If you’ve spent most of your life around dogs, you won’t be blamed for thinking that cats need regular baths too. But you may be blamed if you proceed with bath time before doing a bit of research.

Why don’t we bathe cats?

Most healthy adult cats don’t ever need to be bathed because they do such an excellent job on their own. They come equipped with very rough tongues that are like built-in wash cloths. They’re actually pretty fastidious about cleanliness, some spending as much as 50% of their waking lives bathing themselves. Put simply, they don’t need your help. Plus, they prefer their own system. Any foreign substance  (including soap and water) on their fur can feel dirty to them, which will just result in a post-bath DIY cleaning.

Another thing that cats come equipped with is sharp claws and teeth. So, forcing a cat to submit to a bath can be incredibly stressful and dangerous for you. And it could cause your cat to be afraid of you or associate you with negative experiences.

What are the exceptions?

These are the specific scenarios in which it would be right to bathe a cat:

  1. Age-related mobility issues – Older cats may struggle to reach all the spots they need to clean. In that case, they may need your help finishing the job.
  2. Accidents – If your cat has a run-in with a skunk, a prickly bush, or a dangerous substance, you should intervene to get them cleaned up.
  3. Skin issues  – Cats with fleas, allergies, or ringworm will likely need to be treated with medicated cleansers.
  4. Wounds – Your veterinarian may tell you to help with bathing while your cat is recovering from a surgery or other wound.
  5. Rescue kittens – If you take in a tiny kitten from the street, it may be dirty and need help getting clean.
  6. Hairless cats – Cats without fur do generally need weekly baths.

Helpful grooming

Even though most cats have the whole bathing thing covered, there are a few things you can do to help:

  • You can trim their nails regularly. Just be sure to follow our nail trimming tips to keep cats safe and comfortable.
  • You can brush their coat, which is especially helpful to prevent matting in long-haired cats.
  • You can gently clean their ears with a cotton pad and vet-approved cleaner.

Bathing Tips

If you ever find yourself in one of the situations described above, here are some quick tips to help ensure a smooth bathing process:

  • Trim their nails first, trust us.
  • Fill the tub or sink and have all your supplies handy before bringing your cat in the room.
  • Use a washcloth to gently clean their face first so you can avoid getting water directly in their eyes and ears.
  • Consider that you may have to take baby steps to gradually get your cat comfortable with water and bathing.
  • Try using a treat or toy to get them to enter the bath on their own.
  • Be patient and go slowly as opposed to rushing to get it done.
  • Dry them as much as you can with a towel.
  • End the experience with some nice treats so they begin to form positive associations.