Do You Need to Bathe Your Cat?

Why should you bathe a cat if they groom themselves instinctually? There are a few reasons. They can get dirty in the litter box, by exploring outside through the cat door, and going into forbidden places like the chimney.

Why Cats Hate Water

Most house cats absorb water through their coat. Their fur doesn’t deflect moisture, so it’s hard to dry off. Cats don’t like being wet. However, larger cats like tigers are quite the opposite; some even swim to feed on fish.

Grooming and Shedding

All cats have an inborn predisposition to cleaning themselves. You can help by brushing your cat often. Shedding is a natural process of removing dead hair. You can groom your cat and vacuum excess hair so your cat, and house, are cleaner.

Health Problems to Look For

When grooming your cat, look for thinning hair or bald spots, which can indicate underlying health issues. Skin problems are common in cats and can provide insights into your feline’s overall health. Causes range from allergies to parasites to stress. Your cat may respond with excessive scratching, licking, or chewing. Any sign of a skin condition should be investigated by a veterinarian.

Grooming Points

While grooming your cat, check its ears for wax, debris, or signs of infection. Clean its paws and make sure there are no wounds to tend to, trim its nails, and check for dental issues. Use a small brush to clean its teeth, tongue, palate, and gums. Also check the cat’s eyes for tearing, cloudiness, crustiness, or inflammation.

Grooming Outdoor Cats

When your cat uses a pet door to go outside, it is more prone to getting dirty. Fleas can be a problem as well. Outdoor cats may need to be groomed more often. Watch out for circumstances where an urgent bath is needed.

When You Need a Professional Groomer

If your cat is hard to bathe or you’re not comfortable with the process, you can bring it to a professional groomer who has the proper shampoo and equipment. Trimming, nail clipping, and ear cleaning is part of the service.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a cat flap or need help with cat door installation, you can turn to Australia Pet Doors. Feel free to browse our site or call +61-437-644-330 today!