Many cats are afraid of water and react with fear to the sound of a running tap or shower. Owners often notice that their pets regularly lick their fur, raising the question: is it really necessary to wash cats?
In most cases, the answer is no. Cats do not need to be bathed. However, there are exceptions.
According to Reader’s Digest, a healthy cat spends up to 40 percent of its time grooming itself. However, pets with arthritis who have lost flexibility, sick cats, as well as overweight cats or those suffering from depression may need assistance.
If a cat has long fur, it may not always be able to groom itself, and in such cases, it will need a bath. At the same time, hairless cats, such as sphinxes, require regular baths to remove oil from their skin, which is usually absorbed by fur that they do not have.
A cat that has been found to have parasites in its fur also needs to be bathed. However, to combat fleas and ticks, a single bath will not be enough – it is best to consult a veterinarian who can recommend specialized shampoo or medical treatments.
Frequent bathing of a cat can be harmful. Water and shampoo wash away the layer of bacteria on the animal's skin that is necessary for maintaining gut health. At the same time, occasional brushing brings pleasure and benefits to the pet – few cats would refuse such a pleasant process.
