Do Cats Need Baths? | MetLife Pet Insurance

Do Cats Need Baths? What To Know
Cats and baths don’t normally mix. However, there are some situations where bathing your kitty may be necessary. This can be traumatic – for both you and your cat – because they may resist your efforts (with sharp claws) or see it as a violation of trust.
That’s why it’s helpful to know when a bath is necessary, how often they should be given, and how to do it as gently as possible. That way you can help keep your cat clean and healthy, while also maintaining a good relationship with your favorite feline.
When Should You Bathe Cats?
According to veterinarians, cats can actually be very good at keeping themselves clean. They do this by licking themselves using their rough tongues to remove fur clumps and foreign objects. Meanwhile, their saliva naturally spreads protective oils over their coat and skin to help them maintain their glossy coat.1
In fact, a bath may not be necessary very often, if at all, if you:1
Combine a cat’s self-care with brushing and regular grooming to remove tangles or matted hair.
Give them an occasional rub-down with cat-specific grooming wipes or baby wipes.
When they’re unable to clean themselves
If your cat is overweight, suffers from arthritis, or has other medical conditions that prevent them from reaching all the parts of their body when they self-groom, you may need to give them baths. Otherwise, their coat may become greasy or sticky, their fur may become matted and their skin can become itchy, flaky, or even infected.1
If they’re covered with inedible or toxic substances
If your cat becomes covered with something like paint or sap that they shouldn’t eat, it’s imperative that you give them a bath right away so they won’t ingest something toxic while trying to clean themselves.
If they’re frequently outdoors
If you have an outdoor cat, you may need to bathe them if they get especially dirty, or if there’s a risk that they’ve been exposed to ticks or other disease-spreading parasites. Cats with longer hair may also require bathing more than a cat with short hair, especially if they’re active or if they have a skin condition like dandruff.1
How Often Should You Bathe a Cat?
If you do have a cat that needs regular baths, like a longer-haired breed such as a Maine coon or a short-haired breed with a dense coat, they’ll probably benefit from getting a bath every few months to prevent fur matting.
At the same time, hairless breeds may need more frequent bathing because they secrete an oily residue that can stain your fabrics, especially when they get dirty. If you aren’t sure, talk to your vet for recommendations.
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