November 9th, 2009
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In addition to rinsing with warm water regularly, a shampoo twice a month can really reduce the number of allergens on your cat.
Use only lukewarm water (hot water can be counter-productive and stimulate more dander production) and a mild cat shampoo. Some of the cat shampoos on the market are even soap-free. Bathing every other week will condition the skin and hair while removing dander and saliva. Keep the water flow warm and gentle and eventually your furry friend may even look forward to bath time! Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. |
There is ZERO reason to bathe a cat regularly! Cats do quite well by themselves. If a cat or human has a health issue that requires it, it is an exception. Otherwise it is unnecessary, very stressful for both cat and human, and drying to the skin and coat.
If a cat rolls in something or there is specific reason to bathe, I use a waterless kitten shampoo and/or baby wipes.
Brushing will remove surface dirt and excess fur, and provides a great bonding experience.
The article mentions allergens – if it is specifically targeted to readers with allergies, it really should say so. A normal, healthy cat home does not need to include bathing.
CAt washing frequency depends entirely on if your major medical is paid up, and how slow a learner you are :’)
Or you can get a Bengal (somewhat) domestic or other water loving breed The Bengal Tiger comes to mind, but you will need a larger bathtub.
A couple of my kids have never had a bath, and in all likelyhood never will. Then we have Tigger the Tiger, Thats T I Double G EEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRR
Who you can’t keep out of the tub
On a serious note, I opine that if kitty doesn’t need a bath, then don’t bath kitty. Check kitty’s skin if its in good shape, go find another project as Kitty is fine.
Many people bath domestic animals often to subconciously satisfy them selves at some.”… of wouldn’t it be nice if kitty was nice and fresh with the inlaws visit. Trust me if the visiters know kitty then kitty will smell just fine to them, If these are new visitors Kitty will probably be under the bed, taking a nice nap, and waiting for them to leave. If the people are not cat appreciative then there may be an issue as Kitty witll know and jump up on their lap(s)
Thats it for noe.
ttfn
Ed Wright
Woodburn Orygun
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I’ve never attempted to bathe Ashley. I value my life. LOL!
Stephanie- You are absolutely right, this WAS directed at people whose allergies are so bad they cannot have cats without huge sacrifices or accommodations. Am not sure why they didn’t make that clear when they posted the tip at Catster, but luckily you astute Catsters caught it! Certainly there is a Fear Factor here for both cats & people. But if you need to rinse away all the dander and dust, bathing (rinsing) may be an activity to slowly adjust your cat to if otherwise you cannot physically tolerate having the cat share your world