How often can you bathe cats without harming them?

Why and how often should cats be washed?

Most pets are exemplary cleanliness. Their tongue is able to clean the fur in a way that any washcloth would envy. But still, over time, the fur can stick together, begin to smell bad and become covered with a layer of fat.

You need to wash it if:

• the animal is not very clean;
• the cat got dirty somewhere;
• the wool began to smell;
• there are fleas and ectoparasites on the body.

The frequency depends on the cleanliness of the cat, the thickness of the coat and the time of year. Long-haired breeds are prone to matting, so they need to be washed more often.

Domestic cats can be bathed approximately 1-2 times a year. Cats that walk along the street - once every 3 months.

DO NOT wash animals:

• during illness;
• if the room is cold or there are drafts;
• if the cat is too afraid of this procedure, severe stress can lead to serious illnesses.

Can I use human shampoo?

Bathing a pet ensures not only its hygiene, but also the cleanliness of the room - after all, living nearby, we inhale the same air, touch the same objects, and maintaining cleanliness is necessary not only for beauty, but also for health. One of the most important things in keeping pets is grooming, which means weekly brushing and monthly washing.

Many dog ​​owners have a lot of questions about this: what and how often can they wash their dog so as not to harm its health, is it possible to wash the dog with human shampoo, baby, tar and laundry soap, how to wash the dog correctly, and so on. We will try to answer these and other questions in this and other articles dedicated to caring for your four-legged pet.

It is enough to wash our short-haired four-legged friends no more than three times a year, because their skin and coat have a natural protective “lubricant”.

Frequent bathing can damage the skin by stripping away its natural protection and causing dandruff and dry skin. After walks, you can limit yourself to washing your paws or cleaning them with wet wipes .

It should be noted here that simple splashing with water in the form of a game is not considered washing, since no detergents are used and the wool does not get completely wet.

What is the best way to wash animals?

To maintain hygiene, you need to bathe your puppy with special shampoos, divided into several categories.

Pet stores offer a lot of products for caring for the hair and skin of dogs, which sometimes makes it difficult to choose - after all, it is easier to choose something universal that could be used in all cases. But this approach is wrong and cannot be justified by any arguments.

What kind of shampoo

Dogs should be washed with special shampoos designed specifically to care for their skin and coat. The selection of shampoo depends on several factors:

• Breed and age of the dog. There are specially developed products for puppies and older dogs, as well as for large and small breeds;
• The purpose of washing is simple cleaning or getting rid of lice or odor;
• Coat lengths – long-haired dog breeds require products that not only cleanse, but also soften the coat, making it easier to comb and giving it shine (this effect can be achieved by additionally using balms and masks). For example, owners of poodles should choose shampoos that prevent matting, while owners of dogs with white fur are recommended to use bleaching products.

It should be noted right away that you cannot use human shampoos or soaps, because the acid-base balance of human and dog skin is very different and shampoos intended even for delicate and sensitive human skin can harm the pet.

For complete care of your pet, it is recommended to purchase several types of shampoos - for weekly use, against fleas, dandruff and odor. And now more details.

Selection of shampoo by breed and coat type

The coat of long-haired dogs requires more careful care - washing with shampoo, rinsing with a special anti-tangle balm, etc., while short-haired dogs, for example, need softening and shine-inducing shampoos.

White wool quickly fades, acquiring a gray tint. Dogs with white coats require bleaching products. They are also suitable for light-colored dogs, giving the coat a silvery tint.

Chocolate or black coats may lose pigmentation and become dull and unattractive. For such cases, tinted shampoos are recommended, which, having a gentle effect, have a fairly long-lasting effect, saturating the animal’s fur with the necessary pigments.

Shampoos for dogs prone to allergies should be colorless and odorless. It is recommended to contain aloe vera with a moisturizing and protective effect.

By purpose of destination

Depending on the purpose of use, you can choose specially designed shampoos against:

• Fleas and lice;
• Dandruff and itching;
• Other skin diseases;
• For frequent use.

