Cats

Is bathing cats really necessary?

Is it really necessary to bathe cats? See here the definitive answer to this controversial question and how to treat your pet.

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Discover everything about bathing cats and their needs

Banho em gatos
cat bath

Bathing cats is a controversial issue. Some swear up and down that it's unnecessary. Other then that it is something expendable. But, after all, what is the truth?

This is what we will see today in this article. Cats are known as “self-cleaning” beings. This is due to the feline habit of licking its own fur and skin to remove dirt. However, is this enough?

Read on to check out everything about cat bathing below. So, see if this is a good idea or not!

Is it recommended to bathe a cat?

Entenda se é necessário dar banho em gatos
Understand if it is necessary to bathe cats

Well then. This is not a consensus even among veterinarians. Some contraindicate this solution. According to those who are against feline bathing with water and products, they are stressed under these conditions.

On the other hand, there are many veterinary professionals who defend the need to wash the kitten. The argument is that the “self-bathing” of cats would not be enough to remove all dirt and microorganisms from the pet.

But then what to do? Our tip is to trust the hygiene that your cat has. However, reinforce it periodically to ensure complete cleanliness. However, this requires parsimony and care.

First of all, cat baths should be much less frequent than dogs. Otherwise, it could harm the kittens' skin. Also, your hair. Yet, cause unnecessary stress.

Another important issue is the use of cleaning products, which must be specific. Still, it is interesting to delimit the situations in which the pet must go through the bath with water.

For example, if he runs away, encounters other cats, rolls in the dirt and other of these behaviors, bathing will be necessary. If he is a cat restricted to the home environment, however, it is possible to keep a low frequency.

Bathing cats every 01 to 03 months, in that case, may be enough. It is possible to keep this period high, even with some specific prior care. They keep your pet clean and eliminate the need for constant baths. Look:

  • Keep the house always clean;
  • Remember to remove the waste from the sandbox every day, as well as change all the sand frequently;
  • Brush your cat every day or else, alternating with every other day;
  • Don't let him go outside and be in contact with cats that don't live in your house;
  • Keep the flea and vermifuge up to date.

Now, for situations where bathing is really necessary (either for the situations we mentioned or for periodic cleaning), follow our tips. They can make the feline bath moment much less dramatic.

cat fur care

Coated felines require care of the cat's coat. So, be sure to check out how to keep your cat up to date!

What is the best way to bathe cats?

banho em gatos
cat bath

We've listed some amazing tips to help bathe the cat. With them, this moment can become easier and simpler. So keep reading and see what to do when your pet needs to be washed.

Use cat-friendly products

First of all, never use products designed for human hair and skin in the cat's bath. It is essential that you only use products that are suitable for cats. Otherwise, it may cause allergies and skin reactions.

Likewise, the smell of human products may bother you. And this, then, can stress you out, which is quite unpleasant.

Keep order of products and actions

Bathing cats must respect a specific order of factors, products and actions. Start, then, by wetting the feline hair. Soon after, gently apply the neutral shampoo, suitable for cats. Here, be very careful with ears, nose and eyes.

Afterwards, gently rinse the cat with lukewarm water. Move on, then, to the use of the feline conditioner. It must be applied to all hair ends. This helps with later brushing.

Again, rinse the animal and wrap it in a clean, dry towel. Remove excess water from the hair and then pass to the dryer. Below you see in specific item how to use it. Finally, brush the cat's fur.

Be careful with the water temperature

Bathing cats should always be at a warm temperature. Cold temperatures tend to make you hypothermic. Already higher temperatures can burn the kitty's skin. So, be very careful. This is essential to the cat's well-being and safety.

Use the hair dryer carefully.

It is very important to first dry the cat with a clean, dry towel. But that's not enough. Cats have several layers of fur. And if they get wet, they tend to see their body temperature drop. This then can cause hypothermia.

So, dry the hair with a hairdryer. Leave him at a good distance from the feline, at least 30 cm. Still, leave it at medium temperature. By the way, be prepared, too, for demonstrations of fear at the noise of the device. So remember: patience.

Get help from someone when bathing cats

When the feline is very skittish, asking someone else to help bath the cat is crucial. In two people it is possible to hold the cat firmly, but without hurting it, of course. Also, it makes the whole process easier.

In the end, the moment of bathing becomes faster and, therefore, less traumatizing. So, whenever necessary remember to have help from someone.

Also, for everyone's safety, two tips. First, try to cut the tips of the cat's nails before bathing. This prevents desperate scratching. Also, try to wear long sleeves when washing it. Safety, after all, is everything!

Get your cat used to bathing from an early age.

Finally, one way to make bathing the feline easier is by applying it since he is a puppy. This will get you used to the situation. Still, he tends to understand this activity as something that is part of the routine. And, know, cats love routine!

That way, make him understand that this activity is routine. That way you can avoid dramas in the bath. Also, it helps you not even develop a fear or aversion to water.

Bath in cats: which products?

Bathing cats causes controversy. However, they are necessary and there are right ways to do it. See how to bathe him correctly.

About the author  /  Aline Mesquita

Professional writer and Systems Analyst, passionate about writing and learning! Specialized in Content Marketing and SEO.

Reviewed by  /  Samantha Scorbaioli

Senior Editor

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