Bathing Your Himalayan Cat – How Often Should You Do It?

Himalayan cats have long fur coats that can easily get knotted and dirty. They need grooming every so often to keep them from looking unkempt and ridding them of stubborn dirt. But is bathing them necessary, and if it is, how often should you do it?

Cats are genetically engineered to be clean. They hate dirt and anything to do with it, and they have their own grooming practices. You will often see cats licking their paws and pass them over their faces, and then proceed to lick the rest of their bodies. This is how they clean themselves. You would be surprised at how long this process takes, and even how meticulous they are at self cleaning. They leave no part behind, cleaning even the back of their ears and between toes.

Seeing that they are incredibly conscious of their cleanliness, it goes without saying that cats do not necessarily need baths. It may be a fun and psychologically satisfying exercise for you, but it is a source of untold stress for your cat. If your cat were to be asked, they would spend their entire lives having set foot into water zero times. True story.

However, I will agree with the fact that sometimes it is necessary to dip your kitty into water and give it a bath, but only in special situations, and not for the sake of it. Remember that your cat can clean itself, so dirt may not be a valid reason. So, under what circumstances can you wash your cat?

When they are flea infested

Fleas can be one of the most uncomfortable pests to live with. They normally feed on the blood of the host animal, and in this case, your cat. These tiny pests are biologically engineered to withstand the harshest environments. They have many miniature spikes on their heads that allow them to cling on to the cat’s fur and skin. Fleas feed by biting through your cat’s skin, causing a painful and irritating sensation. They cause your cat to get restless as they multiply.

Fleas generally hate water, and they die off when they get dipped into it. Using anti-flea shampoo could help to get rid of them too.

When they have stubborn dirt

Much as cats can meticulously clean themselves, they may get into accidents here and there that can get them dirtier that anticipated. This circumstance can call for a bath as it is the only way of getting the dirt out.

So, bathing your cat – How should you go about it?

What you need to keep in mind is that your cat hates water, and so you have to make the environment friendly and conducive for it.

Here is the best way to bathe your cat.

Assemble everything you need for the bath

Bathing your cat is not just a matter of dipping it in water and taking it out to dry. Set a bath station of sorts, with the bath basin, a towel or two, a bath comb or brush and some cat shampoo and conditioner. You are also going to need a blow drier.

Warm some water

Your cat already hates water. Imagine how much distress it would get from being dipped into cold water. Warm it to around 98 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Put it in a bucket, along with a jug with which to fetch it.

Bathe the cat

Have the cat sit in the bath basin and gently wet its fur using the warm water. Dab a bit of shampoo on your palm and lather up the cat’s fur. Remember to be gentle as you do not want to upset your feline friend. Be sure to reach the tail, the feet and underbelly.

Do not scrub your cat. They are likely to hate that. Clean it in massaging motions, ensuring that you get into the skin to get rid of any possible dirt and fleas if they are present. When this is done, rinse your cat with warm water.

Himalayan cats normally have long fur, and you may have to use conditioner to detangle it. Dab some on your palm and spread it all over your cat’s fur, ensuring that every inch of your cat’s body is covered.

Dry and brush your cat

When this is done, place your cat on a dry towel, using another one to remove as much water from the cat’s fur as possible. You can use a hair drier to completely get your cat’s fur to dry.

Use a de-matting brush or comb to get rid of all matts and tangles in your cat’s fur. Brush it down until it is smooth and silky.

What other grooming practices can you use on your cat?

Constant brushing

This ensures that your cat maintains a tangle free and lush coat at all times. It also gets rid of any forms of loose dirt and dead skin. It aerates your cat’s skin and enhances blood circulation throughout your cat’s body.

Using a comb with fine bristles also gets rid of their fleas and their eggs.

Dry washing

Since there are cats that cannot stand being in water, you can use a shampoo that does not need water. All you have to do is massage it into your cat’s fur, ensuring that it reaches the skin, then allow it to dry.

Some shampoo types contain essential oils that repel fleas and also keep your cat’s skin and fur healthy.

Conclusion

Cats are naturally inclined to clean themselves. They hate dirt and water in equal measure, and perhaps that is the reason they have very elaborate self cleaning methods. As a cat owner, you have no need to clean your cat in water, unless it is flea infested. And even then, there are other ways of getting rid of the fleas that do not involve water.

But in the event that you absolutely have to bathe your Himalayan cat, do it with warm water and use cat shampoo and conditioner. Ensure that you dry it completely to keep it from feeling too much cold.