For preventive purposes or if necessary, you can use special anti-flea shampoos. They do an excellent job of killing not only adults, but also their larvae. Such funds, after some time (usually 10-14 days), are reapplied.

Detergents containing chlorhexidine have also been created, which effectively eliminates itching. Shampoos that combat the typical odor of dog hair are widely used. To prevent your dog from smelling like “dog,” use them periodically.

Washing without water

In some cases, when it is not recommended or undesirable to wash dogs, or simply if there is no shampoo, but you need to quickly tidy them up (for example, before a show) or wash off dirt during the post-vaccination period, you can use dry shampoos that do not require the use of water.

The powdery consistency of these products allows them to quickly absorb into the animal’s hair and remove dirt, followed by combing the hair.

The use of dry shampoos is also convenient in cold weather, when you do not want to expose your dog to the risk of catching a cold.

Examples of proven tools

On the Russian market you can find a lot of shampoos and other detergents for dogs - a short review will help you make your choice. Hygienic shampoos perfectly cleanse dirt from your pet’s skin and fur. Recommended:

• Mr. Bruno with celandine;
• Milord and "Doctor ZOO" for long-haired dogs with provitamins and keratin;
• “Sea” for wire-haired dogs with chitosan and provitamins.

You can choose from therapeutic options:

• SPA Comfort for problem skin;
• "Tropiclean" for itching and dandruff;
• Hypoallergenic "Gentle".

These products eliminate itching, irritation, dandruff, dryness, and brittle hair.

To eliminate unpleasant odors, tangles and make combing easier, you can purchase shampoos with conditioners, such as ROLF CLUB. And Beaphar “Bea Flea” and “Bingo” shampoos are excellent in the fight against fleas.

Tinted shampoos “White Pearl” and “Black Pearl” from the company “8 in 1” will perfectly highlight the natural color of your pet’s coat, making it more saturated and shiny.

Among dry shampoos, we can recommend Bea Grooming Powder, Elite spray with allantoin, cleansing and degreasing Dry Cleaning Secco from the Italian company Cliffi.

What not to wash

There is an opinion that you can wash your pets with anything, any ordinary shampoo, just to restore cleanliness and order. But is it? It has already been said above why dogs should not be washed with shampoo intended for humans. It should also be noted that children's products are not suitable for this role.

Scented, laundry or tar soaps dry out your pet's skin and have an unpleasant odor, so they also cannot be used for washing.

Cat shampoos, although designed for pets, are not suitable for dogs. It’s another matter if it is a combined product that allows it to be used for both cats and dogs without harming their health.

How to clean paws and ears

After walks, it is advisable to clean the animal’s paws of dust and possible contaminants. In order not to bathe them every time after a walk, you can use special shampoos for paws - “Doctor ZOO”, “Gulena”, “Four Paws”, “Shoe”.

While bathing, you should not allow moisture to get into your pet's ears, but this does not mean that you do not need to clean his ears. For this we recommend:

• Doctor VIC hygiene lotion, which fights pathogenic bacteria and fungi;
• Dekta-Forte ear drops;
• ear-cleaner lotion from Beaphar, etc.

How to wash your pet during estrus and pregnancy

Water procedures are especially important during estrus and pregnancy. After giving birth, it is advisable to refrain from washing for a week. The choice of detergent is very important. The right shampoo should contain lanolin, egg yolk or lecithin.

When washing during estrus and after giving birth, it is important to wipe the coat dry and protect the bitch from drafts and colds.

Not only the cleanliness and beauty of the coat, but also the health of the pet depends on the choice of shampoo, so it is important to make the right choice and ensure your pet’s health and comfort. Properly selected products for washing and caring for pets speak of love for the pet and the erudition of the owner.

