Bathing a cat is probably one of the most difficult things a cat owner has to deal with. This is because cats like to take care of their own hygiene and health and refuse to be cleaned by their human companions. As a result, most cats react less favorably to being bathed. But luckily there are other ways to clean your cat and don't have to wet her entire body. These methods will save you from being scratched by a cat and save your feline friend from a terrifying experience.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Bath Preparation
Step 1. Set aside some soft towels and other supplies that will be needed
You don't want to be running around bathing your cat and looking for towels to dry your cat in, so make sure you have everything ready. This will help create a perfect, non-traumatic experience for the cat.
- A large, soft towel for the first step of wiping/bathing.
- Two or three soft washcloths to clean the cat's body parts that are very dirty.
- A large, soft towel to dry the cat.
- Shampoo, if you want to use it.
- Use an extra towel if you want to use shampoo.
Step 2. Find a suitable place
You need to find the perfect place to bathe your cat. The place should be relatively warm, small, and safe. The cat should also feel comfortable in the place. Consider:
- You must have access to the sink.
- The area should not be too hot or too cold. Preferably with a temperature between 22-24 degrees Celsius.
- The area should be relatively small and enclosed so the cat cannot escape. Bathrooms and laundry rooms are often ideal places.
Step 3. Prepare the bathroom
Prepare all the necessary equipment beforehand and do everything before bringing the cat into the room. Things like running water down the sink, and getting in and out of the bathroom while the cat is being held will only cause anxiety. You don't want to make your cat scared or anxious for no reason. Consider the following:
- Make sure not to run the water when the cat approaches you.
- Fill the sink with water.
- Wet the towel first.
- Prepare food or toys to help the cat relax.
Step 4. Catch the cat but do it at the right time
When catching a cat for a bath, do everything you can to make the bathing experience relaxing. If you can, call the cat into the room to bathe the cat, rather than bringing it in by force. Consider the following:
- Avoid chasing the cat for a bath.
- Don't choose busy times to bathe the cat, such as when everyone is returning home from school or work.
- Use positive food and support to lure the cat into the bathroom.
Step 5. Comb and clean the cat's fur
Before starting the process of wetting your cat, be sure to brush your cat's fur properly to remove any loose hair or debris from its body. This is one of the most important steps in the process of bathing your cat and will save you time and make your cat cleaner.
Step 6. Trim the cat's nails
This is very important for your safety. Take this opportunity to trim the cat's nails. This will prevent the appearance of sores after bathing the cat. This will make the experience even more enjoyable for both of you.
Part 2 of 3: Bathing the Cat
Step 1. Calm the cat
Once caught, the cat will be a bit tense, anxious, and try to escape from your grip. You need to do everything you can to calm and soothe the cat. This will save you from cuts and scrapes and will make bathing easier next time.
- Caress and pet the cat.
- Give food to the cat.
- Use positive verbal support, saying that he is a “smart cat”.
Step 2. Don't catch the cat, unless it really needs to be cleaned
Cats are good self-cleaners. If your cat really doesn't want to be bathed and is still relatively clean, you might want to reconsider. Later this bathing activity will actually harm you because of the injury and become a traumatic experience for the cat. Consider:
- Cat fur length.
- Environment-is your cat an indoor or outdoor cat?
- Self-cleaning behavior. Is the cat doing adequate self-cleaning?
Step 3. Wet a towel with warm water
Towels should be wet, but not dripping, and the water should be warm, but not hot. You should never wipe the cat with a cold, wet towel. Do it slowly and calmly, so that the cat is not afraid.
Step 4. Wipe the cat's body completely
Move from neck to tail with a warm, damp towel, then gently wipe and wet the cat. The head should be cleaned last and with extra care. Be sure to go slowly so as not to scare the cat.
- Be sure to re-wet the towel if necessary.
- Start by cleaning the buttocks with a small, wet washcloth.
- Use another towel when you're done cleaning the buttocks, so the remnants of dirt do not spread.
- Pay special attention to the buttocks, especially for kittens. This area is often cleaned by the mother, and in the absence of the mother, you should pay extra attention to the kitten.
- Make sure you clean the kitten's stomach, even if he's not happy about this.
- Be sure to clean his armpits and between his toes.
- When approaching the cat's head and face, move slowly and don't be rude.
Step 5. Decide if you want to use shampoo
It's up to you. Often bathing the cat with shampoo is not necessary. You should also avoid using shampoo for kittens, unless you have fleas or your vet recommends it. If using shampoo, do so after wiping the cat with a damp towel and getting it wet.
- Fill the sink with water and add a little shampoo to the water. Make sure the foam is not too much.
- Mix the water.
- Dip a towel in the sink and wet it with shampooed water.
- Scrub the cat with shampoo, starting at the neck and working your way up to the tail.
- Pay attention to between your toes, under your belly and armpits, and your belly.
- Use a clean washcloth to clean particularly dirty areas.
- Avoid contact with the cat's eyes.
Step 6. Rinse the cat
Scrub the cat with a towel moistened only with water. This is important because cats shouldn't walk around with shampoo still on their bodies. You need to be careful in this process, because shampoo that is attached to the cat's body for a long time can cause irritation. Consider the following:
- Use a towel that has been moistened with warm water to scrub the cat and remove the shampoo and foam from the cat's body.
- Repeat this step until you are sure all the shampoo is gone.
- If there is still foam from the shampoo, you will need to continue rinsing.
Part 3 of 3: Drying the Cat
Step 1. Take a towel and rub the cat until it is relatively dry
Don't wrap the cat in a towel beforehand-this can cause trauma. Start by scrubbing the cat dry, starting at the tail and working your way up to the head. Remember, this experience is as traumatizing as possible. Try to get your cat used to and comfortable with bathing!
Step 2. Wipe the cat's fur
If your cat is comfortable with bathing, you can try a more direct approach by wrapping her in a towel and rubbing her body dry. Be sure to do this gently, and if your cat reacts negatively to being wrapped or rubbed in a towel, step back and wipe her body again.
- Wipe gently.
- Wipe slowly.
- Wipe in the direction of the cat's fur, that is, in the direction the cat is licking. By following the direction of the fur, the cat will feel more comfortable.
Step 3. Prepare to let go of the cat, but don't do it right now
Make sure the house is ready for the cat to be released. Make sure no exit doors are open. Make sure the house is not hot or cold. Cats should not be released in very hot or very cold homes. Check the thermostat before releasing the cat.
Step 4. Feed the cat
Before releasing the cat, be sure to pet the cat and give it food. It is important to provide food in the room where the cat is bathed, in the hope that he sees this as a positive experience. The more positive your attitude during and after your shower, the less traumatic your bathing experience will be next time.
Step 5. Release the cat
After the cat is released, monitor it a few hours later. Do this especially if it is cold outside or the temperature inside the house is fluctuating. You don't want your cat to be sick or cold. Also, let your cat know that he is a “smart cat” when he walks (not runs) out of your way.
Warning
- Do not use soap for cats. If you feel you have to use soap, buy cat soap from your local pet store.
- If it's cold and you have an outdoor cat, don't leave it outside until it's completely dry, as the cat can get cold and sick.
- This method works best for indoor cats. If you have a stray cat that has been rescued and has been out of the house for a certain amount of time, you might want to consider a full water bath!
