How to Give Your Cat a Bath—Plus, How Often You Actually Need to Do It

Ask any cat owner and they'll tell you the same: Most cats don't like getting wet. But what should you do if your feline friend gets dirty? Your first instinct might be to give them a bath—or at least a partial one. However, cats are excellent at grooming themselves and rarely need traditional baths. We spoke with experts on steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your cat needing an actual bath and effective ways to clean them at home if they truly do require one.

Do Cats Need Baths?

Not all cats need a regular soak, says Vanessa Spano, associate veterinarian at Behavior Vets of NYC. "Domestic felines do not need to be bathed," says Spano. "Cats, unlike dogs, groom themselves daily—this is a normal species behavior. The majority of cats also may not like being exposed to water, and an unnecessary bath can be very stressful and uncomfortable for those felines unaccustomed to water."

Of course, there are some instances where a bath is necessary—but you should always check with your veterinarian first. Felines' agile bodies and sandpaper-like tongues make them excellent self-groomers, says Hannah Shaw, founder of Kitten Lady, so you can skip the dip unless your pet develops a skin condition, like ringworm (consult your vet about using a medicated soap), or gets especially dirty.

How Often to Bathe Your Cat

"In general, a healthy adult cat doesn't require bathing unless he or she has gotten into something that has coated the fur and can't be easily removed with brushing," Serena Juma, a cat behaviorist at Purina, says. "Cats groom themselves naturally, however, their owners should help keep them clean by brushing or combing them regularly."

Only Bathe as Necessary

If your cat happens to get dirty enough that you can't just brush them clean, Juma suggests only washing the areas that are soiled. "If a cat does require a bath, I recommend only bathing the area that needs attention," she says. "Some cats enjoy being in and around water, while many don't like the feeling of being submerged as it causes their coats to become heavier. By only washing areas that need attention, you can help reduce the discomfort that a cat may feel if submerged."

Before You Bathe Your Cat

Before you fill the tub, make sure you have a cat-specific shampoo. "Shampoos made for humans or dogs, especially flea shampoos, can be toxic to felines," she says. "Most pet stores will have a cat-safe option that clearly states on the packaging that it is feline-friendly. A veterinarian may also recommend a specific shampoo or cleaning method if there is an ongoing health issue that requires the owner to bathe a cat regularly."

Next, trim your cat's nails (if needed) to avoid accidentally being scratched. It's also important to recruit a family member to help. "This will allow one person to focus attention on interacting with the cat while the other cleans the cat," says Juma.

How to Give Your Cat a Bath

Most cats don't like water or being bathed, so play with them first to release some of their energy. Then, take a deep breath and get to work quickly—it will be less painful for both of you.

Materials Needed

Prepare everything that's needed for the bath ahead of time. That involves having the following supplies at the ready:

• Cat-safe shampoo
• Washcloth
• Measuring cup for pouring water
• Clean, dry towel

Instructions

1. Thoroughly brush your cat. "Just like for humans, a cat's hair will become more tangled or matted when wet," Juma says.
2. Fill your bathtub or sink with a few inches of water. It should be lukewarm, not too hot or cold.
3. Get the area that needs to be cleaned wet by either dipping the cat into the water, pouring water onto her with the measuring cup, or using a washcloth to dampen her fur. Avoid getting water in the cat's eyes, nose, and ears, and don't submerge them if it's not necessary.
4. Use a washcloth or soft brush to apply cat-safe shampoo to the dirty areas of your cat. Scrub gently. Always use a washcloth to clean the delicate face area to avoid getting soap or water in their eyes and ears.
5. Rinse your cat thoroughly.
6. Wrap your cat in a towel, and dry vigorously. "You can also back-comb her fur to help it aerate more quickly," adds Shaw.