Bathing My Long Hair Cats

[My Two Cats]

I have had cats all of my life. I have two long haired kitties. One is 5 years old and the other 1 year. They are indoor cats, but occasionally I give in and let them walk around in the yard (supervised). My husband's brother asked him the other day why we bathe our cats. I bathe my cats about twice a year. The older one has very oily fur in general. Their fur picks up anything and everything. I wanted a vets opinion but will welcome user opinion as well. Is there anything wrong with bathing my cats twice a year if they are in otherwise good health?

[Lukka'sma]

I guess I just can't understand why you would put them through the stress of a bath. Cats clean themselves
I don't see the point in bathing a cat unless of course something gets in their fur

[badger]

I don't see any problem with twice a year, even though they probably don't need it. Twice a year isn't going to dry out their skin if you use a very mild soap. If it stresses them out really badly, though, I would think twice.

[Love4himies]

I have an 11 year old Himalayan who has beautiful long fur and have never bathed her. I don't understand why you would want to do this regularily if not necessary?

[clm]

I've had cats for over 40 years and have never bathed one. They don't need it nor do they appreciate it.

Cindy

[sugarcatmom]

Originally Posted by My Two Cats

The older one has very oily fur in general. Their fur picks up anything and everything.

Just wondering what you're feeding your cats and if the "oily one" could benefit from a diet modification.

[CyberKitten]

I actually see nothing wrong with bathing a cat once or twice a year or more often if it's necessary. I have to wash my Sphynx kitties often because they get oily and need to be washed. Young kittens adjust very well to washing of started at an early age and it need not be traumatic. I do not understand that to be frank - If it is a trauma, then they never were washed as kittens and never adjusted to it.

I do wash my Siamese only when absolutely necessary and it has happened. Still, I did it when the female was a baby so she is used to it. My male Blue Point meezer is not so adjusted and he did have one bath when rescued but I have not done so yet. He apparently was not upset at being bathed - probably he was happy to be inside with food and shelter. My meezer will actually play with the water. (See picture.)

So, if your cats do not mind being bathed, I see no problem with it at all. I just would not do it if it was not needed.