How Often Should I Bathe My Cat?
Your pet cat may regularly groom and clean themselves, but they still require routine bathing with water. As much as your cat may hate being doused in bathwater, you are doing the right thing for your beloved pet. Regular baths are a vital step in pet care, and greatly impact their physical health. You can learn more about why this is so important in the article below.
How Often Cats Need Baths and Why
Cats usually don't need frequent bathing, unless there are overwhelming circumstances. For example, outdoor and long-haired cats may be prone to matted and dirty fur, meaning you'll need to bathe them more often. Generally, cats need baths every six weeks to remove dead skin and clean their fur.
You need to bathe your cat for several reasons. One reason is that it helps them to groom themselves. The practice removes grease and pet dander, making it easier for them to polish up. Regular bathing also reduces shedding, lessening the amount of fur your cat ingests, therefore, minimizing hairballs.
Signs That Your Cat Needs a Bath
Indulge in proper pet care by watching for signs your cat needs a bath— if their fur feels matted or oily beneath your hand, they're probably due for a wash.
You should also bathe them if you notice their fur is giving off an unpleasant odor or unfamiliar smell. They may have wandered too close to a trash bin or another unhygienic area, and you'll want to cleanse their fur of any unwanted bacteria that may be clinging to it.
In addition to regular bathing, you can keep your cat healthy with routine visits to a veterinarian. Kapolei Pet Hospital is a pet care clinic in Kapolei, HI, that provides various services for the west side of Oahu. They have a pet clinic and a pet care center that provide several services for your feline's well-being. Visit their website to learn more about what they offer, or call (808) 462-8040 to schedule an appointment.
