Should you shampoo your cat?

Most cats don't like to have both. This experience is very stressful for them. If you can manage then just clean them with wet clothes, rather than getting their whole body wet.

There are rare occasions when washing your cat is unavoidable. If your cats need a bath because they have come in contact with a poisonous substance, take the direction to the vet for treatment.

Usually, cats do not need baths, but sometimes there are some rare circumstances.

If they have rolled over something that can't be cleaned without water, or they have long hair which has become matted, then bathing is a must.

Tips for Bathing a Cat
Cats don't like to get wet because their fur gets uneven and wet fur is uncomfortable for a cat. It also takes a long time to dry.

Certain breeds of cats are less afraid of water and enjoy swimming, such as Maine Coon, Bengal, and Turkish Van.

Brushing

Grooming your cat by brushing them can help you to build a strong bond and your cat will trust you more after the grooming session.

Many cats enjoy it and it also helps to reduce their stress.

Brush for your cat gives them comfort and massages the cat's body and also removes dead hair.

It also helps to prevent hair from tangling, especially for long-haired kitties.

Washing a cat also helps to reduce the hair shedding of a long-haired cat. Showering rinses away dead hair and you can get almost the same result by brushing them.

Washed regularly from the beginning are most likely to tolerate washing as adult cats.

A scared cat can hiss, spit and become hateful, whether it is necessary or not to wash your cat unless they are dirty.

Cat Nails
Trim your cat's nails the day before washing them to decrease the damage they might do when under stress. Brush your kitty before washing them to remove tangles and knots. It is difficult to do when their coat is wet.

Cat Shampoo
Do not use human shampoo or dog shampoo for your cat. You can get cat shampoo from the pet shop or your vet.

Try to wash your cat after eating or when they are tired out from a play session.

Introduce Your Cat
Get your cat used to being in the bathroom before bath time. You can add some toys to the bath for playing and slowly add water to help them change.

Make sure you have everything you need before you start. Get the shampoo ready, and a few towels for drying your cat.

Fill the bathtub with a few inches of lukewarm water. Do not use the overhead shower as the amount of water can overload the surroundings.

Wear a long-sleeved shirt or jumper to protect your arms from scratches. 

Stay calm when washing your cat. Take things slowly and soak your kitty gently from the neck down, washing their neck, body, belly, legs, and tail.

Dilute the shampoo, it makes rinsing easier, and gently massage it to make them feel relaxed.

Rinse Your Cat
Make sure all the soap gets removed from their body surface. Anything that's left will be eaten by your cat when they clean themselves later.

It also irritates their skin and attracts dirt.

Dry Well Your Cat
The most important part after washing your cat is drying them off. Dry them off, as quickly as possible with the help of a large towel, and keep them in a warm room until completely dried.

You can also use a hairdryer at its lowest temperature to dry your body faster.

If your cat has long hair, take the time and slowly comb it with a wide-toothed comb to avoid mats formation later.

Treat Your Cat
Once bath time is over, reward your cat for well-behaving and obeying. Cat Treat, praise and playtime after having a bath may help your cat to come around during bath time. It becomes easier for you and you won't have to struggle much next time.

Conclusion
If you are thinking about bathing a cat, you may be glad to hear that cats have everything they need to keep themselves clean.

Most cats especially those having short hair are excellent self groomers, but you may need to bathe them.

Bathing a cat also reduces hair shedding. Showering rinses away dead hair, and you can have the same result when you brush your cat's hair.

FAQS
Is it ok to bathe a cat?
Cats are usually fine bathing and grooming on their own by using their rough tongues to clean and smooth their coat.

Of course, this can produce some icky hairballs, but that's another hairy story.

Do indoor cats need baths?
The average indoor cat may never need a bath, but if you do decide to take the steep drop, we do not recommend washing your kitty more than a couple of times a year.

Only you know your cat's personality and levels of angry, violent behavior, which can be a key deciding factor when it comes to washing a cat.

What makes a cat stink?
Smelly cats might have simply expressed their anal glands. Just like dogs, cats sometimes release the contents of their anal glands.

This is normal and results in a strong, suspicious smell. Another cause of stinky rear-ends is diarrhea.