Due to their physique and frequent self-grooming, cats don't need to take a bath that often. So, what is the correct frequency for bathing cats? Additionally, when finances are limited and it's not possible to take the cat to a pet groomer often, how can parents take action and bathe the cat at home? Let's share the correct knowledge about cat bathing, as well as how to do it correctly and safely!

How do cats who don't take regular baths stay clean?

Cats are loving creatures of cleanliness, so why can they keep themselves so clean and not smell bad even if they don't take a bath for a long time?

Cats love to groom themselves, spending an average of 2-4 hours a day cleaning their fur. But there's a reason for this! Grooming is not only used to make the cat undetectable to its prey or predators, it also helps massage, keep warm, and relax them. The special hook structures on the cat's tongue can help remove dirt from their fur. Furthermore, cats also release popcorn or nut-like fragrances from their glands, which is why cats always smell clean and pleasant!

How often should cats be bathed?

• Cat can't take a bath often

Cats, due to their innate constitution, cannot take baths too often. Taking a bath once every 1-2 weeks, like dogs, can easily lead to illness. The recommended bathing frequency is once every 1-2 months, seasonally (every 3 months) or even once a year.

Of course, depending on the living environment of each cat, there may be times when cleaning is needed. But if it is necessary to bathe cats regularly, it is safer to do so at least once a month.

• Secretion of protective oils from the coat

Cats secrete precious oils to protect their fur, but if they are washed too often, this protection will be destroyed, making them more vulnerable to illnesses.

In a clean environment, healthy cats don't need a bath even once a year and any unpleasant smell may be an indication that something is wrong and should be checked by a vet.

Cats with skin diseases such as fungi or scabies need treatment and medication baths.

Bathing cats can prevent the spread of parasites, reduce dandruff and the formation of hairballs, promote better blood circulation, and speed up metabolism.

Tips and tricks for cat bathing

1. The preparation before taking a bath.

• Trimming nails

Trim your cat's nails to reduce the risk of being scratched when they get excited after coming into contact with water. But don't bathe them right away, wait a few hours or days to let them calm down first.

• Combing hair

After knots in the fur are wet, they are very difficult to untangle. combing can open up the tangled fur and also help the cat relax.

• Choose the right shampoo

Buy cat-specific shampoo from a veterinary or pet grooming shop and read the instructions carefully to see if it is suitable for your cat. If necessary, you can dilute it (if your cat is of the long-haired breed, the diluted shampoo will be easier to get into the follicles).

• Using toys to expend energy and make them love bathing

To tire out your cat before bathing, so that it has no energy to scratch, bite or try to escape. The timing of the bath is also important, ideally when your cat is most calm. Here are some other tips for adapting to baths:

Put some toys in the bathtub and let the cats play for a few minutes, then put some water in and continue to play. Doing this will help the cats relax and associate bathing with something fun.

2. To create a good bathing environment.

• Close the bathroom door

Prevent your cat from running away when taking a bath or destroying things out of fear.

• Prepare the bathtub

Place a plastic mat or towel in the bathtub to prevent cats from slipping, which also gives them a sense of security. You can also put some shelves on the bathtub so that cats have something to hold onto, which also makes them feel more secure.

• Add warm water

Cats may be scared of the sound of the faucet, and remember not to use a showerhead for bathing, the water flow must be as light as possible. Before bringing the cat into the bathroom, install about 10 cm of warm water first, and also install two large basins of hot water to rinse off the shampoo, so that you don't have to turn on the water again when taking a bath, so as not to scare it.

3. Start taking a shower officially.

• Control the cat

• Let the cat stay stable and relaxed

Cats can be very scary and cause a lot of damage when they are startled. If their acceptance for bathing is really low, don't be in a hurry. Start by washing their four feet and gradually move up later. Remember, the goal should be to make them feel relaxed, so the movements should be gentle and slow.

• Apply shampoo

First moisten the cat's head and below, use a little shampoo and water to wash the cat's neck, body, limbs, belly and tail. Starting from the neck to the tail, wash along the direction of the hair. Massage them while washing so they can relax and not feel tense.

Warning! Do not let the shampoo run into the cat's eyes, nose, mouth and ears. If you put a cotton ball in the ear beforehand, it not only reduces the risk of ear infection but also reduces the cat's sense of insecurity from the sound of flowing water.

• Rinse

Many cats are scared of the sound of a showerhead, so try to use a face basin to wash. If your cats are not scared, you can also use a smaller showerhead for washing.

• Facial Cleaning

Wet a towel with clean water and lightly wipe the cat's face until the face, head and ears are clean and dry.

• Pay attention to signs of panic

While bathing your cat, monitor its emotional state for signs of distress or fear. If the action you are taking scares the cat, stop immediately as it could cause undue mental stress and result in attack.

• Workarounds for not taking a shower

If your cat really hates taking a bath, parents can use wet towels to wipe or use commercially available water-free cleaning cloths to achieve good cleaning results.

• Seeking the help of a professional

If the cat bathing at home is always out of control, or parents have limited time, many pet shops now provide professional pet grooming services, and even home service projects, which also provide parents with a bath for cats a new option for !

4. Dry cat's hair

• Use a towel first

Gently press the hair with a towel to absorb water. You can also heat the towel with a hair dryer first, which will make the cat more comfortable.

• Completely dry

• Reward the cat

Conclusion

Bathing a cat is a very important task, and after the above explanation, parents should now understand how often cats should take a bath and the tips and methods for bathing cats. Taking care of a cat is just like raising a child; parents should know the needs and conditions of cats in all aspects.If parents are not aware of their cat's physique, skin condition, etc., it is recommended that they seek professional advice and assistance from veterinarians and pet groomers beforehand in order to make sure the cat enjoys a comfortable and secure bath time.