Washing your cat isn’t the easiest job in the world, but sometimes it may be essential.
You shouldn’t need to wash your cat often – they self-clean – but when you do, the methods and tips below will make your life much easier.
PPE such as thick gardening gloves and a bullet(/claw)-proof vest will help, but hopefully not necessary.
Quick fact: Did you know your cat’s ancestors were desert animals?
This is why cats instinctively hate water, and also why they’re not big drinkers. It’s a reason dry food can be so harmful for cats, so keep that in mind too!
Important note: Please do not use a washing machine like the picture above shows! You already know the reasons why.
Reasons to wash your cat
Let’s skirt over the reasons to wash a cat, because it’s not something you want to do regularly.
My cat is 14, and during his lifetime I’ve washed him only a handful of times. Most of the time his cost is impeccable for two reasons – (1) healthy diet, and (2) surprisingly effective tongue.
During an unfortunate flea infestation a few years ago we had to wash him daily as one of many assaults against the persistent little blighters. It was tricky at first, but far less stressful once we developed a suitable technique.
Fleas are just one reason to wash a cat. Below are other reasons:
- Fleas and parasites – Face it, they’re persistent little buggers. Washing your cat from the neck down, ideally with a holistic flea shampoo, can greatly reduce fleas and drown other parasites.
- Skin conditions – I cannot stress enough the detrimental effect diet has on skin (and health), particularly grain-based junk cat food for your carnivorous cats, but if a skin condition is effecting your cat then a medicated shampoo can sooth their discomfort.
- Dirt and debris – Outdoor cats love to explore and roll in stuff we’d rather they didn’t, so if your cat is excessively dirty or sticky a quick wash can help.
- Odour – Possibly as a result of the above, and potentially another sign of bad diet, washing your cat may temporarily relieve odour while you investigate the cause.
- Allergies of pet parents – If anyone in the house is allergic to dander, or you have a visitor who suffers such an allergy, washing your cat before hand can reduce symptoms.
- Accidental messes – DIY fanatics will know painting a wall is an inevitable invite for your cat to rub up against it, but other harmful substances like oil or toxic chemicals can harm our cats and must be washed off properly.
- Medical reasons – There are a variety of reasons a veterinarian will recommend you wash your cat. Most of which are covered above.
- Show cats – If we’re entering our cat in a show where their appearance is judged, a wash may make the difference between first and last.
Ways to wash your cat at home
Easy ways to wash your cat
Cat wipes
Cat wipes are by far the easiest way to clean your cat. These are great for quick clean-ups and spot cleaning.
In Australia there are a number of brands of cat wipes. Most retailers will sell at least one brand.
I recommend unscented, but there are various options including anti-bacterial or those specifically marketed to remove dander.
Good options for pet wipes:
- Zodiac Pet Wipes
- Burts Bees Dander Wipes for Cats
Both the above are available at Pet Circle.
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoos (sometimes called waterless shampoo) offer a no-stress way to wash your cat.
Personally I’ve found these aren’t as effective as a wet wash, but they’re a very convenient and very easy to give your cat a regular freshen up!
Spray bottle
We’re in the realms of seriously irritating your cat with this one, but for many cat owners it’s the easier option to a sink or traditional bath mentioned below.
Using a spray bottle to wash your cat is as simple as:
- Use a spray bottle diluted with a cat shampoo (a natural species-appropriate cat shampoo is recommended).
- Hard bit: Spray your cat.
- Wipe your cat down with a wet cloth.
Harder (but more effective) ways to wash your cat
IMPORTANT TIP: When bathing your cat in a bath, sink, or basin, it is important to use lukewarm water only.
Do not wash your cat in cold water because it will cause additional stress, and hot water will not only cause stress but may burn their delicate skin.
Traditional bath
Washing your cat in a bathtub or a sink will be a matter of preference.
A bath will give your cat more space to move, cause less water splashage (is that the right word!?), and may make it easier for you to wash and rinse your cat thoroughly
Here’s how to wash your cat in a bath:
- Fill your bath with no more than 4 inches of lukewarm water.
- Place your cat in the bath making sure to never submerge their head in water.
- Using a suitable cat shampoo (ideally natural), apply this to your cat and gently lather. Take care when applying shampoo to the head (and rinsing it off), opting for neck-own if in doubt.
- Rinse the shampoo thoroughly making sure you leave no shampoo residue.
- Remove your cat from the bath and wrap them comfortably in a suitable-sized towel so they feel comfortable, warm, and safe. This should help soothe any anxiety, but will depend on the temperament of your cat.
Sink or basin bath
Some cats are easier to bathe in a sink for the simple reason you will have more control over them. It will use less water than washing them in the bath, and if you suffer back pain you will appreciate the more convenient height of a sink.
Otherwise the method of washing your cat in a sink is the same as doing so in a bath:
- Fill your sink or basin with no more than 4 inches of lukewarm water.
- Place your cat in the sink making sure to never submerge their head in water.
- Using a suitable cat shampoo (ideally natural), apply this to your cat and gently lather. Take care when applying shampoo to the head (and rinsing it off), opting for neck-own if in doubt.
- Rinse the shampoo thoroughly making sure you leave no shampoo residue.
- Remove your cat from the sink and wrap them comfortably in a suitable-sized towel so they feel comfortable, warm, and safe. This should help soothe any anxiety, but will depend on the temperament of your cat.
Useful tip: Use a pet shower attachment
You may be tempted to use your regular shower head, but these may have too much pressure and cause your cat stress or pain.
An old-style shower attachment which you connect to your bath or sink taps may help you control and regulate pressure far better.
The pet shower attachment in the picture below is an example, but I find an attachment which connects to both hot and cold taps is far easier for lukewarm water at a suitable pressure.
Just note, these tap attachments only work on round taps. If you have square taps, don’t bother!
Quick tips for the above methods:
If your cat is particularly afraid of water, opt for less water in the bath, sink, or basin (1 inch is fine), and use a bowl to gently pour lukewarm water over them. This may still prove tricky, but should be a little less stressful for your cat.
A partial bath may suit your needs, focusing on a specific area such as paws, body, or face. For this you can use a damp cloth or sponge.
If your cat has a skin condition, your vet may have recommended or provided you with a medicated shampoo. Make sure you read the instructions of the shampoo thoroughly, as always make sure you rinse the shampoo thoroughly to remove all residue.
Or, pay a professional pet groomer!
If you’d rather miss out on the scratches, meowing, and sheer stress of washing your cat, have you considered a professional pet groomer?
Pet groomers are easy to find, either on Google Maps or your local Facebook community group, and are often money well spent – particularly if you have an anxious or uncooperative cat.
Professional groomers are not only well trained, they also come with a great deal of experience. For your cat, this likely means a less traumatic experience.
A professional groomer will offer the skills and tools to make a wash as stress-free as possible, and you can have their nails trimmed and coat spruced up at the same time.
That’s not all, as you’d be surprised how quickly a professional groomer can pick up other issues, such as skin conditions, fleas, ticks, or other parasites. If you have a very fluffy cat like mine, it’s harder to spot fleas and ticks than one may expect.
So, next time your cat needs a bath, why not try out a local pet groomer?
Leave a Reply