Do Scottish Folds like Water? Best Bathing Tips
Do Scottish Folds like water?
Not so much, no. There is an off-the-map war going on between almost every cat and water. Scottish Folds are no exception. The good thing about this lovely breed is their cool nature and behavior. If you need to bathe your Scottish Fold, the battle will be less strenuous and wild.
Bathing tips & tricks for your feline
Cats don’t compromise, they rarely tolerate things they do not enjoy. Scottish Folds, however, are well-tempered and gentle companions. But when it comes to water, even the breeziest cat can make a little fuss.
Regular bathing is not necessary for your cat pet, but an occasional one might be in order. We all know cats are not friends with water, but what about the Scottish Fold?!
Why do cats hate water so much?
Despite their obsessive cleaning habits, cats have an aversion to water that all pet owners are aware of. Let’s go through the reasons why:
1. Everything must be done on their terms, not yours
Their natural instinct of survival dictates their behavior. Cats explore with attention new spaces, areas, objects or people. They take time to smell and observe.
When taken by surprise, their natural response is to escape the potential danger. Same goes for water and bathing. Grabbing your cat and going straight to the bathtub will trigger a “run for your life” reaction.
2. Coats get heavy
The outer layer of your cat’s coat is partially waterproof. But when soaked in water, the fur gets heavy and uncomfortable. Naturally, this makes the cat feel unsafe because it lowers their mobility. Even for an indoor, domestic cat, the core instincts are powered on at all times.
Scottish Folds, in particular, have very dense, double-layered coats. This means the fur retains a lot of water making them more uncomfortable even.
3. They get cold
We all know that being wet makes you cold. The same goes for cats. The heavy, wet fur makes them lose body heat.
4. Sensitive to odors
Cats groom themselves all the time and are used to the scent in their saliva. New smells on their fur are not welcomed.
When bathing them with water and shampoos, you change their usual smell. To them, this means more work to get cleaned up and take out the stench.
Also, since they have an acute sense of smell, tap water treated with chemicals might be a big “no-no”.
5. Not in their evolution
Water was never a big part of cats’ evolutionary path. Their ancestors, the big felines, have always lived in arid places. They had no need to swim for survival reasons. Yet, some of them do enjoy the water and like to cool off in a pond.
Even though most cats are not thrilled about water, no one feline is the same as the next. There are many who enjoy a bath, splashing and playing in warm water or even taking a swim.
How to bathe a Scottish Fold?
Like all cats, the Scottish Folds spend a lot of their time grooming and cleaning. A traditional water bath is rarely needed. If your cat gets dirty or sticky or you see it scratching more often than normal, you should plan for a bath.
Washing steps:
- Pour warm water into the wash bin or sink where you plan to give the bath. Don’t fill it from the start, only a few inches up.
- Put a towel or mat at the bottom.
- Get your cat acquainted with the tub and the water slow and unforceful.
- Use the least restraining force possible.
- Gently begin to wash your cat using a container or your hand to pour small amounts of water on. Or soak a towel or cloth in water instead of direct contact.
- Use a gentle, cat-specific shampoo and rub it with care.
- Keep the head dry and avoid the ears area.
- Rinse the cleansing product thoroughly.
- Use a clean towel or blanket to dry out your kitty.
- Prepare a cozy spot beforehand for your cat to curl up and dry up.
Talk to your veterinarian and ask for advice and recommendations on how to wash your furry cat. If you are afraid to do it yourself, you can always take it to a groomer that knows what to do and has all the conditions for it.
Baths are not mandatory, you can stick to a regular brushing and grooming schedule to maintain the cleanliness and health of your Scottish Fold. That should do it!
Yep, that’s how they feel about bathing!
Tips & tricks for bathing your Scottish Fold
If you reach a point where a bath is inevitable for your water-suspicious Scottish Fold, then these tips might come in handy:
Gradually
Get your cat accustomed to water from the beginning. If you’ve adopted a kitten, gradually introduce it to water. There’s a better chance they will like it later on.
Don’t rush it
Take time to get them used to the place where you’ll bathe them. Show them the tub or sink and let them explore so that it isn’t unfamiliar when wash time is on.
Let them play
Start putting water into the tub or sink once they got used to the area. Let them play in the bath space.
Use toys
Put toys or catnip in the tub or around it. Your Fold will be comfortable around objects that they already like.
Use towels
Use a mat or towel at the bottom of the tub or sink. It will provide your cat something to grip on to. Also, it will not be slippery and will make them feel safer.
Don’t force them
Don’t force your Scottish Fold into the bath area or use excessive force. You will end up scaring them more than before.
Be prepared
Have everything ready before the bath and within reach.
Keep Calm
Stay calm and talk on a soothing voice to your cat to help it relax.
Don’ use the shower head
Don’t use the shower head to sprinkle water directly on your cat. The pressure and noise will scare them.
Microfiber towels
Use a microfiber towel to dry your cat after the bath. They are quick and efficient absorbents so your cat doesn’t suffer too long. Check this microfiber towel one on Amazon. Or if you want a really cool one, check out this one.
Use cat products
Avoid human care products like shampoos or soaps. Use a mild cat shampoo that your vet recommends. Cat skin has a different pH and our products might be too drying or cause skin problems.
There are special shampoos for your cat like this one, click to check it on Amazon.
Use flea shampoos
Use flea shampoos only to treat a flea situation. They don’t prevent new fleas from settling in.
Don’t use your dog shampoo on your cat. They are pets, but with different needs and characteristics. Dog products can be dangerous for cats.
Alternatives to water baths
- Waterless shampoo – you can find it at vet or pet stores and need no rinsing.
- Sponge bath – use a wet towel or cloth to rub and clean your cat’s fur.
- Specialized grooming – make an appointment in a pet salon, they know what and how to do it.
Patience and affection are the key attributes for the right approach on cat bathing. In time, your Scottish Fold may grow to enjoy it or at least tolerate it. If not, you can make the process less traumatic for both of you. Or maybe you can avoid it altogether with proper grooming.
