How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Clean & Fresh - No Bath Required

No-Bath Grooming Tips for Indoor Cats

If your cat lives indoors, you might assume they don’t need much grooming. No mud, no fox poo, no problem, right? Not quite.

While indoor cats avoid many of the messes outdoor cats face, they still need help keeping their coats clean, their skin healthy, and their environment fresh.

Here’s how to care for your indoor cat without resorting to a full bath every time.

1. Daily or Weekly Brushing

Brushing isn’t just for long-haired cats. Even short-haired breeds benefit from regular brushing:

✨ Removes dead fur and dander
🐾 Reduces hairballs
😻 Stimulates circulation and promotes healthy skin

Make it part of your bonding routine and it’ll become something your cat enjoys or at least tolerates!

2. Spot-Cleaning as Needed

Sometimes your cat might get into something messy - litter dust, food, or even their own furballs. Instead of reaching for the shampoo every time, try:

A damp cloth
Cat-safe pet wipes
A gentle waterless grooming foam

And if it’s really stubborn or smelly? That’s when a proper bath may be needed.

3. Watch for Skin or Coat Issues

Indoor cats are still prone to fleas, dry skin, or coat changes. Keep an eye out for:

Flaky skin or redness
Greasy patches
Excessive scratching or grooming
A dull or smelly coat

These may indicate it’s time for a proper wash or a vet visit.

4. Use the Right Shampoo If You Do Wash

If a bath becomes necessary, never use human shampoo.

Instead, choose something specifically designed for cats like our Glamour Puss Cat No Rinse Shampoo or Feline Great:

✔️ Gentle, cat-safe formula

✔️ Light scent, not overpowering

✔️ Easy rinse for quick, low-stress washing

✔️ Vegan and cruelty-free

Baths don’t need to be a regular thing but clean, healthy cats don’t stay that way entirely on their own. Regular grooming, quick clean-ups, and the right products can help your indoor cat stay fresh and fabulous.

Your cat will thank you — probably. Eventually.