Cats are animals who are experts in taking care of themselves and in general can maintain cleanliness so they do not need to be bathed regularly. However, certain health conditions, including obesity, chronic disease, eye problems, and arthritis, can make it difficult for cats to keep their bodies clean. You should take the necessary steps to ensure this when he is unable/want to do it himself. The best way to carry out his approach is to stick to a daily routine. Keeping a cat's body clean is much easier than cleaning it when it's dirty and its fur is tangled.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Brushing the Cat
Step 1. Take the cat to the vet
If your cat doesn't like being cared for, this means that she may have a medical condition that makes her feel sick when brushed. If your cat is like this, addressing the underlying problem will help make the cat feel more comfortable. He might even start taking care of himself again. Some types of treatment that may be given are dental care for cats with sore mouths, or painkillers for older cats who have arthritis problems.
If your cat's fur is very tangled, seek professional help to fix it. Cats are usually traumatized when large clumps of tangles are removed. It's better if you anesthetize him so he can give up on the procedure
Step 2. Brush the cat daily
When he no longer maintains the cleanliness of his body as before, one of the best things you can do is to brush your cat's fur regularly. Brush the cat from head to tail. Remove loose hair, dirt, and other dust, as well as stimulate blood circulation and oil secretion. This way, your cat's coat is shiny and shiny again, especially if it's long.
Step 3. Wait for the cat to relax before starting the grooming session
Don't brush your cat when he's in a bad mood. Caress him and talk to him in a calm tone. It will respond better.
- If your cat is not used to being cared for, it may resent being brushed. Try to help him understand that brushing is a pleasant experience. Also make sure your first few sessions are short so he doesn't lose his temper.
- Try brushing your cat right before you give him food, so he can link the experience of being brushed with the gift of food. Thus, the level of tolerance for brushing will also increase.
- Remember that brushing can be a getting to know each other for the owner and the pet. However, if your animal is in a sensitive or distressed state, it may end up associating negative feelings with you.
Step 4. Put in place measures to protect yourself and to keep the cat calm
In some cases, you may need to clean them right away even if they don't want to. For example, when your cat is soiling itself, you should still clean it even when it's bothering you. For instances like these, there are several options that can help you calm down and control your cat.
- Use a towel. You must clean the cat immediately. If he's sensitive, try wrapping him in a towel. Leave only the dirty part. Closing his eyes can also help keep him calm. Plus, the teeth and claws inside the towel will protect your hands from scratches and bites.
- Hold the cat by the folds of its neck. Some cats will calm down if you do this. The fold is at the back of the cat's neck. When a mother picks up her cubs by biting this part, the effect is calming, so that some adult cats remember the sensation. However, don't grip it too tightly. Pinch a little of the skin over his shoulders and keep your hands in position while he rests on a flat surface.
- Work at a height that is comfortable for you. Cleaning the cat will be easier if you place it on a high table or dryer. This way, you don't have to bend over and twist your back. Help your cat feel safe by placing a blanket or towel over him, so he doesn't run the risk of slipping.
Step 5. Decide how often you should brush
Long-haired cats should be brushed more often, preferably every day. Otherwise, the fur can get tangled and dirty. Short-haired cats may be brushed less frequently, for example only a few times per week and as needed.
Step 6. Be gentle when brushing the cat's fur
Take the time that you don't tug at it or scare the cat. Be aware that older cats with joint problems as well as arthritis can become grumpy when you touch areas near their joints. Combs or hairbrushes sometimes touch your hips, shoulders, elbows, or knees, causing pain. So, be careful in these areas.
Step 7. Take advantage of the brushing session to examine the cat's skin
Take a few moments to see the condition of the skin. Look for any abnormality, bald spots, or other problems. If you notice a problem, be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Also make sure you look for fleas when brushing their fur. Separate these feathers and look for tiny brown bugs that are slightly shiny and about the size of a sesame seed. Also look for flea droppings. This poop is very small. If something looks suspicious, try putting the dirt on a damp cotton swab. If it's orange, it means it's tick droppings – because it rehydrates dried blood.
