Do cats really need baths?

I mean I am not lazy or anything to shower my future cat. But do cats really need baths? Most have hair which catch the dirt. I will be getting a sphinx cat maybe in the future so I don't know if I will actually need to shower it weekly? Don't cats lick themselves clean? Isn't that the beauty of having a cat, that you don't need to bath it? If humans shouldn't wash their hair too frequently, what about cats? I am fine with the idea of washing it once in a while (like a few months), but weekly? Again, this is a question and I am not lazy. These are just my thoughts and I'd love to hear yours.

I believe their lack of fur means they need baths. It has to do with oil buildup on their skin. If you are getting your cat from a breeder this should have been explained to you.

A pet grooming wipe may be enough for a hairless breed. Washing too frequently with water and pet shampoo may result in dry skin that is prone to flakiness and other issues. If you are getting a hairless cat from a reputable breeder, you should ask about grooming needs.

The CFA says this about Sphynexs: Because of the lack of hair that would normally absorb body oils, Sphynx need periodic bathing, ear and nail cleaning. A bath is not difficult with Sphynx, as most cats have been acclimated from kitten hood with bathing and proper grooming from their breeders.

http://www.cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsSthruT/Sphynx.aspx

You can read about other hairless breeds and some of their care requirements on the CFA web site and other cat assocation web sites like TICA and ACFA as well as breed specific association and breed club web sites.

Definitely talk about it with the breeder of the cat you are considering. I know that too many baths can be bad since they dry out the skin. I usually only wash my cats when they really need it. 

Also to consider if you are getting a sphynx, if you have a lot of natural light in your home, and/or are planning to harness train your cat for outdoor walks, you're going to have to use sun screen on your cat.  Slather that stuff on.  And that, alone, can mean bathing on a weekly basis.

As far as cats with hair...they seldom need bathing.  Not even 1/4 as much as a sphynx.  And many never really need bathing at all, unless they get into something icky, or a skin condition requires a medicated bath.  The last time I bathed Hekitty was 5 years ago (in my defense to the "bathe the cat" contingent, that bath ended with me in the ER getting stitches...she does not take being trifled with lightly), and her coat is deeply plushy, shiny, and sweet-smelling.

I want to get a cat with hair but i cant stand shedding and i know that even with daily brushing they will still shed some.... i had a domestic shorthair for a little while until we gave it back because of loud construction happening in my building. i dont know what to do.

There are several haired breeds that have minimal shedding.  Google can help you with that, but I would think, off the top of my head, that any of the rex breeds would be minimal or non shedders.

Now, me, in my house, cat hair is both a decorative accessory and a condiment, but I understand that it really does bother some people.

Yeah the Rexes are good options

Now, if you have the money, and want an unusual breed (although I'm of the adopt, don't shop persuasion, it takes all types to make a cat world), you might look into the lykoi.  It is a new breed, and semi-hairless.  They look like little werewolves, very unique.  Here's a link to one of the only breeders in the world:

http://www.lykoikitten.com/home

wow, the Lykoi is so cool

AlanT said:

 
wow, the Lykoi is so cool

Click to expand...

Yeah.  I kinda fell in love with them.  And they are a natural mutation, so they don't have a lot of health issues at all.  It's one of those breeds that you either fall in love with or hate on sight.  There's not much middle ground with them.  Like I said, I'm of the "adopt, don't shop" persuasion, but these little guys really captured my imagination.  And there is a contact point on the site, so you can ask them anything you need to know.   IF you decide to get one, I WANT PICS!

probably not going to go with it though. im probably going to go with a domestic shorthair

Good choice.  They are hardy, and intelligent, and because they come from a wide gene pool, they are generally healthy, without some of the genetic issues a purebred cat can have.  And you'll have plenty to choose from!  This I will tell you, I've never seen a rescue cat that didn't seem to know that you saved its life, and they respond with love.  That said, expect an adjustment period that could last weeks.  Cats give themselves slowly, and forever, barring outright abuse. 

Glad you've come over to the "adopt don't shop" side of things, although I would have supported a choice for a purebred cat, as well.  Takes all kinds in the cat world!  And even though you're getting a DSH, isn't it fun to know that there are Lykoi cats in the world?