Cats are known for their ability to groom themselves. However, for various reasons there may come a time when your cat is sorely in need of a bath. There are cats that do not seem to mind the procedure, although sadly, these cats are the exception.
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| Bathing a Cat: How to Bathe a Cat |
Almost all cats dislike getting wet and thus, bath time can be a real challenge. If you do find yourself facing this challenging situation the following tips may help. Read also: Prevent Scratching.
What to use to bathe a cat
Get everything ready before you get the cat. You do not want to have to interrupt the process for any reason. To bathe a cat you are going to want to have a brush, shampoo, a face cloth, a few treats and a lot of towels. You should also make certain that you have a change of clothes and if need be, another family member.
How to Bathe a Cat
You should always brush a cat before you wash him. This has a number of purposes. The first is that you will remove any loose fur. It is almost always easier to get mats or tangles out of dry fur rather than wet fur. Additionally, brushing will remove any excess dirt or debris that may be in the cat’s coat. You have to make certain that you are able to get down to the skin of the cat. Be gentle, as you do not want to pull the fur or cause the animal any discomfort. Brushing before washing will also help to reduce the amount of fur that may go down your drain. Read also: Choosing Cat Litter – Clumping or Non Clumping.
Many cats do not like the sound of running water. To make things easier, it is best to have the water poured before you bring the cat in the room. This will also give you the opportunity to test the water before you get the cat wet. It is crucial that you always check the temperature before putting your cat into the tub. You want the water to be tepid. It should not be either too hot or too cold.
Once the cat is in the water you can begin washing. You should use the face cloth to gently wash the cat’s face. Do not use soap. Clean carefully around the eyes and ears. Do not get water in the ears. It is best to lather the shampoo on your hands before you apply it to the cat. This is when it is great to have a friend to help hold the cat while you lather. Start at the neck and work your way down the body. Read also: Cat Care FAQ.
The shampoo that you use must be one for cats. Do not use people shampoo on the animal. Soap that is made for people can really hurt an animal. For instance, shampoos that are designed for people may dry out a cat’s skin or cause a serious reaction.
When you have finished washing, be certain to rinse the cat thoroughly. You want to make certain that you remove all of the soap. You do not want the cat to be licking the soap out of its fur when it is licking itself later. Read also: How To Care For A Kitten.
Have a towel ready when you lift the cat out of the water. Gently pat the cat dry and be careful not to rub. Rubbing a cat will most likely cause mats and tangles. Once you have made certain that the cat is at least to the point where he will not be dripping water on the floor you can let him go.
Try to keep the cat in warm room until he is completely dry and do not let him outside. You should offer your friend a special treat before he leaves the room. It is always good to end the bathing session on a happy note. Read also: Cat Grooming.
Now that the cat is clean you can begin the fun chore of restoring order to the bathroom. You can also take a moment and put on that dry set of clothes because chances are you are just as wet as the cat!