Bathing your cat

Cats are often to be found grooming themselves, fastidiously cleaning every inch of fur and skin. Grooming is a highly innate natural behavior for cats and in most cases will be sufficient to keep them clean. So, how do you know if you need to bathe your cat? In most cases, you don’t need to. However, there are certain circumstances when bathing your cat is recommended.

Cats and water are not known to be the best of friends, so here are some tips on the whys, the whens and the hows of cat baths.

Most cats are able to remove most dirt and dust by themselves or with a little help from their owners via brushing or combing. Other bathless solutions, such as a cat mousse, can also do the trick. However, there are some scenarios where a bath is the only option.

Outdoor cats

Outdoor cats will occasionally roll in something smelly that you want to remove right away, and a brush or bathless solution may be insufficient. If your cat frequents roads with parked cars, oil and grease can drip onto their coats. This can be difficult to remove with grooming, and it can be harmful for the cat to ingest, so a bath is ideal for removing it.

Older cats

Some older cats, or those with certain medical issues that restrict movement, can find it difficult to perform a full-body groom. If their coat is not attended to, it can become matted and dirty (and is especially common around the back end). This will become uncomfortable and can lead to skin problems.

If your cat is struggling to groom themselves, speak to your vet, as there are some medical causes such as arthritis that can contribute to this. Cats that can’t fully groom themselves will need help from their owners, which may involve bathless solutions such as DOUXO® Skin & Coat SPA Low-stress Refresh Mousse or bathing.

Skin conditions

Certain skin conditions in cats may need topical treatment, such as a medicated shampoo, on the affected area. Some cats will tolerate this, while others might resist it. Consult your vet if this is proving too difficult.

Owner allergies

Owning a cat when you have allergies can be difficult. Recent studies have shown that regular bathing of cats reduces the amount of allergen they shed, but the bathing must be regular to make a difference to the environmental levels. This is only appropriate if your cat tolerates baths well

What shampoo should you use when bathing your cat?

A pet-specific shampoo is best for your cat. Baby shampoos are not recommended, as the pH of baby skin is very different from cat skin. Always check the instructions for how much to use. Warm water, rather than hot or cold, is best.

It depends. If your cat is covered in something that could jeopardize their health, they may need a full immersive bath. However, if you are just trying to remove a patch of oil or they have a small area of skin that needs treating with a medicated shampoo, then you may be able to reduce the stress by skipping the bath. Instead, thoroughly wet the area, apply the shampoo as directed and then rinse. Some cats will be less resistant if you’re only washing an area of skin or fur. Spot baths can also be useful if your cat has a skin condition that requires regular care.

If you’ve determined your cat needs a full bath, here are our top tips on how to make the experience as comfortable as possible:

1. While you can use a normal bath, try to use a shallow or small tub with a non-slip mat.

2. Fill the tub with warm water, but not very deep. Cats tend to panic in deep water as they are not natural swimmers. Aim for the water to reach the top of their legs.

3. Use a jug to gently pour water over your cat until they are thoroughly wet.

4. Cats are sensitive with water around their faces, so avoid pouring water in this area. Using a cloth or flannel to wet the area is recommended.

5. Put the required amount of shampoo on your hands and then rub it all over. Some pet shampoos don’t lather well, so don’t use more than the directed amount if no lather forms. Simply rub the product in gently.

6. If you need to wash your cat’s face, be careful to avoid the eyes and mouth.

7. Some medicated shampoos need to be left on for a certain amount of time before rinsing. Check the shampoo instructions before the bath.

8. Use fresh warm water in a jug or a very gentle setting on the shower head to rinse the shampoo away.

9. Dry your cat using a towel, if they will tolerate it. Hair dryers are usually too noisy, so a gentle rub with a towel is best.

10. Let your cat rest in a warm room. They will want to groom themselves, so make sure the shampoo is completely rinsed away. Let them have some quiet time to settle themselves down, as most cats will find bathing somewhat stressful.

Outdoor cats who have gotten dirty can usually be cleaned with a very thorough brushing with a fine-tooth comb. This can also work for cats who struggle to groom themselves. Most dirt and grime will come away with a good brushing, as will matted fur, but it may take some time and patience.

It is a good idea to accustom your cat to being groomed by you, so that they tolerate it well when needed. It is also an excellent way to bond with your cat and to keep a close eye on their coat and skin. Start by very short sessions of gentle brushing, alongside some treats so that your cat associates grooming with a positive experience. Gradually build up the length of the sessions and keep at it regularly so that your cat becomes used to it.

If your cat really needs a bath but is getting stressed by the experience, try starting slowly. Use a small tub rather than a normal bath, hold the cat close to your body (you might get wet too!), and use very small amounts of water. Spot baths can be useful if your cat is very fearful, even if you have to do a few small spot baths over a period of time rather than one full bath.

Most cats don’t need regular or routine bathing; their grooming should be enough to maintain good skin hygiene and coat condition. Even older cats who may need help with grooming will often just need brushing rather than a full bath.

Flea shampoos are available in some pet shops and supermarkets but are often ineffective and stressful for cats. Speak to your vet about more effective ways to remove fleas.