What Can I Use To Bathe My Cat – Shampoo, Soaps & Other Suggestions

Cats are typically very clean animals who are good at keeping themselves well-groomed, but your cat may need a bath every once in a while. Most cats hate the water, so getting thoroughly washed is often very unpleasant for both you and your feline friend. 

The best thing to bathe your cat is a fragrance-free cat shampoo in a small sink or tub. Your local pet store or vet’s office should sell specific shampoos that are safe for cats, but you can also do your research to double-check if any shampoos you have on hand would work for bathing your cat.

Generally, it is important to be careful with the variety of shampoo you put on your cat to ensure they do not develop a rash or allergies from the ingredients or chemicals.

If you are wondering what the best strategy is for bathing a cat, it is usually a good idea to bathe them during a time of day when they are less hyper and to conduct the bath in a room or bathroom where they cannot escape and run away. 

What is the best method for bathing a cat?

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to bathe your cat, it is smart to make a plan before you get started on the bathing process. Once you get your cat wet, it may be on high alert trying to escape from the bath, making it extra stressful. Make sure you have all the necessary products nearby and a towel to dry off your cat once you have finished bathing them. 

With some exceptions, most cats do not know how to swim, so you do not want to bathe your cat while they are submerged in water. Instead, it is better to try and use a pour-over bath method where you slowly pour warm water over their fur until they are fully wet. You can do this using a handheld faucet sprayer or a cup of water while your cat is in a sink or bathtub. 

Make sure once you have lathered them with the shampoo to rinse thoroughly to remove all the shampoo residue from their fur. You also want to take the time to dry off your cat afterward to help them stay warm. 

Cats do not like being cold, so they will appreciate you taking the time to dry their fur. Either use a towel to dry their fur, or if your cat has particularly long hair, you can try blow drying them with the blow dryer on a light heat setting. Ensure to avoid pointing the blow dryer directly at your cat’s face. 

One pro tip is to have a second person help you while you bathe your cat, as it may be easier for one person to hold your cat and keep them secure from running away while the other person does the actual bathing and drying. 

What type of shampoo can I use for bathing my cat? 

The most important thing to remember when picking out shampoo for your cat is that you want it to be fragrance-free. Using a human shampoo on your cat is not a good idea as the ingredients can hurt their skin. 

While you will want to shampoo all their furs, most cats are susceptible to people touching their faces or tails. You may want to avoid shampooing those areas as it will likely agitate your cat and cause them to act out. This may be problematic if it prevents you from finishing their shampooing or bath. 

If your cat hates bath time and you find it impossible to shampoo your cat’s fur, you can also try a specific dry shampoo for cats. These products are created to be waterless and to freshen dirty fur. While they may not be as effective as a full bath, it is a good alternative if your cat cannot stand the water but still needs a cleaning. 

Why using dog shampoo on cats is a bad idea

It is not recommended to use a dog shampoo or a shampoo made for a different species of animal on your cat unless the packaging states that it is safe for both breeds of animals. The ingredient list in a dog shampoo may include scents or essential oils that are ok for your canine but might not be safe for your cat’s skin. 

Final Tips:

While you already have your cat in the bathroom or your dedicated bathing area, you may want to use the opportunity for other grooming activities.

This might include trimming your cat’s nails, making sure there are no mats or burrs caught in their fur, or trimming any errant hairs or feathering on your cat that is out of place or getting in their face. These are all tasks that your cat may find unpleasant, so it is often easier to knock them out simultaneously. 

If you are worried about bathing your cat or have struggled to do so successfully, another option is to bring your cat to a local pet groomer or your vet’s office. In some cases, it may be wiser to let a professional handle your cat’s bath to avoid getting hurt or endangering your relationship with your cat! 

If you struggle to keep your cat clean, consider making your cat an indoor-only animal. If your cat stays inside, you should only have to fully bathe your pet a few times. A cat that goes outside and gets into mud or bad smells is more likely to need frequent bathing. 

And lastly, you do not need to use a separate soap on your cat’s fur when you bathe them. Shampooing their fur is a cleaning agent for your cat, and shampooing is sufficient for keeping your cat clean and smelling nice and fresh again. This is partly because cats do not sweat as humans do, so they do not need frequent cleanings to get the oils off of their skin.