Source: https://pesikmal.ru/uxod/soderzhanie/myt-shampunem.html

What you need to bathe cats

Human shampoos are not suitable for washing. The pH of human and cat skin is different. The wrong cleanser can lead to dry skin, dandruff and even ulcers.

To bathe, you must purchase a special shampoo for cats in advance. If your pet has fleas, the detergent should have an antiparasitic effect.

Water temperature is about 37 C°. You will also need two towels to catch the water from the wool.

If your animal is terribly afraid of water, it is better to buy dry shampoo. The powder is applied to the coat and then combed out. It will collect dirt and grease, and also maintain friendship between the cat and the person.

Short-haired cats can be wiped with a wet towel. It will remove dirt and loose hair.

The importance of choosing the right detergent for your furry pet

If the shampoo is chosen incorrectly, it will negatively affect the condition of the cat's coat.
The hair will become brittle, dull, begin to get tangled, and form clumps. The skin condition may worsen. When using inappropriate products, the dermis becomes dry and there is a risk of dandruff.

It is important to take a responsible approach to choosing shampoo.

Your pet needs to be given proper care to avoid problems with its fur and skin . Responsibility for the health of the animal lies with the person.

What happens if the animal is regularly washed with a non-special product?

The systematic use of shampoos that are unsuitable for cats leads to changes in the structure of the hairs, the activity of the fatty glands is disrupted, and the condition of the skin deteriorates .
The development of allergies cannot be ruled out. Because of this, the immune system weakens. The pet becomes more susceptible to various diseases.

How to bathe cats correctly

Before the procedure you need to prepare:

1. Feed the animal 2-3 hours before washing and do not give it any more food. Stress may cause your pet to vomit.
2. Trim his nails. This will protect you from injury.
3. Remove all objects from the bathroom that the cat could knock over and break.
4. Place a mat or towel on the bottom of the bathtub. This is necessary so that the animal does not slip and feels confident.
5. Brush your pet and untangle the tangles.

When everything is ready, pick up the cat and take her to the bath. Place it on the bottom and hold it with a confident hand. Loosen your grip, and the animal will immediately take advantage of this and jump out. But under no circumstances cause pain!

Gently wet the fur with a gentle stream of water from the shower. Strong pressure and noise will scare your pet. You can water it with water from a basin. It is important that the liquid does not get into the nose and ears. The latter can be plugged with cotton balls.

Then lather the cat's body and massage. The chin and paws are washed last. Rinse thoroughly with water. If necessary, repeat lathering.

At the end of the procedure, you can apply conditioner. It will help wash away any remaining shampoo and make the coat soft and shiny.

It is important to speak kindly to your pet while washing. Movements should be careful but confident.

Upon completion of the water procedures, squeeze the water out of the fur, wrap the cat in a towel and take it out of the bath. Then place it on a second towel, wrap it around it and gently rub the fur.

It is not necessary to dry your cat. It will dry itself perfectly. You can use a hairdryer if:

• the animal is not afraid of him;
• the house is cold;
• the day before the exhibition.

The air stream from the hair dryer should be at a temperature of about 40 C°. You cannot blow in the face - this is a threat to the cat.

How to teach bathing

After bathing you feel happy))
To accustom your kitten to bathing, see the following instructions:

• you need to lure him into the bath so that the cat walks inside. If he is slippery, then he needs to lay something down. Get your pet interested, but don't turn on the water. This needs to be done several times;
• The second step will be gradual accustoming to water. To do this, you need to first turn on a very weak stream or wet the litter. Over time, you can add water so that it touches the paws. In this case, you need to stroke the cat, calm it down;
• you need to monitor his condition. If the pet tolerates it, then you should continue. But if he aggressively tries to run away, it is better not to hold him. Everything should be natural.
• Be sure to give your animal his favorite treat every time after the procedure. He will have positive memories;
• Do your best to reduce stress as much as possible. If your pet is frightened by the sound of water from the tap, then water it from a ladle. Do not blow dry at least for the first time.