- Run your fingers all over the cat's body looking for bumps and lumps in the skin. If you feel this or something is growing that makes your cat uncomfortable to touch, take him to the vet immediately.
Step 8. Remove the dust with a metal comb
A metal comb can be used to remove dust and other objects from the cat's fur. This comb can also help untangle tangles, which is especially useful for long-haired cats.
Start by combing the fur on the cat's belly and paws. Then, comb the fur on its back up and towards the head. Also comb the tail
Step 9. Unravel all the tangles you find
If your cat's coat is long, take extra care to untangle it before it develops into a bigger problem. Describe gently. You can use a comb, decompressor, or fingers. Regardless of what you choose, try holding the base of the fur close to the skin so you don't pull it when you untangle the matted fur.
Step 10. Get rid of the tangled dots that can't be unraveled
If there is a point like this, use a hair clipper instead of regular scissors, to prevent the cat's skin from hurting. The cat's skin under the fur is very soft. If accidentally injured, he may develop an infection. In more severe cases, the cat may even need stitches.
- If you don't feel comfortable untangling the tangle yourself, contact an experienced cat nurse or veterinarian.
- If you don't have a hair clipper, use regular scissors with caution. The safest way is to slide the comb between the skin and the base of the knotted fur. Then, cut over the comb on the damaged side. The comb will protect the skin and reduce the risk of injury. If you can't do this, take your cat to a professional nurse or vet technician. Don't try it yourself.
Step 11. Use a brush to remove loose bristles
After combing, use a rubber or small toothed brush to remove these bristles. This way, everything will be removed and the cat will feel better too. Even short-haired cats should also be brushed, otherwise the fur can get caught in the layers of the skin.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Cat's Face and Ears
Step 1. Remove the dirt around the cat's eyes
If your cat has discharge in the corners of the eyes or has vision problems that are causing the production of tears/other substances, clean them. This will make the cat feel comfortable, as well as prevent further irritation. Take him to the vet for examination. Sometimes, cats suffer from colds and other viruses and must be given medication.
- Wipe away tears with a cotton ball or soft cloth.
- Use a damp cotton swab to remove any dust or dry, thickened material around the cat's eyes.
- Make sure you use a different cloth or cotton ball for each eye. This will help prevent the spread of infection between the two.
- Avoid eye rinses or drops unless advised by a veterinarian.
Step 2. Clean the creases on the face
Facial folds are especially pronounced in flat-faced races, such as the Persian and Himalayan. These cats must be cleaned, especially in cats who have chronic discharge from their eyes. Tears and other discharges can accumulate in the folds and cause skin diseases.
- To clean the folds of the face, use a cotton swab or soft damp cloth. Get rid of tears and other dirt deposits in this area.
- Make sure the skin between the folds on both sides of the face is also cleaned.
- Chronic moisture is an important issue here, so make sure you use a damp, not damp cloth.
- Pat the cleaned area dry.
Step 3. Check and clean the ears
Look at the cat ears. It should be pale pink in color, with no dirt, fluid buildup, or odor. If you're not sure whether the ear has a problem or not, compare it to the other. The appearance of these two ears should be the same. If one side looks different, this means that the cat's ears are problematic. To clean it, follow the steps below:
- Ask your vet for advice on ear cleaning fluid. This liquid is usually sold in pet supply stores.
- Use only a small amount of liquid on the cotton ball.
- Fold the cat's ears back and use a cotton ball to clean the litter.
- Do not clean the ear canal. This can lead to trauma and/or infection.
- Do not insert the cotton tip into the ear canal. If the cat moves suddenly, it could hurt or damage its ears. Never add water, as water will soften the skin and increase the risk of ear infections.
Step 4. Examine the cat's face for any health problems
Cleaning a cat is a good time to look for other issues. For example, if your cat's eyes are watery, red, or blink frequently and watery, this means you should take her to the vet.
- Also see a vet if the skin in the folds of your cat's face is red, darkens, looks irritated, or is losing hair.
- Your cat's ears may become inflamed if he scratches them frequently. You may also find ear mites. Talk to your vet if your cat has ear problems.
