Vets get asked a lot of the same questions by pet owners.
One recently revealed that, when it comes to cats, a lot of people want to know how often they should bathe their cats, and the answer may surprise you.
Amir Anwary, known as @amirthevet on TikTok, is known for sharing advice online, and he recently cleared the matter up. He admitted cats keep themselves “quite clean”, so they don’t need regular baths.
There are, however, important times when they need to be cleaned. For example, if they’ve contracted fleas.
In fact, he claimed bathing them one to two times a year is “adequate” to ensure they remain in good health. Bathing them too much can actually cause problems, as it can lead to drying the skin and removing essential oils.
The video has been viewed over 44,000 times since it was shared, and people were quick to comment too. Amir did note people are able to wash their cats more than twice a year, but stated it’s vital to use a hydrating shampoo.
One person said: “I wash my cat three times a week.” Another wrote: “Wait, we’re supposed to wash them. I thought they were self-cleaning.”
A third replied: “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.” Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “My cats won’t let me bathe them.”
When it comes to the topic of cat bathing, everyone’s opinion differs. The National Cat Groomers Institute claims people can bathe their cats every four to six weeks, if they wish.
As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to make sure they have a wash when needed. For example, if you notice your cat’s fur is smelling, make sure you take some time to wash them.
But bathing your cat too often can dry out their skin, so you always have to judge the situation. If your pet contracts ticks or fleas, ask your vet how often your cat should be bathed, as advice on this can vary.
You can also help to keep them clean by brushing their coat with a slicker brush. When you do this, brush in the direction the hair is growing, and work on it section by section.