Kitten's first bath

You should start bathing a kitten at 4 months of age, not earlier. Babies are extremely sensitive to temperature changes, and improper bathing can lead to serious consequences.

You can start training 2 weeks after the complete change of teeth. For the process to go smoothly, you need to convince the kitten that water is not dangerous. To do this, place a bowl of water in the room and throw rubber toys there. The baby will become interested and try to play with them.

Then you can wash your paws, under the tap or in a basin. Pour some water into it and place the kitten. If the baby does not run away in panic, he is already ready for water procedures.

If fear is present, you can distract your baby with squeaky toys while washing. If you have a helper, ask him to blow soap bubbles. While the kitten is watching them, you can have time to wash it completely.

Where to go in Moscow?

• Fluffy happiness. Addresses:

1. N. Cheryomushki, st. Garibaldi, 15.
2. st. Kastanaevskaya, 17.

In addition to highly qualified groomers, a veterinary office is open here twice a week. There is a large selection of accessories, clothing and pet comfort products.

• Chain of pet salons Baluti.

Addresses of pet salons:

1. M. Kuntsevo, Kastanaevskaya, 58.
2. m. Marksistskaya, Ryazansky Ave.
3. m. Varshavskaya.
4. m. Tulskaya.
5. m. Shchelkovskaya.

In salons there are discounts on services for kittens, check with the administrator. There is also a late appointment for busy people, but be careful, the cost of procedures will be increased by 50%.

In addition, there is a service to call a master groomer to your home. If you have a long-haired cat, you can handle it yourself - just read our article .

Watch the video: MY CAT - See how to do it correctly

Adult cat's first bath

An adult cat may react violently to attempts to place it in water. Therefore, patience is needed here. It is advisable to familiarize your pet with the environment in the bathroom in advance. To do this, put it in a dry bath and throw in your favorite toys. When the animal stops running away in panic, you can begin the first wash.

How to wash a cat for the first time in its life:

• Pour a few centimeters of water into the bath.
• Grasp the animal confidently and lower it smoothly.
• Apply water to the wool by scooping it out of the bathtub. If the cat is calm, this can be done from the shower.
• Lather the fur with shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
• Wrap the cat in a towel, blot it dry, and then dry it with a second towel.

The first bath should not take much time. An unpleasant and unfamiliar procedure will bring a lot of stress to your pet.

How often to bathe different cat breeds

Any animal should be bathed once every 2-3 months if it walks around the yard.

Hairless cats (sphynxes, elves, etc.) can be bathed more often - once a month, and in winter - once every two months. As a rule, these cats love water and are not averse to swimming.

White, beige and peach cats need frequent bathing. They are washed with a special shampoo for light coats.

When there is no special shampoo - what to do?

If there is no special shampoo, the best solution is to postpone bathing. But if this is not possible, use baby shampoo or baby soap for babies under three years of age.

You can also make your own cat shampoo. You will need 1 liter of warm water, 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar and a bottle of glycerin (80g). Mix all ingredients thoroughly and use as needed. Store in a tightly closed container away from direct sunlight. Do not add fragrances or essential oils to your shampoo.

Apple cider vinegar makes fur smooth and shiny

And some more tips on washing cats

• Do not bathe a pregnant cat or if she is nursing kittens.
• An adult, unneutered cat needs more frequent washing. Due to the secretion secreted, his fur gets dirty faster, becomes greasy and sticks together.
• At least two weeks must pass after the operation, and only then can the animal be bathed.
• If you adopted a pet from a shelter, you should not wash it in the first few days. Moving and swimming together is incredibly stressful.
• During the shedding period, washing helps to quickly get rid of dead hairs.
• Do not wash your animal while it is sick.

So, the frequency of bathing is a conditional indicator. It depends on the cat’s cleanliness, the characteristics of its lifestyle and conditions of detention. An attentive owner will always understand that his pet needs additional care and will carry out water procedures with maximum comfort.