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning the Buttocks Area
Step 1. Remove any debris from the cat's fur as soon as you see it
If your cat is unable or unwilling to clean itself, be aware of the possibility of dirt sticking to the fur under its tail. This is especially common in long-haired cats and those with diarrhea. If these remains are not disposed of properly, the cat's fur can clump together, causing it to suffer from skin problems and not be able to defecate normally.
Step 2. Put on gloves
Wear latex or rubber gloves when cleaning cat litter. Cat litter contains toxoplasmosis, a parasitic condition that is especially dangerous for pregnant women. If you are pregnant, ask your partner to clean the cat and litter box.
Step 3. Wipe with a damp paper towel
If the poop is dry, try pulling it from the fur. If you can't, use a damp paper towel to wipe it down. You can also buy special wet wipes for cats, which are usually sold at pet supply stores. Also, you can use baby wipes, but make sure they are fragrance-free. The cat will lick the fur after you clean it, and if there is anything left from the wet wipes, it will swallow it.
Clean the area once a day or as needed
Step 4. Dry the cat with a towel
After cleaning the dirt, you should dry the same area. Keeping your cat wet can lead to more tangling and skin irritation.
Step 5. Consider trimming the fur around the cat's bottom
If you can't get rid of the poop easily, consider shaving the hair around the anus to keep dirt from getting trapped. Cat nurses usually carry out this procedure and call it a hygiene clip or sani-clip.
Step 6.
Keep the litter box clean.
If the box isn't clean, he may pee in the corners, causing more dirt to stick to his fur. Or, he may try to go elsewhere, so that dirt can settle on his fur. Clean the litter box every day. Change the mat every one to three weeks.
Call your vet if you suspect a problem. If your cat has open sores or has difficulty defecating due to tangled fur, take her to the vet, not a professional nurse. Cats may need treatment for wounds and other problems they are experiencing.
Bathing the Cat Completely
-
Bathe the cat only when necessary. Cats generally don't need a whole bath. Regular brushing and cleaning is usually enough to keep the cat clean. However, if he gets stuck on something sticky, rolls over in a dusty area, or has severe diarrhea and does something that soils most of his fur, you should give him a bath.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 23 If you don't want to bathe your cat yourself, take him to a professional veterinarian
-
Choose the right time to bathe the cat. Your cat will be less stressed if you choose a time when he is calm and melancholy. Try playing with him for a while so he gets tired before giving him a bath. If your cat seems irritated, wait for him to calm down before trying to bathe him.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 24 -
Trim the nails on the cat's paws. Before putting your cat in the bath, trim her nails. If he tries to struggle, this is useful to help minimize the risk of being scratched. Make sure you don't cut too much. Just trim the edges so they aren't too sharp. If it's too deep, you might hit quick. This will make the cat feel pain, as well as possibly causing bleeding.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 25 If you're not sure how to trim your cat's nails, take him to a professional veterinarian or veterinarian
-
Brush the cat's fur well. Using a brush will help to get rid of loose hairs and dirt. Also remove any tangles, as these can trap shampoo.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 26 -
Ask someone for help. Prepare him to hold the cat or pass the necessary objects. Bathing a cat alone is a very challenging activity, so don't do it unless you have no other option.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 27 -
Gather your gear. Before involving the cat in the process, gather all the necessary supplies so that you are ready when the cat is in the tub. This kit includes:
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 28 - Cat shampoo: don't use dog shampoo
- Plastic cups or large drinking containers
- Towel
- Clean cloth
- Rubber mat
-
Prepare a bath or sink. You can bathe the cat in the tub or sink if it is large enough. Place a rubber mat on the base. This mat will prevent the cat from slipping. Fill the tub with warm water to a height of 7, 5-10 cm.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 29 -
Start bathing the cat. Put the cat in the tub and have a friend hold the folds of its neck. Then, use a glass or water bowl to evenly wet the cat's coat. Wet the cat only from the neck down and try your best not to splash her eyes, nose and ears.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 30 Talk to the cat in a soothing tone while you do this. Reassure him that what you are doing is safe and be gentle with him
-
Massage the shampoo mixture into the cat's coat. Use a mixture consisting of one part shampoo and five parts water. Have a friend continue to hold the folds of the cat's neck while you make the mixture. Pour this mixture over the cat's body, but avoid the eye, ear, and nose areas. Then, use your fingertips to massage the shampoo into the coat.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 31 If you need to clean the cat's bottom area, wear latex or vinyl gloves
