Do Cats Need Baths?
Not always. Many can take care of that side of things themselves, and if your cat is particularly proud, then they probably don’t go anywhere near dirt, rain or dust anyway.
But as mentioned above, there are some incidents where they may need a bit of help. To fully remove fleas, if they have a skin condition or if they are too old to do this themselves are some cases.
Others may be overweight and not able to reach certain places, and some may suffer from regular furballs so you may wish to give them some help to reduce these.
House cats may also need some occasional cleaning, as they will be using litter trays. Shampoo can get rid of loose hairs, dead skin cells and product build-up too.
My Cat Doesn’t Like Baths – What Can I Do?
Never force a cat to have a bath. If they really don’t like water or the whole experience, it can cause a lot of stress and increased heart rate. Dry shampoo or wipes could be the answer.
If your cat isn’t used to baths, it is important to introduce them gently. Never rush them, keep experiences positive and if possible, start when they are a kitten.
Does Bathing Help Get Rid Of Fleas?
Fleas hate water, so bathing your cat can help to remove some of these. The addition of a special flea shampoo can help further, as many contain mint-based ingredients which get rid of any left behind and can reduce the likelihood of another infestation.
Check ingredients lists, and try to stick to more natural chemical-free options.
It doesn’t always help 100% though. Always use topical or oral treatments if the issue is serious or isn’t completely cleared, and talk to a vet if the problem persists. Also, look for a shampoo which can be used alongside topical treatment.
Can I Use Human Shampoo On My Cat?
No! Cat hair and human hair is very different. pH levels are different, and cat shampoo is specially created so the cat can still clean themselves if appropriate, without ingesting toxic products.
There is some shampoo out there appropriate for dogs and cats but never cross into the human hair care world. Ensure the shampoo you choose specifically states it is cat-friendly.