How to Bathe a Cat

July 21st, 12:03pm July 21st, 12:03pm

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While cats can be meticulous groomers, there are times when they really need a bath. Sometimes they get into something very sticky or dirty. Other times, they have a medical condition that requires regular bathing with medicated shampoo. Despite this, most cats will react negatively to getting a bath, which can be stressful for both the cat and the owner. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make bath time less stressful for both parties, and this wikiHow will show you how.

1.Trim your cat’s claws. Your cat may become excited when covered in water, so to decrease the damage they may cause, trim their nails before you give them a bath. Try to do this a few hours or even a day or two before the bath so they have time to calm down bathing. Take care to cut at a point which will not cause pain or bleeding.

Giving your kitty treats as a reward for getting their nails trimmed will always make them feel better and calmer.

2.Brush your cat. Do not skip this step. Brushing the cat will help remove any knots and tangles in the fur, which will be much more difficult and painful to remove once your cat is wet. If your kitty likes getting brushed, then you can use the brush to make the kitty feel more at home in the tub.

Sometimes you can even brush your cat as a way to distract them enough to allow their nails to be trimmed. This is a great way of killing two birds with one stone, but you’ll need another person to help you.

3.Get the right cat shampoo. You can get kitty shampoo from your vet or local pet store. Check the instructions to see if it’s right for your cat, and dilute it with water if necessary. Using regular human shampoo can not only dry out your cat’s skin but can be toxic for your cat. Don’t use dog shampoo in a pinch, either. You’re better off using water rather than a product that can harm your cat.

You may want a washcloth for massaging the shampoo onto your cat’s body, but your hands may actually be better for this.

4.Make your cat want to bathe. The first thing you should do is tire your kitty out, so they are at their most mellow before they enter the water. This will make them less likely to bite, scratch, or to try to get away. Pick a time when your kitty is at their calmest — often after they have been fed. If they still act hyper, play with them as much as you can until their are worn out. Here are some other ways to get your kitty adjusted to the bath before you start bathing them:

Put some cat toys in the empty tub. Place your cat in it and play for a few minutes. Then stop and add a little water before playing again. By doing so, you’ll get your cat used to the tub and water. Bath time will soon be associated with something pleasant and non-threatening.
You could also have a special toy just for bath time, such as a mouse on a string or something that floats. Only allow your cat to play with this toy in the tub and it will inspire him to look forward to bathing, instead of fearing it.

Thank you wikihow for detail