-
Rinse shampoo. Pour warm water using a glass or water container. Remember, avoid the eye, ear and nose area. Make sure you've rinsed all the shampoo residue off the cat's coat. You may need to use a few full glasses to remove all the shampoo residue.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 32 -
Dry the cat. When you're done, have a friend gently lift the cat out and place it on a towel. Then, wrap another towel around the cat's body to help it dry and feel warm. Take it to a warm room to dry.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 33 Using Professional Nurse Services
-
Try a professional treatment if you can't do it yourself. If you're often away from home or too busy to take care of your cat regularly, consider taking him to a professional groomer. Some examples of services offered are: brushing, shaving severe tangles, trimming nails, cleaning ears, and bathing.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 34 -
Look for the services of a nurse who specializes in cats. Look online or seek a referral from a veterinarian. If you live in the US, make sure the nurse is part of the National Cat Groomers Institute of America. This association sets and maintains standards for cat care.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 35 -
Consider the cat's stress level. You have to think about the possibility that he will experience stress if he is taken to see a nurse. Also consider how he will react to his journey. This experience may be difficult for the cat. However, if the fur is in very bad shape, the risk may still be worth it.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 36 -
Ask your vet about trimming your hair. If daily brushing and regular cleaning aren't enough to keep your cat in good condition, talk to your vet about whether trimming is necessary. This slaughter is usually not required for cats who can maintain personal hygiene, or are easily handled by their owners. However, long-haired cats very often have tangling problems. These cats usually don't like to be brushed every day and don't take good care of themselves, so it might be best to have their coat trimmed.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 37 Depending on the nature of the cat, this procedure may require anesthesia administered by a veterinarian
Warning
If your cat is having trouble taking care of herself, schedule an appointment with your vet to diagnose and treat the problem that's causing it and prevent it from doing so
- Miller Jr., WH, Griffin, CE, and Campbell, KL, (2012), Mueller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, ISBN 978-1416000280
- Nelson, R, and Couto, G, (2013), Small Animal Internal Medicine, ISBN 978-0323086820
- https://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/Health_Information/CW_older.cfm
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/groom-your-cat
- https://www.animalplanet.com/pets/healthy-pets/cat-not-grooming-itself/
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-brushing-skin-care
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-brushing-skin-care
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/groom-your-cat
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-brushing-skin-care
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/groom-your-cat
- https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pethealth/cat_basics/routine_care_and_breeding_of_cats/routine_health_care_of_cats.html?qt=groom&alt=sh
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-brushing-skin-care
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/top-tips-keeping-kittys-eyes-healthy
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/top-tips-keeping-kittys-eyes-healthy
- Miller Jr., WH, Griffin, CE, and Campbell, KL, (2012), Mueller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, ISBN 978-1416000280
- ↑ Miller Jr., WH, Griffin, CE, and Campbell, KL, (2012), Mueller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, ISBN 978-1416000280
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/ear-care
- Schaer, M, (2010), Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat, ISBN 9781840761115
- https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/faqs.html
- https://www.floppycats.com/cat-grooming-help.html
- https://www.icatcare.org/advice/keeping-your-cat-happy/elderly-cats-%E2%80%93-special-considerations
- https://nationalcatgroomers.com/grooming-styles-cats-video
- https://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/preventing_litter_box_problems.html
- William H. Miller Jr., Craig E. Griffin and Karen L. Campbell, Mueller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology.
- https://www.petco.com/Content/ArticleList/Article/19/2/1888/Bathing-Your-Cat.aspx
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/bathing-your-cat
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/bathing-your-cat
- https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2014/04/23/long-haired-cats.aspx
- https://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/grooming-and-coat-care-for-your-cat/4292
-
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/Health_Information/CW_older.cfm
-
