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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Not to wash my cat

62 replies

Hereward1332 · 16/05/2017 12:46

No euphemism. I have lived with cats all my life and have never heard of anyone washing theirs. Colleague mentioned washing hers every month and thought I was slovenly. Am I a slattern?

OP posts:
paap1975 · 16/05/2017 12:47

Cats are more than capable of keeping themselves clean. Your colleague is nuts (unless her cat has some very specific medical needs)

SaucyJack · 16/05/2017 12:47

SaucyCat says YANBU.

NancyDonahue · 16/05/2017 12:48

YANBU. You don't need to wash cats, unless advised to by a vet.

scaryteacher · 16/05/2017 12:48

Mine self cleanse. I would be shredded if I attempted to wash either one. The long haired one had to have his lower back legs washed after he had the runs, and he squirmed like mad, and tried to climb me from the kitchen sink. I bled.

FanaticalFox · 16/05/2017 12:48

I get ours groomed properly about once every 4 or 5 months but i wouldn't wash them myself!

StillStayingClassySanDiego · 16/05/2017 12:49

Good luck to anyone who chooses to wash their cat if the cat's not up for it.

I've never bathed either of mine, they'd tear me to shreds.

Justmadeperfectflapjacks · 16/05/2017 12:49

Had cats all my life and never washed one!
Was a kitten fosterer years ago and had to bath a few poopy ones when they had no dm and were manky but wouldn't fancy my chances now with my 2!!

LooksLikeImStuckHere · 16/05/2017 12:49

YANBU.

The only time I've ever washed cats is because they have got themselves covered in car oil or something smelly.

They aren't generally pleased about it...

GingerHanna · 16/05/2017 12:50

Oh that's funny. That really is.

I would need a lot of Wine and Cake before even attempting to wash my two fluff balls.

ijustwannadance · 16/05/2017 12:50

Only time I washed a cat was when she was an old lady and couldn't clean herself properly and smelled terrible

Hereward1332 · 16/05/2017 12:51

Glad it's not me. Google suggest some people do, but wrangling 5kg of squirming fur and claw into a bath is not something I ever contemplated.

OP posts:
DJBaggySmalls · 16/05/2017 12:51

Naked cats and dogs have to be washed.

YesItsMeIDontCare · 16/05/2017 12:53

Send to wash mine. Seriously. Can you pre-book ambulances?

Having said that, I used to have to shower my old cat when he got too old and arthritic to clean himself properly.

But Leroy? No. No no no no no no no no no.

MyOtherNameIsTaken · 16/05/2017 12:56

Cats are like fanjos. Self cleaning.

yellowfrog · 16/05/2017 12:59

Cats are like fanjos. Self cleaning.

I love mumsnet :) :)

tabulahrasa · 16/05/2017 13:00

I've has to wash cats...one because she got out when we were having the driveway done and got sealant on her, that actually went ok, she just kind of looked horrified at me.

The other is my current cat, she came home covered in oil from a car... next time she can just ingest it, I don't think I'll live through washing her again, rofl.

But no, not routinely.

NightWanderer · 16/05/2017 13:02

I bet her cat hates her.

TheCatOfAthenry · 16/05/2017 13:05

Cookie and Biscuit say YANBU!

Not to wash my cat
Not to wash my cat
whynomoresmileyfaces · 16/05/2017 13:05

I grew up abroad in a very hot climate so i used to bath our cats monthly as their skin got so oily because of the heat. They were so much happier afterwards although the bath time was frankly fucking scary. I have cats now and they have never gone near a bath and I wouldn't fancy it. Only bath them if it for their own good if they are filthy. Otherwise hell to the NO

foreverloathing · 16/05/2017 13:12

I was my cats every week....but they're hairless and need it. I also have to clean their ears and wipe their bums when they poo! 💩😂

user1471439240 · 16/05/2017 13:15

It is quite possible, the donning of the chainmail suit is somewhat of a bitch, however.

NCSpanner · 16/05/2017 13:19

The only time I've ever washed any of my cats is when they'd got some weird sticky goop on themselves outside. I was worried it was something poisonous for them to try to lick it off. The cat was not happy. Other than that they're perfectly able to keep themselves clean, and I wouldn't want to be mauled on a regular basis, anyway!

JennyOnAPlate · 16/05/2017 13:21

Cats are self cleaning. Mine would maul me to death with their claws if I attempted to wash them.

HoneyDragon · 16/05/2017 13:21

Does Gwyneth steam her cat, then?

hazeydays14 · 16/05/2017 13:21

YANBU for most cats

Mine would not be impressed if I tried. She likes to drink out of a sink in the utility (that is never used for anything else anymore). If you turn the tap on too much and it splashes her toes she gives you the 'are you fucking kidding me' glare.

The only time she's been washed is when she had an upset stomach and we (3 of us with padding on our arms) literally washed the affected area and got away from her ASAP Grin