Let this article be a platform for all cats who would like to say something about the topic of baths. Everyday neighborhood cats would like to remind us all that cats have built-in grooming tools and are often very particular about how clean they keep themselves.
In no way is their cute eye contact at mealtime to be confused with our thinking they want a bath.
Cats do a great job of spending lots of time grooming and cleaning themselves; just take a look at their schedules. In a typical day broken down into 24 hours, your cat’s schedule might look like this:
1 hour: Eat
2 hours: Cuddle with family members, receive massage
2 hours: Play, scratch furniture, tease other pets
2 hours: Groom and clean
17 hours: Sleep
Bathing your cat
If you are still reading this and have determined that your cat still needs a bath because perhaps he got into a confrontation with a skunk, or fell into a muddy puddle, then help can be found here. Bathing a cat should only be done if it is necessary.
If you have a typical cat, your cat will most likely be stressed out by the sight of running bath water. Anticipating their stress, be prepared before you start. Have the right supplies and tools ready to go. Older cats will have a more difficult experience if they have not had a bath previously.
Shampoo for Cats
Be sure to not use your own shampoo on your cat. These products are unsuitable for your sweet kitty, as their skin is very thin and prone to drying out much more easily than ours. Human products do not take into consideration how thin a cat’s skin is.
Shampoo products must be formulated with all natural ingredients. Considering that your cat does not have fleas or ticks, and this is not why you are giving your cat a bath, be sure to use only the gentlest products that are designed specifically for cats. Always check the label to confirm that the product you are using is safe for use on cats.
A cat will lick themselves and the goal is to not get chemicals unsuitable for ingesting that are often found in human bath products, as your cat will ingest small amounts of whatever product is used on them.
Getting your Supplies Ready To Use
Assemble all of these items in your bathroom or at the kitchen sink before you bring your feline to your bathing station:
- A rubber mat for the tub or sink to prevent slipping. A towel can be substituted here.
- pitcher or jug for rinsing that is already pre-filled with warm water.
- Cat shampoo and, if using, conditioner for longer-haired cats.
- A few towels
- Combs for short-haired cats
- A brush for longer-haired cats
- An assistant, if possible.
- A prefilled warm tub or sink filled with just enough water to shallow bathe your cat.
Steps For Bathing Your Cat
- Brush your cat first to collect loose fur and dirt. For your cat’s comfort, do this in an area that is not the bath site. Put
- your cat into the bathwater with warm words of encouragement.
- Apply a small amount of shampoo and water to the dirty areas only if you are spot cleaning.
- If you are bathing the whole cat, avoid the head.
- If you need to wash your head, use a damp microfiber towel to wipe the head and face. Do not dunk their heads or splash water on their faces.
- If necessary, use a damp towel in the ears and around the eyes.
- Work quickly yet gently as you lather and rinse the cat.
- Cover the cat’s eyes and ears before rinsing their bodies quickly and gently.
- Remove the cat from the bath water, wrapped in towels.
- Let the excess water soak into the towel.
- If your cat will let you comb or brush at this point, do so. If not, they will do the grooming themselves.
- Refrain from the urge to blow dry your cat. Most cats are frightened by the sound, and it is often much too hot, even on the low setting.
Alternatives to bathing with water
A decent alternative to bathing your cat in water is to use waterless shampoo or wipes made with natural ingredients. These wipes are designed to do an effective job, and they can help by cleaning harder-to-reach areas. If your cat has a dirty spot, consider using wipes instead of a full body submergence into water.
Wipes and waterless shampoo are also a good choice if your cat has been ill, or has had surgery and is unable to groom itself.
Spot test the wipes to ensure that your cat is not allergic to them before using them on larger areas.
Avoid overusing wipe products, as they can dry out your cat’s healthy coat if they are used too frequently.
3 Best Cat Shampoo and Cat Wipes
1. Breezytail PetO’Cera Cat Shampoo
What we like about Pet O’Cera Cat Shampoo
- The formulation is tearless
- Highly rated
- Sensitive skin formula
- Contains 11 soothing botanical extracts
- Relieves irritations and itch
- Soothing and moisturizing
- Tackles odors
- All natural
- PH Balanced
- Cruelty free
- Will not harm your pet if licked or swallowed
- 10.1 oz size
3. Breezytail PetO’Cera Waterless Cat Shampoo
What we like about PetO’Cera Waterless Cat Shampoo Wash
If your pet did not get sprayed by a skunk or submerge itself in mud, a waterless cat shampoo will often do a great job.
- Vet formulated
- Highly rated
- Contains soothing D-Panthenol
- Waterless formula skips the formal bath
- Quick and easy cleaning anytime
- Made with 6 botanicals that nourish pet’s skin
- No harsh chemicals
- No parabens, mineral oils, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate
3. Pogi’s Dog Grooming Wipes for Cleaning and Deodorizing
Things we like about Pogi’s Pet Wipes
- Natural, conditioning ingredients like Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Hawaiian Awapuhi
- Cleans, freshens and conditions creating a coat with a healthy shine
- Larger size wiped, measuring 8”x9”
- Hypoallergenic
- Free of sulfates and alcohol
- 100 ct
We hope the information in this article leads to a cleaner, fresher and happier cat and family!
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