How often should I bathe my cat?

On average, two or three times a year is enough. Cats spend a large part of their day grooming themselves and they do an excellent job. Excessive bathing strips the natural oils the skin needs for a healthy coat.

Which cats actually need bathing?

Long-haired cats that get oily or matted, older cats who can no longer groom themselves as thoroughly, and cats who have got into something genuinely dirty. Most short-haired adult cats in normal circumstances don't need a bath at all.

Should I use a medicated cat shampoo?

Generally no. Medicated shampoos are often too harsh for a cat's skin and the chemical ingredients can be absorbed through the skin or ingested when the cat grooms afterwards. A gentle natural shampoo is safer and effective.

Are Dermagic shampoo bars safe for cats?

Yes. The DERMagic hand-made shampoo bars are made from organic vegetable oils and essential herbal oils only — no SLS, no parabens, no synthetic preservatives or fragrances. They're a safer, gentler alternative for cleansing and conditioning a cat's skin and coat.

Bath Time for Cats: How and How Often to Do It

February 26, 2014 · Cat Skin Conditions, Care Guides

Cats and water — a fraught combination. Here's how often a cat actually needs a bath, why most do not, and what to use when one does.

Most cats don’t need a bath — they’re meticulous self-groomers. But when one does, the wrong shampoo causes more harm than the dirt. Here’s the sensible approach.

The bath debate

Some people think cats should stay out in the barn, catch mice, and never see the inside of a bathtub. Others recommend the rubber-storage-bin approach: fill it with warm water and detergent, add the cat, put the lid on, shake a few times, then stand well back when you open it.

We believe there are better ways — starting with not bathing them very often at all.

Most cats don’t need it

A large part of a cat’s day is spent grooming, and they do a very fine job on their own. Most cats also actively detest water and will resist to the point of scratching your eyes out to avoid it. That’s a strong signal worth listening to.

But:

Long-haired cats can get oily and matted
Older cats may not be able to groom themselves as thoroughly as they once did
Some cats get into something genuinely dirty and need a freshen-up

For those cases, an occasional bath is warranted.

How often is enough

On average, two or three times per year is plenty for a cat who needs bathing at all. Excessive bathing — for any mammal — strips the natural oils from the skin that are essential for a healthy coat.

What not to use

Avoid medicated shampoos. They can be too harsh for the cat’s skin, drying out both skin and coat, and the chemical-based ingredients can easily be absorbed through the skin or ingested when the cat grooms afterwards.

That’s a particular concern with cats. Whatever you wash them in, they will lick.

What to use instead

Natural and organic products are a safer, gentler, more effective alternative. Unlike conventional over-the-counter products that rely on harsh chemicals and preservatives, DERMagic hand-made shampoo bars are made from organic vegetable oils and essential herbal oils — nothing else. No SLS, no parabens, no synthetic fragrances, no dyes.

That makes them safe to use on cats, including older cats and sensitive skin, and safe even when your cat inevitably grooms herself dry afterwards.

Try DERMagic. Your cat will love you for it. Eventually.

For specific guidance on your cat’s skin and coat email info@dermagic.eu or call 01624 829575.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I bathe my cat?: On average, two or three times a year is enough. Cats spend a large part of their day grooming themselves and they do an excellent job. Excessive bathing strips the natural oils the skin needs for a healthy coat.
Which cats actually need bathing?: Long-haired cats that get oily or matted, older cats who can no longer groom themselves as thoroughly, and cats who have got into something genuinely dirty. Most short-haired adult cats in normal circumstances don’t need a bath at all.
Should I use a medicated cat shampoo?: Generally no. Medicated shampoos are often too harsh for a cat’s skin and the chemical ingredients can be absorbed through the skin or ingested when the cat grooms afterwards. A gentle natural shampoo is safer and effective.
Are Dermagic shampoo bars safe for cats?: Yes. The DERMagic hand-made shampoo bars are made from organic vegetable oils and essential herbal oils only — no SLS, no parabens, no synthetic preservatives or fragrances. They’re a safer, gentler alternative for cleansing and conditioning a cat’s skin and coat.

#Cat Bath #Natural Cat Shampoo #Cat Skin Care #Shampoo Bar #Long-Haired Cats #Older Cats