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When can I bathe my dirty mom cat without affecting her nursing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

Hello. My cat gave birth 3-4 weeks ago and she's getting so dirty now. We took her to the shop but they said that we shouldn't bath her as afraid that she wont nurse her kittens / the kittens cant find the mom bc the difference in scent. Can i know when can i start give the mom cat a bath? Do i need to wait until she wean the kittens?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2018

Once the kittens are eating mostly solid food, which they should be able to do now, you can go ahead and bathe her. At this stage they will still know to nurse, and they will gradually reduce the nursing anyway when they are eating solid food. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your cats.

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