I’m a bit stumped right now, so any advice would be really appreciated. I was giving my cat, Oliver, a bath earlier today—something I don't do often because I thought cats were supposed to take care of themselves with all that licking, right? But he’s been getting kinda greasy and smells not-so-great lately, so I figured it was time. Problem is, as soon as the water touched him, he completely freaked out and tried to scramble up my arm like a ninja! Is this normal? Am I overdoing it with the baths, or is there something else going on? He’s usually chill, so seeing him this stressed has me worried. Also, any tips for cleaning him without the drama would be awesome. Thanks in advance!
Appreciate the question — let's unpack this. Cats are generally good at grooming themselves, so you usually don't need to bathe them often. In most cases, once every 4-6 weeks is enough if your cat gets particularly dirty or if they have skin conditions that require more frequent bathing. However, many cats never need a bath at all!
There are a few reasons you might consider bathing your cat: if they have a substance on their fur they shouldn't ingest, if they have skin issues like flea infestations or allergies, or if they're unable to groom themselves due to age or obesity.
When bathing your cat at home, use lukewarm water and a cat-friendly shampoo. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving any residue. It's important to keep your cat warm and dry them gently with a towel afterward.
Watch for signs that might indicate a more serious problem, such as excessive scratching, bald spots, or a strong odor that persists. These might require more frequent bathing and a visit to a vet for further advice.
If you're unsure about your cat's grooming needs or if there's an underlying condition that might need attention, consider booking a video consult with Dial A Vet. They can provide personalized advice based on your cat's specific situation.
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