Cats are apex predators and are optimized for sprinting and stalking. But perhaps the most original aspect of its design is that it has a built-in shower. A cat's tongue is an amazing little tool that sucks up dust and dirt from their fur with each lick. Although this cleaning method may seem unhygienic, it is very effective.
Despite this miracle of evolution, some cat owners still feel the need to bathe their pets with soap and water (and air it). But if you want to become internet famous by giving your kitty a luxurious bubble bath, here's what you might do. Find another avenue to exercise your cat's influence for both you and your pet. According to cat science, this is not necessary. But, of course, there are always exceptions to this rule.
“Generally speaking, the average healthy cat usually doesn't need a bath,” says Bruce Kornreich, a veterinary cardiologist and director of the Cornell Feline Health Center. reciprocal. The typical pet cat cleans itself meticulously and thoroughly, both indoors and outdoors. (In fact, excessive grooming to the point of bald spots can be a sign of anxiety.) If you're still not convinced, consider the risks that a water bath poses.
“If your cat doesn't like taking a bath, it can be stressful for your cat.” [and] “It has a negative impact on the relationship between the owner and the cat,” says Kornreich. Most cats have a particular dislike of water, so trying to force your fur baby to bathe can have fatal consequences for you and your cat. You could even end up with claw injuries and a wet, panicked kitten. Kornreich added that splashing water in areas other than its intended location poses health risks such as ear infections and conjunctivitis, also known as conjunctivitis.
Kornreich says human-style cleansing can have an “inappropriate impact” on the skin's pH, the delicate chemical balance between acids and alkalines. The average pH of a cat's skin is about 6, which is right in the middle. This means that pushing this number even slightly in either direction can irritate your skin unnecessarily. Kornreich emphasizes that while there are certainly shampoos formulated for cats, owners should not use human products on their pets.
So when is it appropriate to give your cat a bath? According to Kornreich, there are only a few situations. In the case of ectoparasites, if the parasites (often fleas) are infesting your cat's skin or fur, you should definitely give her a bath and probably go to the vet. Special flea shampoos suffocate the insects without irritating the skin. (Kornreich points out that fleas spend time outside of their hosts, so if your cat has fleas, that means you probably have fleas in your living space, too.) Fungal infections and allergies Health conditions such as reactions may also require a small amount of veterinarian-approved soap and water. In these cases, “your veterinarian may recommend medicated baths,” says Kornreich.
If your kitten gets soaked in substances like tree sap, mud, paint, or other gunk, a bath to remove the dirt may be a necessary evil. This is especially true if it is coated with a solvent such as paint. Dirt can be harmful and should be safely cleaned as soon as possible.
Certain breeds may also require regular bathing. Kornreich says hairless breeds such as the Sphynx and Donskoi produce more oil from their skin, known as sebum. Excess sebum can cause bacterial infections of skin hair follicles, so cleaning your skin regularly can help keep it healthy. On the other hand, a long-haired cat's fur can become unruly matted, so if brushing isn't working, a little water may help.
According to Mr. Kornreich, depending on the cat's health condition, careful grooming may not be possible. Debilitating obesity or age-related osteoarthritis may prevent your dog from bending into the correct position to lick every nook and cranny.
If you find yourself in these situations and need to bathe your pet yourself, Kornreich has some tips. First, run warm water into a bathtub or basin lined with a towel or non-slip mat. Add a few inches of water so your cat's belly is not submerged. Cats “generally don't like showering,” so keep a cup or pitcher aside in case they need to rinse, says Kornreich. Please have a dry towel ready. “Make sure to use lots of positive reinforcement,” such as treats and verbal praise, Kornreich says. He recommends squeezing the nape of the neck, and a tight squeeze will help.
When everything is done, Kornreich tells you to wrap yourself in a towel. A hair dryer is also an option, but only if your kitty likes loud noises and hot air.
With these exceptions, most cats don't need a bath. But unless you're sure your cat enjoys bath time, Kornreich suggests other reliable bonding activities. “It's better to focus your energy on things other than your spa day, like dedicated play time.”
