You might think that your cat is doing a pretty good job at cleaning itself and it is true that you will rarely need to bath them. If ever.
Cats are fastidiously clean and groom themselves regularly, and many cats will never require a bath over their lifetime.
But sometimes a bath just can’t be avoided.
You may find you have a stinky cat after they’ve rolled in something smelly, or maybe they’ve had an accident. Some cats with a medical condition such as an allergy or ringworm may also require bathing.
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So how are you meant to get your ‘water-hating’ kitty into the tub in the first place? Well, preparation really helps to make the process easier.
Before you start
Before you start, trim your cat’s nails (thank me later). And make sure you close or block any potential escape routes like open windows. You should also brush your cat thoroughly before their bath to remove loose hair and any tangles.
Then it’s important to time your bath for a time when your cat has eaten and is relaxed.
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Depending on where you are going to do the washing, place a rubber mat on the bottom of the sink or tub. And pre-mix your shampoo with some warm water to avoid the shock of cold shampoo on warm skin.
Tub time
You already know that cats hate being immersed in water, and often don’t like running water either. Instead, gently pour warm water over them with a jug or cup you can fill from a bucket. That way, the water runs over them and drains off.
Where possible, have someone help you by holding your cat and be as gentle as possible. Cats can panic at sudden movements and noises.
If your cat is dirty in one area only, just wash that part of their body.
Use a gentle shampoo formulated especially for cats and have a separate container with lukewarm water for the initial wetting and rinsing.
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Do not put shampoo on their face. Instead, it’s best to just use a damp sponge or face cloth and simply wipe gently around the eyes and ears.
Once your cat is soaked, apply the pre-mixed shampoo and massage from the back of the neck, down the body until you’ve made a nice lather. Make sure to follow the instructions for the shampoo. For example, if it is medicated, it may require you to leave on for three to five minutes before rinsing.
You want to make sure to rinse thoroughly using a cup or jug and again working from the neck down. Then squeeze excess water from your cat’s coat using your hand like a squeegee.
Afterwards
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After the bath, wrap your cat in a towel and take it to a warm, dry area to dry off. Use the towel to soak up as much water as possible. If you have a long haired cat, you can use a hair dryer on low heat provided the cat is comfortable.
Then play some games and offer some treats for a job well done.
Finally, the key is to be patient! Some cats are much more tolerant than others and if all else fails, plenty of grooming salons will do the task for you!
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