Do I Really Need to Shampoo My Cat?
Some people believe cats never need to be bathed by their owners. After all, they stay pretty clean by licking themselves for several hours every day. Some bathe themselves better than others, but under ordinary circumstances most cats do just fine without any help from their owners.
There are some reasons that owners would rather not bathe their cats, too. In fact, many cat owners wince at the thought of getting the cat shampoo out of the cupboard. Just about every self-respecting cat hates getting wet, and they usually don’t hesitate to show their displeasure. What begins as a cat bath can quickly turn into a sorry but familiar mess: a sopping wet cat clawing itself up your arms, and water everywhere except where it should be. This trauma is enough to cause many cat owners to try to avoid bathing their cat altogether.
Keep in mind, however, that although most cats don’t need to be bathed very often, most do need a bath at least occasionally. If your cat spends a lot of its time outdoors, there might be days when it gets especially dirty or is covered in something toxic like oils or pesticides. It might return home full of fleas after spending some time at the boarding kennel. And there’s always the worst-case scenario, meaning your cat gets sprayed by a skunk. You might not want to, but you’ll be reaching for the cat shampoo when any of these events occur.
This means you should include a good cat shampoo among the other cat supplies you always keep on hand. Make sure the cat shampoo you choose is safe for your cat, especially if it’s a flea shampoo or is otherwise medicated. Medicated shampoos, including shampoos to combat fleas, should always be specifically for cats because dog shampoos can be toxic. The cat shampoo you pick should also be gentle on your cat’s skin. In general, dish soap and shampoos used by people are too harsh and may cause skin irritation. In an emergency (remember that skunk mentioned above?) you can use a tearless baby shampoo if you don’t have any cat shampoo.
It is important to prepare before bathing your cat. First, prepare yourself for possible battle. Put on an old pair of jeans and a thick shirt with long sleeves. An old sweatshirt is ideal for this purpose. Next, place a rubber mat on the bottom of the bathtub so your cat has something to grip. If anything breakable is nearby, remove it. Then lay out all the cat supplies you’ll need, making sure all of them are within easy reach: cat shampoo, a washcloth for your cat’s face, a couple of cotton balls to insert in its ears and two dry, fluffy towels. Draw the water and then you’re ready, but consider getting someone to help you if your cat’s not used to being bathed. Cats that are not accustomed to the process may panic.
You never know, though. Your cat may actually enjoy its encounter with cat shampoo. Some cats do. But if your cat likes being bathed, don’t overdo it. Bathing a cat too frequently may dry out its coat by removing natural skin oils. 
Cat Bathing
Sites You May Find Helpful
- Taking Better Care Of Your Cat – All About Cats and Dogs
- What is a great cat shampoo/conditioner for removal of oil and fluffing up my mainecoons fur? | Introduction to Home Staging
March 19th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
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