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Cat bathing: most indoor cats don’t need it

4.5K reads· 2026-06-10
Cat bathing: most indoor cats don’t need it

A cat's sebum film is more important than self-cleaning.

The cat itself spends three to five hours grooming every day. Healthy indoor cats usually need to be washed once every two to three months. Long-haired cats can be appropriately washed, and short-haired cats can even be washed once every six months.

Situations that must be washed include: stains with oil or toxic substances, skin diseases that require medicinal baths, and severe flea infestations. Note that there should be a 48-hour interval between deworming medication and bathing, otherwise the effectiveness of the medication will be washed away.

Cut your nails before taking a bath, control the water temperature to about 38 degrees, and use cat shampoo. Avoid flooding your head with water and stuffing cotton balls into your ears during the whole process. Dry thoroughly after washing, especially underarms and abdomen, as moisture is a breeding ground for skin diseases.

If your cat is extremely resistant, you can use no-rinse foam or wipes instead. The stress caused by forced bathing usually outweighs the benefits.

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