While it is true that cats constantly lick themselves to stay clean, there is nothing that beats a good old-fashioned bath. You should probably bathe your cat once every couple of months. Now, this may sound like an easy task, but remember, cats and water are not the best of friends. However, with a few simple tips, you should be able to get the job done without much hassle. Here are some great tips on bathing your cat.
Have the essentials ready- The last thing you want is to be in the middle of bathing your cat and you have forgotten the shampoo. Your cat is not going to stay put while you look for their shampoo bottle. So, before you bathe your cat, essentially you should do it in the bathtub, you will need to have a few things ready and within arm’s reach. Obviously, you are going to need some shampoo. Be sure you use only shampoo that is formulated for cats since human shampoo can cause them to have dry skin. You will also need a cat brush, plastic cup, washcloth, and towel.
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Use a rubber mat- By using a rubber mat at the bottom of the tub, you are providing your cat with some traction.
Brush them first- Brushing your cat before bathing them will help to relax them and will also ensure you have a clean coat to work with. It is important to note that if your cat is matted, bathing them will only make matters worse.
Be sure water is not steaming hot- Just as you don’t like a steaming hot shower or bath, neither does your cat. The water should be tested before putting your cat in it and should be around 102 degrees, the same temperature as your cat’s body. Once you have your cat in the water, gently pour some water over them, avoiding their head.
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Shampoo, rinse and dry- This is where you are going to have to work fast since cats do not like to be standing in water. Lather their coat with shampoo and start rinsing them off. Use a washcloth to wipe their face clean. Be sure you rinse all the shampoo off or they may get skin allergies. If you cat allows, wrap them in a towel first. If not, just dry them off the best you can because they will be off and running in an instant.
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Interesting I have never bathed any of my cats. Have always read it’s unnecessary unless they are outdoor cats or have a tick or flea problem. Thanks for the tips though incase I ever need to.
Looks like bathing a cat can be as difficult as bathing a dog. They must not notice how bad that can smell sometimes. I used to tell my dog she needed a bath because she was starting to smell like a funky corn chip. Even that didn’t convince her to like the water.
I had a cat a long time ago and bathing her was not high on the list. Oh no way.
Interesting I have never bathed any of my cats. Have always read it’s unnecessary unless they are outdoor cats or have a tick or flea problem. Thanks for the tips though incase I ever need to.
My cat really love to have her long bath, these are some helpful tips!
This is really helpful. We’ll probably end up having to do this at some point. Right now we only have to brush them.
Looks like bathing a cat can be as difficult as bathing a dog. They must not notice how bad that can smell sometimes. I used to tell my dog she needed a bath because she was starting to smell like a funky corn chip. Even that didn’t convince her to like the water.
I had a cat a long time ago and bathing her was not high on the list. Oh no way.
My cat really love to have her long bath, these are some helpful tips!
This is really helpful. We’ll probably end up having to do this at some point. Right now we only have to brush them.
That’s smart tips. I think, my cat would love it.
That’s smart tips. I think, my cat would love it.
I have a cat which I bathe once a week. It’s good to prepare some warm water for them, I find that it relaxes my cat. While I’m shampooing him, I also try to massage him to keep him relaxed and still. It works every time!
I have a cat which I bathe once a week. It’s good to prepare some warm water for them, I find that it relaxes my cat. While I’m shampooing him, I also try to massage him to keep him relaxed and still. It works every time!
[…] Related: Cat Care: Tips for Bathing Your Cat […]
[…] Related: Cat Care: Tips for Bathing Your Cat […]
I tried bathing my cat several months, ago and it was hilarious. It took myself, my daughter, and son to hold a 5 pounds cat and shampoo and rinse her. She hated me for almost a week. Finally, she forgave me, but I still have a vivid memory of doing it. I haven’t tried to give her a bath since.
I tried bathing my cat several months, ago and it was hilarious. It took myself, my daughter, and son to hold a 5 pounds cat and shampoo and rinse her. She hated me for almost a week. Finally, she forgave me, but I still have a vivid memory of doing it. I haven’t tried to give her a bath since.
I bathe all my cats. All cats get dirty. I clip the nails, get lots of towels, dawn detergent and a large container for wetting down and rinsing, heat the bathroom to 75 or above.Clear stuff from the bathroom, add 2-3 inches of warm water. Cats aren’t used running water so at rinsing time I turn it on slowly. Dress for getting wet. Now I’m ready for giving the bath. Most of our cats come in the bathroom to get a wipe down of water after we get out of the shower.
I bathe all my cats. All cats get dirty. I clip the nails, get lots of towels, dawn detergent and a large container for wetting down and rinsing, heat the bathroom to 75 or above.Clear stuff from the bathroom, add 2-3 inches of warm water. Cats aren’t used running water so at rinsing time I turn it on slowly. Dress for getting wet. Now I’m ready for giving the bath. Most of our cats come in the bathroom to get a wipe down of water after we get out of the shower.
I don’t know I would like to try but she was given to me at age nine and is now 15 so It worries me that it will be to stressfull. I am thinking about it thanks for the information.
I don’t know I would like to try but she was given to me at age nine and is now 15 so It worries me that it will be to stressfull. I am thinking about it thanks for the information.
And please, PLEASE make sure your cat has NO knots or mats before you get them wet. If you bathe them with mats, which are already painful, the water will cause the matting to get EVEN tighter and EVEN MORE painful.