Cats are well-known for their hatred of water. With some rare exceptions of cats who love it, bathing probably isn’t your cat’s favorite experience. Regardless, there are times when it’s necessary to get your cat clean, and since many cats don’t get bathed regularly, you might not have cat shampoo on hand. Baby shampoo is one of the most common substitutes for pet shampoo due to its gentle ingredients. But can you use baby shampoo on cats? The short answer is yes, it’s safe but not ideal.
Let’s take a closer look at why baby shampoo isn’t the best choice for your cat and what you should look for instead.
Is Baby Shampoo Safe for Cats?
While baby shampoo is safe to use on cats and usually works for a quick clean, there are better options out there. Baby shampoo is designed for human babies, not cats. So, while it won’t hurt to use baby shampoo occasionally, cat shampoos do a better job of taking care of your cat’s hair and skin.
Cat shampoos contain ingredients designed for the delicate pH balance of a cat’s skin rather than a human’s. Most cat shampoos are also formulated so they don’t wash off topical flea-and-tick applications, which is a definite plus.
Image Credit: 135pixels, Shutterstock
Tips for Choosing a Cat Shampoo
The best way to choose a quality shampoo for your cat is to take a look at the ingredients. In most cases, you want to avoid synthetic and artificial ingredients, like:
Alcohol
Parabens
Phenol
Permethrin
Pyrethrins
Pyergroids
Look for cat shampoos with ingredients like aloe and lanolin that are soothing to your pet’s skin. Strong perfumes can be irritating, so it’s best to choose one that’s also fragrance-free. If your cat suffers from dry skin, there are several shampoo options to treat that.
Giving your pet a bath can be a difficult task, but the first step is to choose a great shampoo. We love Hepper's Shampoo Products, both of which are natural, pet-safe options specially formulated to clean your pet's skin and coat without causing irritation. Both formulas are also free of things like dyes, soaps, sulfates, and phthalates. Your pet will enjoy the soothing aloe vera and oatmeal, and you'll love the clean, fresh scents!
At Pet Keen, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Is It Necessary to Bathe My Cat?
Cats groom themselves naturally, so it’s not always necessary to bathe them. However, there are occasions where you might need to, like if your cat soiled themselves in the litter box, if they get fleas, or if your toddler decided to paint them.
Even if you haven’t yet had an incident where you need to bathe your cat, it’s a good idea to know what to do if the situation arises.
Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock
How Do I Bathe My Cat?
Bathing a cat can be a daunting task because most of them have an extreme aversion to water. Getting the process over with as soon as possible seems like the best plan, but it’s important to make sure you rinse out all the shampoo to avoid causing itchy skin.
To bathe your cat, you’ll need the following:
Rubber gloves
Shampoo
A pitcher or spray nozzle
A large towel
Cotton balls for ear cleaning
A small cloth for wiping the face
The easiest place to wash your cat is in the bathroom or the kitchen sink. Have all your supplies at hand before you round up your kitty!
We strongly recommend wearing rubber gloves to bathe your cat. Even the nicest cats can scratch when they are scared or scrambling to get out of the water!
Fill the sink with warm (not hot) water.
Wet your cat from shoulders to tail, and apply shampoo.
Lather and rinse.
Use a damp cloth for wiping your cat’s face and head, being careful to avoid their eyes.
Clean the inside of your cat’s ears with a cotton ball and cat ear cleaner.
Lift your cat out and fold them up in the towel.
Rub off as much water as possible.
Don’t rush your cat’s bath as much as you may want to. Be efficient but thorough and gentle. Most cats won’t enjoy bath time, but getting them clean while they’re there is important.
Image Credit By: 135pixels, Shutterstock
What to Do When It Is Impossible to Bathe Your Cat
There are some cats that make it nearly impossible to bathe them. Whether they are anxious or just antisocial, some cats behave badly when you try to put them in the bath. If your cat becomes violent and scratches or bites excessively when placed in water, don’t feel like you have to endure it to get your cat clean. There are a few other options.
First, find a groomer who works with cats. You will have to pay for the job, but if your cat really needs a bath and you can’t do it yourself, the price tag will be worth it. Some groomers can even come to your house to provide their services, making it much easier if you have an anxious cat.
If a groomer isn’t available, you can try a less-invasive option, like dry shampoo for cats or grooming cat wipes. While they won’t do as thorough a job as a bath, they can still get your cat clean.
Final Thoughts
It is safe to use baby shampoo on your cat, but it isn’t the best choice for their overall health. While it won’t cause any harm with occasional use, cat shampoo is a better choice. It is specifically formulated to promote feline skin and coat health, and there are special formulas available to help address any health issues, like dry skin. While it’s not necessary to bathe your cat regularly, there are times when you need to. Knowing how to bathe your cat safely will make it a more pleasant experience for you and your cat.
Featured Image Credit: Irina Kozorog, Shutterstock
Chelsie is a freelance writer who is passionate about helping owners and pets live their best lives. She resides in rural Alberta, Canada with her husband and two sons, and is currently a pet parent to four horses, four cats, and a border collie.
