Vets are often bombarded with similar queries from curious pet owners.
One vet has recently tackled a common question from cat enthusiasts – how frequently should you bathe your feline friend? TikTok‘s @amirthevet, also known as Amir Anwary, shared some surprising insights.
He acknowledged that cats generally keep themselves “quite clean” and don’t require baths regularly. However, he noted there are certain occasions when they do need a good wash, such as if they become infested with fleas.
He suggested that bathing cats once to twice annually is sufficient for maintaining good health. Overbathing can be detrimental, potentially drying out their skin and stripping necessary oils.
Since the informative video was uploaded, it’s attracted more than 44,000 views. Amir added that while frequent washing isn’t off-limits, it’s crucial to use hydrating shampoos.
Reactions varied, with one commenter confessing: “I wash my cat three times a week.” Another added: “Wait, we’re supposed to wash them. I thought they were self-cleaning.”
A third wrote: “My cat is 15, I never bathed her. She doesn’t even stink, but my dog, lord help me. I want to bath him every day.” Another shared their frustration, commenting: “My cats won’t let me bathe them.”
When it comes to bathing cats, opinions vary widely. The National Cat Groomers Institute suggests that cat owners can bathe their feline friends every four to six weeks if they so choose.
As a general guideline, it’s wise to give your cat a bath when necessary. For instance, if you notice an unpleasant odour coming from your cat’s fur, it might be time for a wash.
However, frequent baths can lead to dry skin in cats, so it’s important to assess each situation individually. If your pet gets infested with ticks or fleas, consult your vet about how often you should bathe your cat, as advice can differ.
Another way to maintain your cat’s cleanliness is by regularly brushing their coat with a slicker brush. When doing this, always brush in the direction of hair growth and tackle one section at a time.