How many times do you bathe a cat?

Question

Hey i just got a kitten and i wanted to know how many times should i bathe her?

Answer 1

Never, unless she gets something on her that you wouldn't want her to lick off, like grease or oil or something toxic.

Cats are desert creatures and they've evolved so that they can keep themselves very clean without being immersed in water. Their saliva actually contains a detergent-like substance that helps make their grooming and bathing very effective. In fact, bathing them in water can mess up their skin and fur by affecting natural oils that aren't meant to be soaked in water.

Having said that, I must admit that some people do bathe their kitties with no apparent ill effects, and there are some cats (Turkish Vans are the most renowned) that like to swim in water. So you could probably get away with bathing kitty if you really feel compelled to do so - but there's no need for it.

I've had cats pretty much all my adult life and I've never given any of them a bath. They always kept themselves clean and never smelled bad.

Answer 2

Hi there....congratulations on becoming a new feline parent.

There is not a set rule for how often to bathe any animal, but bathing should be reserved for those times when the animal is really dirty. Cats and kittens do groom themselves extensively and can usually handle the every day dirt and grime. But there are times when additional help might be needed. These would include becoming very muddy, fur being soiled with urine or stool and just getting into something messy that also may be harmful if ingested in large amounts.

Here's a wonderful website on how to best care for your new kitten: http://www.kittencare.com/

Answer 3

You don't unless there is a good reason. I've got 3 cats. the first I bathed like 4 times a day the first week of her life...she was sick & would have alot of accidents on herself, & being fluffy made it worse. Thankfully she got better after alot of vet trips & a little time. She's never had a bath since. The other two cats I've never bathed. Cats don't need baths unless they've been sick & having accidents or they get into something dirty or sticky. They aren't like dogs, they clean themselves.

Answer 4

ive got 3 adult cats and one siamese which is 20 mths old, start when the kitten is young so it gets used to it, i have bathed my siamese twice,she is an inside cat but goes out on a lead so when it is warm weather i give her a nice bath! the other 3 have baths in summer coz they lie outside in muck and grass, i do them with flea shampoo so it helps with that problem 2. expect a few scratches the first few times but try to keep calm as this will calm the kitten,good luck

Answer 5

Just when you receive her. It is not necessary to bathe cats, once a year is enough. Cats are very clean pets: they like to clean themselves. I have a male cat, who loves however dirty and dusty places. In this case, I keep a moist cotton tissue ready to clean him instead of water. Whenever I tried to bathe him, the claws were flying. So please don't bathe your cat regularly. I have heard some human also do not wash their hair. After 4 weeks washing, the hair loses its oily smell, and the scalp oil cleans the hair. Just brushing is necessary to remove dust, dirt, etc. from the hair. This findings was based on cats. Not that I would give up the shampoos myself. ***Lol*

Answer 6

i have one cat about 2 years. just bathe for 3 times only

Rgds
Parinya Leekulpitak
http://www.allaboutpet.blogspot.com

Answer 7

Cats are very good at attending to their own personal hygiene - usually if it's not cleaning itself it's a sign of illness.

I would only attempt to bathe a cat if it was pretty much the only option. ( eg cat fell in emulsion paint etc) Otherwise I avoid it - it's very stressful for both the owner and the cat.
(of course there are always exceptions, cats, after all, are individuals and will make up their own minds about such things)

you may find the information here useful
http://www.pets.ca/pettips/tips-87.htm

this one is just funny
http://videoforcats.com/cathumorbath.htm

Answer 8

Well, I have three cats (indoor only). I have had them since they were born and I have never given them a bath. They are 4, 7 & 8 yrs old. They are very good at keeping themselves groomed. A brushing and flea meds are needed though. I would not even attempt it!

Answer 9

You should never bathe her. She will clean herself. You may bathe her only if she has a medical condition that requires it or if she gets herself into some toxic dirt that you don't want her to lick off herself. Other than that, bathing her will be a torture for both of you, and unnecessary. Just make sure you spray her against fleas.

Answer 10

Cats are able to bathe themselves, without our assistance. In addition they don't like water, and they will put up a fight. However, since it's a kitten, they may react differently.