wash or not to wash...my cat

My little fellow is very naughty and **** (he wanders outside a lot) so I am thinking about washing him in bath tube. He basically likes water and is not afraid, are there any other contra-indication not to wash him?


p.s.
I assume washing machine is out of the question (just kidding)

Unless your cat is extremely dirty or has something you don't want him to lick, then it's best not to bathe him as it can dry out their skin. Cats can keep themselves clean.

Use a mild shampoo and be sure he's kept out of drafts and in a warm room to dry. But limit his time outside and you won't have to be washing him.

We show cats and they get baths before each show.

i wouldn't recomend bathing him unless [like posted above] he is very dirty, i would suggest just using pet wipes you can buy them at any pet store for pretty cheap!

Originally Posted by Draco

Unless your cat is extremely dirty or has something you don't want him to lick, then it's best not to bathe him as it can dry out their skin. Cats can keep themselves clean.

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^^^ I agree, don't wash the cat unless its really necessary. It can remove essential oils, can stress the cat, potentially get water in the ears if you splash, get you scratched, and its hard to dry cats so he'll just end up having to lick himself forever to get dry and if cold out can make your cat sick.

Best bet for his safety though is to just keep him inside (I nearly killed a black young cat at our parking lot at work a few weeks back since I didn't see him until he turned his head; not to mention there are dogs, poisonous plants, chemical spills, ticks and fleas, aggressive tomcats, feline diseases, you name it), and he's self-cleaning. Easy peasy.

Originally Posted by motif

My little fellow is very naughty and **** (he wanders outside a lot) so I am thinking about washing him in bath tube. He basically likes water and is not afraid, are there any other contra-indication not to wash him?


p.s.
I assume washing machine is out of the question (just kidding)

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I have never given any of my cats a bath in the true sense of the word. I have dunked individual body parts into the sink now and then to get off something they've gotten into but never used soap. I've used those moist towelette bath towel things now and then. Cats tend to be self cleaning and soap will dry out their skin.

Attitude and Nuts both got baths and Nuts will continue to get them. Attitude got more baths than Nuts due to runny poop(once it was food but it was usually antibiotics), and her white fur yellowing. As long as you don't give baths all that often the cat will be fine, just make sure to keep him inside and warm(and most cats can handle staying warm that on their own unless they are kittens or tiny) until he's dry. I have bathed Attitude when she was sick as hell with a URI(the antibiotic caused her rear end to explode) and it had zero effect on her as far as her recovery.

Last year during the summer(3 months) they got bathed monthly before I applied their Revolution.

I know Nuts will need a bath before I start up on flea and tick stuff and heartworm stuff again this year(and the dog desperately needs a bath.)

If you want to give your cat a bath you can, just make sure you use shampoo that is safe for cats, most dog shampoos shouldn't be used on cats. Also do not wet your cats head by dumping or spraying water on it, use a damp washcloth if you have to wash their head(I have never had to wash a cat's head.)

Taryn

I think the skin can get dry only because of the tap water where they add chlorine and other chemicals. Same happened to me until I got carbon filter
to the shower. Some big cats swim in the wild so water should not be a problem from time to time.

Originally Posted by motif

Some big cats swim in the wild so water should not be a problem from time to time.

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Cats that swim have single layer waxy/oily water resistant guard coats that dry quickly and are usually in tropical environments. Cats with a thick very fine undercoat will remain soggy, and since they require a relatively high body temperature to survive, it can be dangerous in some climates or when night falls (they are originally a desert species and low humidity deserts get VERY cold quickly when the sun falls).

try waterless shampoo, you can get it at your local pet store or even at walmart. Just spray some of it on your cat's coat, brush her and she will smell like heavens))

I was gonna post the "How To Give A Cat A Bath", but I figured ya-all have seen it. In any case...dial 911 first...while you can.

BTW, I don't bathe my cats unless they catastrophically need it.


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My cat seems to get dandruff during the winter months so I've started using grooming wipes. Petsmart has several wipes. I have also used Murphy Oil Soap diluted with water & used a paper towel to create my own wipes. Both work well with no adverse affects.

Minish is 5 and white(ish). Never washed her hope I never need to. When she rolls in dirt at summerhouse, she becomes tan colored. Next day she's white again. I only help with her neck with damp towel since she can't reach there

I have never washed a cat in my life. I know some do, but usually they start from kittenhood (like for show cats). Personally, I would think that would be very stressful for the cat (and you). I do use hypoallergenic wipes which work pretty well.

Jaz- NC said:

My cat seems to get dandruff during the winter months so I've started using grooming wipes. Petsmart has several wipes. I have also used Murphy Oil Soap diluted with water & used a paper towel to create my own wipes. Both work well with no adverse affects.

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These GNC hypoallergenic wipes are what I use and have used them for years on my cats, they are the best!