If you ask ten pet owners, "Do cats need baths? " Most of them will say, "No, they keep themselves clean." It is commonly believed that cats can maintain healthy skin and coat because they self-groom. To some extent, this is true. Your average young, healthy, short-haired cat generally keeps themselves quite tidy. But not all cats are young, healthy, or short-haired. Let's think about this topic a bit:
- Human intervention and selective breeding have created cats with vastly different coats than their ancient ancestors. Take, for example, Persians, Himalayans, Maine Coon Cats, and Ragdoll cats. Left on their own with no human-assisted grooming, most of these breeds will form various degrees of mats and tangles that will cause the cat significant discomfort. Regular combing and bathing helps keep long-haired breed's skin and coat healthy and tangle-free.
- Cats can develop health conditions that cause dry, oily, or itchy skin. Since the skin is the largest organ of the cat's body, if it suffers from health problems, it can adversely affect the rest of the cat's physical health and comfort. Depending on the diagnosis, medicated shampoos can alleviate symptoms and help get the cat on the road to better health.
- Foreign substances on the fur. One of the most satisfying grooms I have ever performed was when a customer brought me a cat that had been in a home when an electrical fire broke out. The house had considerable damage, and the cat was covered in oily, smelly soot. When it came to us, it was withdrawn and acting depressed. It had been trying to lick the residue from its fur for several days. As we began to bathe it, and the residue from the fire was being rinsed down the drain, the cat visibly perked up. It clearly understood that we were helping it. After several shampoos and a conditioning treatment, the cat's true personality began to shine. He head-bumped us repeatedly while we dried and combed him, and as we finished, he let out a rumbling purr that brought tears to our eyes. This was an extreme case, but it is not uncommon for cats to get some foreign substance in their fur that needs to be removed with shampoo and water.
- External parasites. Although an insecticidal shampoo won't remedy a flea infestation, it will offer immediate relief to the cat and remove the flea "dirt" those bloodsuckers leave behind. Paired with veterinary-approved flea preventative treatment, a soothing shampoo will help a cat suffering from parasites feel better fast.
- Age-related grooming problems. Many cats lose flexibility as they age and can no longer reach parts of their bodies to self-groom. Regular combing and bathing can help these cats maintain their beautiful, healthy coats.
- Shedding reduction. During the shedding season, a warm bath and conditioning treatment can help release much of the dead coat and dramatically shorten the process.
These are just a few reasons that cats need baths. Though the theory that cats can maintain their own coat care persists among most pet owners (and even some pet-care professionals,) a good bath in feline-safe shampoo, followed by a conditioner to replace the natural oils and sebum that the shampoo removed, can be a valuable and pleasant treat for cats.
