Cats groom themselves, but sometimes self-cleaning isn’t enough, and you need to bathe your cat the old-fashioned way. Here are some tips on how to bathe your cat!
Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves to maintain their hygiene and appearance. But there are times when just licking themselves isn’t enough, and you need to bathe your cat the old-fashioned way.
I can already hear some dissenting voices saying, “Bathe my cat? Are you serious?”
Some people bathe their cats because they want to maintain perfect cleanliness. Others do it because their cat has gotten dirty in one way or another.
Here are a few tips:
Preparation:
Before you start bathing, get prepared – have all the necessary items within reach. You don’t want to be searching for soap or a towel with a wet, squirming cat in the sink/tub 🙂
Also, don’t forget to fill the sink with water beforehand. Cats avoid running water but are more receptive to being submerged in calm, pre-filled water. Make sure it’s at a temperature similar to that of the cat’s body (not too hot or too cold).
Use the right shampoo
When bathing your cat, use a shampoo specifically designed for cats. Human shampoos, as well as cleaning agents, can be too drying and irritating to the skin. Also, don’t forget to add the shampoo to the pre-filled water so it can more easily penetrate the dry fur.
Bathing your cat
Use towels
When bathing your cat, it’s a good idea to place a towel on the bottom of the sink or tub. This gives the cat something other than you to grip with its claws. A good foundation makes cats feel more secure.
Be gentle and careful
Some cats experience horror during their first bath, so you need to be gentle and careful – don’t raise your voice and try to calm them down. Once you place them in the sink, start bathing from the tail, giving them extra time to adjust.
Use a cup for pouring and adding water
Use a cup when pouring water or rinsing the cat. Cats seem to prefer this over a spraying shower. But if you have to use the shower, keep it close to the cat’s body when rinsing.
Make sure the shampoo is completely rinsed out
Rinse. Rinse again. And then rinse some more. Only after you’re sure all the shampoo has been rinsed out, rinse one last time so that nothing remains to dry out the skin or cause inflammatio
Offer a treat when bathing your cat
Offer a treat. Not just a treat, but give your cat an extraordinary special feast. Let her (literally) have a good taste in her mouth and a pleasant feeling from her entire bathing experience. As mentioned earlier, cats tolerate baths; they don’t enjoy them.
After the bath
Dry with a towel as soon as you take her out of the water. The cat’s body temperature will quickly drop with wet fur, and it’s important not to let her catch a chill.
