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Cats only need a bath if they’re covered in ‘something toxic’, warns vet
Bath time is stressful for some pets and especially hard for cat parents. So we asked a veterinarian if cats need bathing like dogs and other animals do.
Even though cats and dogs are among the most common pets, capable of growing up together, they require different parenting techniques. In fact, a new study suggests that cat and dog owners have polar opposite personalities.
Should you bathe your cat?
There are plenty of videos of cats enjoying elongated baths. Of course, not every cat reacts similarly to water – the majority seem to have an aversion to it.
However, they are exposed to dirt, dust, and more, which doesn’t keep them from getting dirty. As my cat hates baths, I asked Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, a qualified veterinarian with over 10 years of experience, if cats, like dogs, need to be bathed regularly.
She says, no. Cats don’t need to be bathed as they clean and groom themselves. However, that’s not always safe. The vet tells The Focus: “Generally cats don’t need bathing. The only time I would bathe cats is if they’re covered in something that could be dangerous or toxic to lick off, for example, paint thinner, antifreeze, melted chocolate, etc.”
If you suspect your cat has already licked its body covered in harmful substances, Dr. Joanna advises: “It’s safer to phone a vet first and get their advice.”
How about dogs?
Cats are comparatively cleaner than most dogs. And people with dogs take great caution when it comes to letting their pooch get its paws dirty.
However, they don’t need to be bathed too often as it can affect the quality of their fur by ripping off all the essential oils. Dr. Joanna recommends bathing your dog no more than once a month.
She tells The Focus: There is such a thing as too-frequent bathing, and unless your dog has a bathing routine recommended by a vet for a skin condition, I generally recommend no more than monthly.
“I bathe my dog once or twice a year, either because her coat starts to feel wrong or because she has rolled in seagull poop, she added.
The American Kennel Club offers a few common tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable bathing experience for your dog.
- Always brush your dog thoroughly before the bath to remove hair and dirt.
- Make sure the water isnt too hot or too cold. The website recommends warm water.
- If youre bathing your dog in a tub, fill it until their knee.
- You can protect your dogs eyes with a few drops of mineral oil and use cotton balls to cover their ears.
- Wet the coat thoroughly before applying shampoo and work the lather in the same direction as the hair growth.
- Dont forget the tough spots such as under the tail, between the paws, under the neck, behind the ears, and belly.
- Let your dog shake itself vigorously after the bath before you use a towel to dry it. Theres no harm in using a blow dryer, as long as you dont use the hottest setting and keep it at least one foot away from the skin to avoid burn.
- Let your dog out in the sun until its completely dry.
