise, you might overbathe her. This could strip the natural oils from her skin and coat, which could have negative effects. Your pet might appear dry or slightly frizzy, and may get itchy or inflamed skin. For more information, speak with your veterinarian.  

Are Cats Happier After Their Baths?

If Fluffy is getting bathed because you accidentally spilled a bowl of chili sauce on her, or had a run-in with a skunk, she will probably be much more comfortable after. A flea-infested feline would also find relief, but it’s important to know that parasite control should really fall under basic medical care rather than kitty beauty regimes. Typically, cats are not fans of getting wet. (To be honest, that’s quite an understatement. A lot of cats really hate getting bathed.)

What’s The Easiest And Most Efficient Way To Bathe A Cat?

Bathing your feline companion is simple enough, but keeping a few guidelines in mind is important. These are the key pieces:

Begin by gently brushing Fluffy to eliminate any loose fur or dander from her coat. If you prefer, You can take care of this the day before.

Now, prepare everything. Wearing full-body armor is not mandatory, but we suggest opting for thick jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. It’s a good idea to keep a few towels nearby. Consider placing a mat in the tub or sink to prevent any potential scratches.

Next, fill the tub or sink with a few inches of lukewarm water. Ensure that the temperature is not too hot! Our furry friends have extremely delicate skin, and hot water can scald your cat! Also, make sure the water is not deeper than Fluffy’s chest.

Stick to using shampoos that are specially formulated for cats. Products designed for dogs or humans can be too potent for our feline friends! Make sure to avoid getting any soap on your furball’s head. Instead, use a washcloth to gently clean her face and ears.

Your furry companion might feel inclined to share her thoughts on the subject. (Spoiler: she’s probably not going to be very happy.) Talk to her calmly and gently stroke her to help maintain her composure.  

Rinse your furball gently. A teapot or a pitcher will work just fine. You can also use a sprayer. Just don’t turn the pressure or temperature up.

What’s The Best Way To Dry A Cat After A Bath?

After bathing Fluffy, gently wrap her in a towel. Lightly apply pressure to her fur, to absorb some of the moisture from her coat. If your furball has reached her limit, it may be best to release her. If she’s okay with it, you can use a blow dryer on her hair. Adjust the heat to a lower setting and opt for a more delicate option.

After bathtime, your feline companion will quickly find one of her preferred cozy spots and begin grooming herself to restore her furstyle. She may give you a disapproving look to show her displeasure at being bathed. Consider trying a new toy, a delicious treat, or maybe some catnip to get that motor running.

What’s The Ideal Time To Bathe My Cat?

When it comes to the time of day, it’s all about finding what suits your schedule best. It would be advisable to wait until the weather is quite warm. Or, just turn up the heat. The important thing is to make sure that Fluffy stays warm while she dries off.

Why does Fluffy Hate Baths So Much?

There could be several reasons for this.  One possibility is that Fluffy isn’t very skilled at swimming. She has a knack for finding trouble, even in the shallowest of waters. It doesn’t take much for even gentle currents to carry her away. Our feline friends also instinctively feel that being wet is both quite uncomfortable and dangerous. In nature, bodies of water can conceal potential threats. Plus, damp cat fur emits a unique odor that could potentially attract predators.

However, while most of our feline patients would likely answer with a resounding ‘No’ if we were to ask them if they like baths, a few felines seem to have missed this memo. Two breeds that exemplify this are the Bengal and Turkish Angora. Both of these breeds have a fondness for water and even enjoy swimming.

How Come Cats Are So Cuddly After A Bath?

Although we know our feline pals pretty well, there is still a lot we have yet to understand about them.

In other words, we don’t really know for sure.

We have a few solid guesses here, though. When you wash your furry friend, you remove the natural oils from her skin. Cats possess scent glands that they utilize to mark their territories. your kitty might want to rub against you to ensure that you are properly ‘marked’ as her ‘property’. Your furry little diva may also just be relieved that the ordeal has ended.

Do I Need To Take My Cat To A Groomer?

Some kitties can really benefit from a trip to the salon. If your kitty is advanced in age, and/or has any chronic medical issues, just being held might cause discomfort for her. Cats with thick or fluffy fur may require additional assistance in this regard. Consult with your veterinarian for additional details.

How Often Should You Bathe Fluffy To Get Rid Of Fleas?

It’s always a good idea to consult with your vet before using any flea shampoo, especially if you bought it from a regular retailer. Unfortunately, many of these products have demonstrated a lack of safety. In addition, using multiple forms of parasite control simultaneously, can potentially expose Fluffy to harmful levels of chemicals. Preventative products may work better. In any case, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Ask your Chesapeake, VA vet for advice on parasite prevention.

Book An Appointment At Our Chesapeake, VA Animal Hospital!

Need help with your feline buddy’s health or care? Feel free to ask any questions! Feel free to contact us at your convenience, your local Chesapeake, VA animal clinic is always here to assist you!