Cats have a habit of cleaning themselves by licking their bodies, so you don't have to do much to clean their bodies once they're adults. However, kittens have difficulty cleaning certain body parts: the head, back, and hindquarters. Usually the mother cat helps the kittens, so it's your job to take the place of the mother cat in helping the kitten clean up until he is old enough to do this on his own. You should only consider bathing the kitten if it is really dirty. However, often you just need to wipe a certain area or just brush their fur to clean their body.
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Method 1 of 3: Wiping the Kitten's Body with a Wet Cloth
Step 1. If your kitten's body is not too dirty, wipe it with a damp cloth
Kittens have a habit of cleaning themselves by licking their bodies, but there are some spots that are difficult for them to reach, namely the head, back and back. The mother cat usually helps them clean these parts. Your job as a foster mother is to clean the kitten's body regularly to ensure it remains healthy and hygienic.
The water used for wiping with a wet cloth is also less than the water used for bathing. This is a good way to gradually and safely introduce water and baths to your kitten
Step 2. Clean the kitten after each meal
Most kittens, especially very young ones, eat very messy. After the kitten has finished eating, gently massage its entire body with a clean damp cloth. Pay special attention to the abdomen and genitals – massage may help her feel more comfortable.
Step 3. Wet a soft dry cloth with warm water
Make sure that the towels are not so rough that they can hurt the kitten's body. If he's too dirty, you might consider dampening his cloth with a vet-recommended shampoo. You can find special shampoos for kittens at most pet stores.
Step 4. Start cleaning the kitten's back
Use a cloth that has been moistened with warm water. Always follow the direction of his hair growth to prevent him from feeling sick or uncomfortable. Hold the kitten and talk to him in a soothing tone to make him feel comfortable. Most kittens are used to being rubbed on their backs, so limit cleaning to that area until they are no longer bothered by the cloth you are using.
If your kitten becomes agitated or frightened during the cleaning process, stop for a moment and cuddle her. Continue speaking in a soothing tone. The kitten will trust you more once he understands that you are always responding to his every complaint
Step 5. Gently wipe the kitten from front to back
Starting from the face and front legs, working towards the back and abdomen, and ending at the back. Avoid the kitten's eyes, ears and nose! It's best to avoid the entire head, unless it's really dirty. Don't worry though: the kitten will usually clean its own head once you've finished cleaning its body.
Step 6. Pay special attention to the area under the tail
Kittens find it difficult to clean this area on their own, and their mother often helps them. This is why cats often turn and place the tip of their back against your face when you pet them: it's a sign of trust, much like they trusted their mother when they were little.
- Consider cleaning your kitten's backside every few days, especially if he doesn't clean himself. This will make your kitten happier and healthier, and will prevent unpleasant odors from developing.
- If your kitten doesn't clean itself, it could be a sign that she is overweight.
Step 7. Continue to wipe the kitten's body clean
If there is still dirt on the fur, you can repeat the cleaning process using another cloth. When it's completely clean, place it in a warm place to lie down while drying its fur.
Dry off any excess water adhering to the fur with a dry towel to make sure the kitten is almost completely dry. If you let him get wet and shiver, he could get sick
Method 2 of 3: Bathing the Kitten
Step 1. Bathe your kitten if he is very dirty
Remember, cats have a habit of licking themselves to clean themselves, so kittens only need to bathe if they are really dirty – or if they have fleas. To clean a very muddy kitten, you'll need to bathe it instead of just wiping it. Immediately bathe the kitten after it gets in the mud; if you wait too long, he will feel uncomfortable and a rash will appear on his skin. Prepare all the toiletries before you start bathing him:
- A flannel and a clean towel
- Cat shampoo; Avoid using soap for humans, and harsh chemicals or cleaners.
- A basin, tub, or tub of any kind. Avoid bathing the kitten outside - if he tries to escape, you'll have a harder time finding him outside.
Step 2. Be sure to buy cat shampoo
Do not use human shampoo, human soap, or laundry soap to bathe your kitten! Kittens' fur and skin are very sensitive, and human soap will dry out the skin.
Step 3. Prepare a place for after bathing
Once you have determined a place to bathe, you should also prepare a warm and comfortable place for the kitten to relax after the bath. Choose a room in the house that you can cover with doors, curtains, or pet cages.
- Set up a cozy warm spot under a table lamp (or other light source). Turn on a pet heating pad, if you have one. Your kitten will be wet and cold after the bath, so she will need a warm place to clean herself.
- Prepare treats (or treats) so that you can give them to the kitten immediately after she has finished bathing. A delicious treat would make a great gift for your kitten.
