VET EXPLAINS HOW OFTEN YOU SHOULD BATHE YOUR CAT

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, also known as @amirthevet on TikTok, is a go-to source for pet care advice, and he recently addressed a common question about cat grooming. He explained that cats are naturally quite clean and generally don’t need regular baths.

However, there are certain situations where a bath is necessary, such as if a cat has contracted fleas.

In fact, he recommends bathing cats just once or twice a year to maintain their health. Overbathing, he warned, can lead to skin dryness and strip away essential oils, causing more harm than good.

The video has garnered over 44,000 views since being shared, and viewers were quick to share their thoughts in the comments. Amir clarified that while it’s fine to bathe cats more than twice a year, it’s important to use a hydrating shampoo to avoid skin issues.

One person commented, “I wash my cat three times a week.” Another replied, “Wait, we’re supposed to wash them? I thought they were self-cleaning.”

A third commenter shared, “My cat is 15, and I’ve never bathed her. She doesn’t even smell, but my dog—lord help me, I want to bathe him every day.” A fourth added, “My cats won’t let me bathe them.”

When it comes to bathing cats, opinions vary widely. The National Cat Groomers Institute states that bathing cats every four to six weeks is perfectly fine, if desired.

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.

Bathing your cat too frequently can dry out their skin, so it’s important to assess each situation individually. If your cat contracts ticks or fleas, it’s a good idea to consult your vet for guidance on how often they should be bathed, as recommendations can vary.

To help keep your cat clean between baths, regular brushing with a slicker brush is beneficial. Be sure to brush in the direction the fur grows, working through the coat section by section for the best results.