Cats are regarded as very clean animals. Every cat owner has felt the time they take licking and grooming. To many people, this self-cleaning habit begs the question of whether or not their cats need baths at all. The quick answer is yes, though not as prolific an organism as the dog or humans. The frequency may vary and is dependent on many factors including age of cat, its lifestyle, coat and health.
Do Cats Really Need Baths?
Cats include an in-built cleaning mechanism. Their tongue has very small bristle-like things named papillae that assist in the removal of dirt and loose hair. Due to this, house pets may even pass several months or even years without requiring any decent bath. This does not however imply that one should not take care of bathing. There are instances when bath are even required like in cases when a cat gets into sticky substances, oils or anything that can harm it. Baths on agreed with a vet may also be necessary, in case of cats with some medical conditions.
Factors That Influence Bathing Frequency
The needs of a cat to bathe may not be similar. There are a few important factors that define how frequently you need to bathe your feline. Indoors cat tends to remain so much cleaner than outdoor cat which are more exposed to dirt and parasites. Long-haired cats usually attract more dust and oil that may need a gentle bath after every few months. Short-haired cats who are preferably kept indoors will only need a bath once or twice a year.
Indoor vs Outdoor Cats
The controlled environment in which the indoor cats exist is a feline one. They hardly have contact with any dirt, mud, or pests and don prove to be little grooming is usually sufficient. This is a different case with outdoor cats. They step on grass, dust and other surfaces that might contain germs. Outdoor cats are also the ones which can obtain fleas or ticks, which, in most cases, demand medicated baths. In the case of such cats it may be advantageous to bathe in two to three months.
Long-Haired Breeds and Their Grooming Needs
The fur of some cats, including Persians, Ragdolls or Maine Coons, is long and thick and more difficult to care of. Although they are groomed on their own, the fur can haphazardly wind up with grease, dust, and tangles. Bathing long-haired cats twice/thrice a month will ensure that their fur remains soft and easy to maintain. Brushing should be not neglected, too, because in such a way it prevents knots and minimizes shedding. Whenever possible, brushing and bathing in periodic intervals is the best care program by owners of long-haired breeds.
Senior and Overweight Cats
Cats of advanced ages lose mobility and become unable to groom themselves. This gets to result in oily coats, dandruff or bad smells. In these instances, a bath once every few months will be good to keep them hygienic. Overweight cats also have a problem since they are unable to isolate some parts of their body, causing them to accumulate dirt. A cold bath soothes the level of dirtiness.
Cats With Health Conditions
There are medical conditions that need bathing as part of the treatment. Cats with skin diseases, fungal problems, or flea-related diseases may required medicated shampoos that are prescribed by a veterinarian. In these cases, the rate of baths is regulated by the treatment regime and not on that of regular grooming purposes. Always be sure to ask your vet what you may do before applying any medicated products to your kitty, as human soap or shampoo can actually bleach a cat.
How to Prepare for a Cat Bath?
It is not always easy to bathe a cat because the vast majority of cats do not like water. In order to streamline the process, preparation will help. Find a place to work where it is calm and quiet and have a calming environment ready with cat safe shampoo, warm water and soft towels. Nail-cutting should be done prior to prevent possible scratches. Before the bath, it is also prudent to brush the cats fur to get the tangles out and the unattached hair.
The Right Way to Bathe a Cat
Bathe your cat, but in a short and non-stressful matter. Use warm and not hot water, carefully wet the fur, and use small portion of cat-specific shampoo. Rub it delicately through the coat and rinse well to make sure no ointment is left behind. Residue may cause irritations to the skin of the cat. Use a soft towel when you have to dry your cat; do it in a warm room until he or she completely dries. Do not use hairdryer without the consent of our cat.
Alternatives to Traditional Baths
Not every cat can cope with full baths, and in a number of cases such are unnecessary. Other cleaning alternatives such as pet wipes, dry shampoos, and moistened cloth can be used to clean small slippery stains. These are useful ways to calm a cat who does not like water. It eliminates the pressure of immersion spot-cleaning. Other owners use grooming sprays specific to cats in order to keep their coat healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Bathing Cats
Most inexperienced owners of cats commit the error of giving excessive baths to their cats. Excessive bathing removes the moisture-protein component of the epidermis to cause dryness and itching. This other error would be the use of human shampoo which is also detrimental. Never use cat-unsafe products. Do not push a scared cat into the water because it can stress it or even cause the cat to be aggressive. As a substitute, explore technologies that can help to calm them, like slow introductions, or wipes.
Signs Your Cat May Need a Bath
Cats tend to take very good care of themselves, but there are indicators af the bath is needed. In case your cat is greasy, smells bad, or looks dirty, a bath can be useful. Such things as flea infestations, dandruff, or goo on fur are also frequent causes. When you see your cat trying to struggle in its grooming, that is also an indicator that you should help.
Conclusion
So, how often should you bathe your cat? Most healthy indoor cats will almost never urinate on carpeting–perhaps only once or twice a year. Bathing may be required every three months or frequent with outdoor cats or long haired breeds. Old, fat, and ill cats may also need an additional grooming process. The secret here is to be mindful of the lifestyle of your cat, his or her health, and grooming. Regular brushing coupled with bathing when necessary will ensure that your cat is clean and comfortable therefore happy.