Step 4. Fill a shallow basin or tub with warm water
Use warm water – not too hot and not too cold. The water should feel comfortable against the skin on your wrist. It is very important to use water that is moderate in temperature. Kittens have very sensitive skin: hot water can burn their skin, and cold water can lower their body temperature to dangerous levels. Make sure the water is not so deep that it can completely submerge the body.
Step 5. Gently put your kitten in the tub
Fill the tub before introducing the kitten to the water. Most cats are not actually afraid of water, but are afraid of the loud sound of running water. Once they are startled by the sound of running water, they will learn to be afraid of water. Gently rub the kitten's body to make him feel safe and calm. Talk to him in a soothing voice throughout the cleaning process.
- Introduce the kitten to water slowly for the first time. Place it in the water, and let it stand in it for a few seconds. Then, lift and dry the legs. Give him a treat as a reward for his good behavior.
- If your cat absolutely refuses to bathe, make him comfortable about it for two weeks. By the end of the second week, you should be able to bathe him without difficulty, even with the tap on.
Step 6. Rub the kitten's body with shampoo
Make sure he's completely wet before you lather on him. Pour a small amount of shampoo onto a cloth or your hands, and rub it into the fur. Gently spread the shampoo all over the kitten's body, from the head to the tail. Use wet fingers to clean traces of urine or dirt that has dried on the fur.
- Avoid bathing your kitten with soap unless you are doing flea treatment. If you need to use soap for flea treatment, talk to your vet about soap that is safe for your kitten.
- Keep everything-water, soap, etc.-away from the kitten's eyes and face. This can irritate his eyes and cause him to panic. If he panics, he will develop negative thoughts about bathing.
Step 7. Rinse the kitten thoroughly
Fill a cup of water and pour it slowly over his body. Pour slowly and carefully, and try to be efficient. Rinse until all the shampoo is clean. Use a flannel or damp washcloth to wipe the soap off the kitten's face. Talk to him in a soothing voice if he refuses or looks scared.
- If your kitten starts to rebel at this stage, ask someone to help you hold her while you splash water over her.
- If your tub comes with a removable atomizer, you can use it. Make sure that the spray is not applied to high power, or you may hurt the kitten.
- Do not turn on the water tap directly over a young kitten's head. If you do, water can get into his eyes and frighten him.
Step 8. Use only a small amount of water if possible
Do not immerse the kitten in water deeper than his height when he is comfortably standing. Your kitten may not be strong enough to pull its body out of the water if it sinks. Instead, use your hands to wet the back of the body and the lower abdomen.
Step 9. Wrap the kitten in a clean, dry towel after you have finished bathing it
Give your kitten a quick bath, then dry the fur with a clean towel. Wrap him in another soft dry towel, and place him in a warm place to dry. If possible, stay with him, and cuddle the kitten to help him calm down.
Speed up the drying process by rubbing a soft towel in the direction the kitten's fur is growing. This will warm him up faster if he looks cold
Method 3 of 3: Brushing the Kitten
Step 1. Brush your kitten's fur if it's not too dirty
It's not a good idea to brush a kitten's very muddy fur – give it a bath first, then brush the fur. However, if the kitten's body is not too dirty and the fur doesn't look muddy, you can easily clean it by brushing.
- Brushing will go a long way in getting rid of fleas from the body of the stray kitten you rescue. In addition, it can also help improve blood circulation, and may even be able to improve the condition of the kitten's skin.
- Brushing is very important, especially for long-haired cats. Long hair in general will be more easily tangled, greasy, and dirty.
Step 2. Choose the right type of brush for your kitten
The type of brush or comb will vary for each breed of kitten, depending on the length and pattern of hair growth. Check for fleas on the kitten's body: if there are, you'll need a special comb with thin, tight teeth to remove fleas from the skin.
You can buy a specially designed metal comb at most pet stores. Consult a veterinarian if you are confused about choosing the right brush
Step 3. Brush the kitten's fur from the head to the tail, in the direction of the growth of the fur
Brushing in the wrong direction can hurt the kitten and cause hair loss. Brush her thoroughly, focusing on her stomach, back, and back.
- Some kittens may refuse to be brushed. Be gentle with him, and don't be pushy. Use soothing sounds when you clean the kitten, and try to make him feel comfortable.
- Clean the brush occasionally during the process. Dirt and bristles can build up between the brushes, making the brush less effective.
Step 4. Try to use two brushes if the kitten refuses the first one
Cats are used to cleaning themselves, and they may be offended when you try to help them. Maybe he was just curious. If he starts to nibble on his brush, simply place the brush in front of him so he can sniff it, then use a second brush to brush his body. This will give the kitten a chance to see the brush while it is being cleaned. Eventually, he'll probably learn to like his body being brushed, and he'll probably let you brush his body freely.
