Can I Wash my Cat with Shampoo?

By Josie F. Turner, Journalist specialized in Animal Welfare. September 21, 2016
Can I Wash my Cat with Shampoo?

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It's in most cats' nature to hate being washed - they don't like being wet or excessively handled, and they especially dislike being consciously rubbed. However, there are some occasions when you need to wash your cat one way or another. It all depends on the circumstances.

If you didn't get your cat used to being washed from a young age you might have a serious problem, because it will not want to get into the bathtub under any circumstances whatsoever.

Do you need to bathe your cat sooner rather than later? You might have some doubts on how you should do it exactly. A common question is whether we can use shampoo for humans to wash our cat's fur; this is what we'll answer in this AnimalWised article. Read on to find out whether you can wash your cat with your shampoo and learn all about cats' dermis.

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A cat's dermis has a very fine layer of fat which helps protect the skin by shielding it from outside elements. You've probably been told that it's not a good idea to regularly wash your cat, because doing so can accidentally remove this layer. You should wash your cat no more than once a month.

If you decide to wash your cat with human soap, it will probably experience the following side effects:

It's also important to know that unless your cat got used to taking baths as a kitten, it is very unlikely that it will ever feel comfortable in the bathtub.

How should you wash your cat?

Firstly, you should know that cats clean themselves and that it's better not to wash your cat unless it is really dirty.

You'll find a great variety of shampoos and conditioners for cats in specialized pet shops. There you can also find a range of more specific products, including products for short-haired cats, long-haired cats, cats with dandruff, etc. It's essential to use specific cat products when you wash it.

If your cat is not used to being in contact with water, you should consider how to clean a cat without washing it. Try using dry shampoo (foam), baby wipes or simply brush your cat thoroughly. Different methods are used depending on how dirty the cat is.

Can I Wash my Cat with Shampoo? - How should you wash your cat?

How do I stop my cat from getting dirty?

Before considering a regular washing routine for your cat, you should focus on stopping it from getting dirty in the first place. Preventing your cat from getting dirty will help you to keep its coat clean and avoid knots and tangles. But how can you do it?

  • Stop your cat from going outside
  • Use cat litter
  • Brush it regularly
  • Check its bed and blankets
  • Clean the floor in your house
  • Don't touch it with dirty hands

Remember that you shouldn't only pay attention to its fur; regularly wiping its eyes, checking the pads on its feet and cleaning its teeth are also required to keep your cat beautiful and dirt-free.

Can I Wash my Cat with Shampoo? - How do I stop my cat from getting dirty?

If you want to read similar articles to Can I Wash my Cat with Shampoo?, we recommend you visit our Skin care category.

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