(Only If You Enjoy Chaos! 😹)

by Rita Reimers, Multi Cat Behavior Expert

Wondering if you should bathe your cat? Most don’t need it, but in some cases, a bath is necessary. Learn when and how to safely wash your cat without stress (or scratches)!

Cats are famous for their meticulous grooming habits, spending a significant portion of their day licking themselves into pristine condition.

So, do you really need to bathe your cat? The short answer: probably not—unless you enjoy living on the edge. But in some cases, a bath is unavoidable.

Let’s dive into the world of feline hygiene and figure out when (and how) to bathe your cat without losing your sanity—or a limb.

Do Cats Really Need Baths?

Most cats are self-cleaning machines. Their tongues have tiny, hook-like structures called papillae that remove dirt and distribute natural oils across their fur. In general, they do an excellent job of keeping themselves fresh and fluffy.

However, there are some situations where a bath might be necessary, such as:

• Your cat has rolled in something sticky, smelly, or toxic (looking at you, mystery goo on the floor).
• Your cat has a medical condition requiring special shampoo.
• Your senior or overweight cat struggles to groom certain areas.
• Your long-haired feline’s fur has become severely matted.
• Your adventurous cat had an unfortunate run-in with a skunk. (Yikes!) (If you live in Ohio, you can call SkunkMaster to de-skunk your dog or cat!)

When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Bathe Your Cat

Good Reasons for a Bath:
✔ Your cat is covered in something dangerous or foul-smelling.
✔ Your vet has recommended a medicated shampoo.
✔ Your cat is unable to groom effectively due to age, obesity, or illness.

When to Skip the Bath:
❌ Just because you think your cat looks dirty—brushing may be enough.
❌ To reduce shedding (spoiler: it won’t help).
❌ Because you think they smell funny (try a waterless shampoo instead).

The Art of Bathing a Cat Without Injury (Hopefully)

If you’ve determined that a bath is necessary, proceed with caution! Here’s how to do it while keeping your cat (and yourself) as calm as possible.

What You’ll Need:

• A cat-friendly shampoo (never use human shampoo—it’s too harsh!) Try Burts Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo for Cats
• A cup or gentle sprayer for rinsing
• Towels—lots of them
• A non-slip mat or towel in the sink or tub
• A partner (a.k.a. your brave sidekick)
• Treats and reassurance – You can stick a self-gripping treat mat on the tub or sink and fill with you cat’s favorite treat for distraction

Step-by-Step Bath Time Guide:

1. Trim the claws (beforehand, not during—trust us on this one).
2. Brush your cat to remove loose fur and mats.
3. Prepare lukewarm water—not too hot, not too cold, just cat-approved Goldilocks temperature.
4. Slowly introduce water, keeping your cat as calm as possible. It’s better to gently pour water over them, rather than dunk them.
5. Lather up carefully, avoiding the face. Use a damp washcloth for their head instead.
6. Rinse thoroughly to avoid shampoo residue, which can irritate their skin.
7. Wrap them in a towel burrito and gently pat them dry. A blow dryer on low heat can help if they tolerate it.
8. Reward with treats and love (and maybe a sincere apology).

Alternatives to the Dreaded Bath

If the thought of bathing your cat fills you with dread, consider these less stressful alternatives:

• Pet wipes – A great way to spot-clean dirty areas. Burt’s Bees Cat Dander Wipes are a favorite of ours
• Waterless shampoo – Foam or spray versions help freshen up fur without water. Again, Burt’s Bees for the win!
• Regular brushing – Keeps their coat healthy and reduces dirt and dander.

Myths About Bathing Cats

❌ MYTH ONE: My cat will like water if I just introduce it properly!  While some cats enjoy water (like certain breeds, such as the Turkish Van), most will strongly disagree. I once had a cat, Punkin, who would get into the shower with me, and sometimes he’d even try to jump into my bubble baths, but he was an exception. Most cats do not like to get wet.
❌ MYTH TWO: A bath will stop shedding!   Sadly, no! Shedding is a natural process, and regular brushing is far more effective. ❌ Cats need routine baths like dogs do! – Not true! Unlike dogs, cats groom themselves constantly and rarely need a full bath.

Final Verdict: To Bathe or Not to Bathe?

For most cats, the answer is a resounding no. But, if your cat gets into something messy, has a medical issue, or needs extra help grooming, a bath may be unavoidable for you. So just be prepared for some serious side-eye and a bit of revenge plotting afterward. 😼

Have you ever braved the challenge of bathing your cat? Share your experiences (and battle scars) in the comments! 🛁🐱

Need help decoding your cat’s behavior?

Book a Session with Rita today!