Does your cat need a bath, and how to do it right

Cats are experts at keeping clean

Cats spend a good part of every day grooming, and their rough tongues work like a comb. That's why International Cat Care puts it plainly: if your cat is healthy, there's no reason to bathe it, and most cats don't tolerate baths well. Regular brushing does far more for a healthy coat — we cover it in detail in “Stress-free brushing”.

In other words, a bath isn't part of the routine. It's the exception for when there's no other option.

When a bath really is necessary

There are times when water can't be avoided:

• the coat is soiled with something sticky, greasy or strong-smelling that your cat can't deal with itself;
• a long-haired cat has badly soiled fur under the tail;
• your vet has recommended bathing — in that case, follow their instructions on the product and how often to use it.

A special case is when something potentially harmful gets on the fur: household chemicals, paint, motor oil or lily pollen. Your cat will start licking it off and could be poisoned. Don't experiment with home remedies — call your vet straight away and ask what to do.

Try without a bath first

Spot cleaning is often enough:

• gently wipe a small stain with a soft damp cloth or towel;
• comb out dried dirt once it's dry;
• if the coat is badly tangled or soiled beyond what you can manage, see a groomer or your vet.

Don't try to cut soiled fur off close to the skin with scissors; it's very easy to cut your cat.

Getting ready

If a bath can't be avoided, prepare everything in advance, because you won't be able to step away once you've started:

• a cat shampoo or a product your vet recommended — never human shampoo or soap;
• a rubber mat for the bottom of the tub or basin so paws don't slip;
• two or three large towels;
• a jug or a shower head on a gentle setting;
• a warm room with no drafts;
• a helper — two people make it calmer and safer.

Choose a time when your cat is relaxed, for example after play and a meal, not when it's wound up.

Bathing, step by step

• Run a little water: warm but not hot, tested on your wrist. For a short-legged munchkin, a few centimeters is plenty — your cat should be standing securely, not swimming.
• Calmly lower your cat into the water, supporting it under the chest.
• Wet the coat by pouring water from the neck toward the tail. Keep the head dry: water in the ears and shampoo in the eyes are what cats hate most.
• Apply a small amount of shampoo and work it in gently in the direction the fur grows.
• Rinse thoroughly until the coat no longer feels slippery. Leftover product can irritate the skin, and your cat will lick it off later.
• If the face needs cleaning, use a damp cloth.

Talk to your cat in a calm voice throughout and move slowly.

Drying off

Wrap your cat in a towel straight away and blot the coat rather than rubbing hard. Swap the wet towel for a dry one. Most cats are afraid of hair dryers; if yours tolerates one, use the lowest, cool-to-warm setting, keep it at a distance and never point it at the face. Keep your cat in a warm, draft-free room until the coat is completely dry.

Finish with a favorite treat and some peace and quiet. Don't be surprised if your cat spends a long time grooming afterwards — that's how it puts its coat back in order and gets its familiar scent back.

If your cat panics

Don't hold a panicking cat down. You risk injuring both your cat and yourself, and the next bath will be even harder. Stop, blot the coat dry and stick to spot cleaning. If a bath is needed for medical reasons, ask your vet how to do it with as little stress as possible.

What not to do

• Don't bathe your cat "just in case" or on a schedule — a healthy cat doesn't need it.
• Don't bathe a kitten or a cat that's unwell without your vet's advice.
• Don't use human shampoo, soap or dish soap.
• Don't wet the head or pour water into the ears.
• Don't dry your cat with a hot hair dryer or leave it damp in a draft.
• Don't bathe a kitten in its first days after the move — it has enough new experiences already.
• Don't try to wash chemicals, paint or oil off the coat yourself — call your vet first.

The takeaway

Bathe a healthy cat only when there's no other option. Most of the time, brushing and spot cleaning are enough. If a bath can't be avoided, prepare in advance, use only a little warm water, keep the head dry, rinse thoroughly and dry your cat well.