How to Bathe a Cat

How to Bathe a Cat - WikiHow

I don't hate cats. I like them, but I am allergic to them. I couldn't pass up this post. On my Google home page, I have a section that display top "How To's". Today's How-To section featured "How to bathe a Cat". Recalling my own horrific experiences as a child trying to bathe my own cat, I took a gander. They were as ridiculous as I had imagined. I will share a few of my personal favorite tips below, note my remarks in red.

Trim all nails before even attempting to wash a cat. It will reduce scratching. Notice that scratching is a forgone conclusion. If they prefer to only have two of their feet in the water, face them towards the back of the tub and let them stand on two feet. How would you know if they prefer 2 or 4 feet?

Talk quietly to your cat and keep a good grip on the neck or shoulders. Sometimes the cats will try to get out of the tub. Maybe affirmations like, "I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful." might work. If these affirmations consider an appointment with Dr. Leo Marvin. His groundbreaking new work, "Baby Steps to Cat Bathing" is already a best-seller in Uzbekistan.

Have two towels for drying ready. Drain the water from around the cat and press as much water out of the coat before you wrap in the towel. Rub gently with one towel. The first one will be pretty soaked. That's why you switch to the drier one and finish drying till damp. It helps if you warm the towels in the dryer first. I wish my towels were warmed when I get out of the shower.

Short-haired cats can finish drying themselves in the bathroom as long as they're away from drafts. For long-haired cats, you will have to use a comb and the hair dryer to finish drying. Long hairs will mat easily in wet fur and you have to comb them as they dry. Let me know how the hair dryer works out. I think again you may consider scratching a forgone conclusion.

Alternate Shower Techniques

Recognize that it may be helpful to wash your cat in a shower stall (if you have one with a door, not curtain). The cat is essentially trapped in the shower with out you having to hold on. Make sure the cat has good traction (a small towel in the bathtub will help if you have no rubber mat) or you will have a panic-stricken cat that is likely to seek safety in height by trying to climb you like a tree. Having a cat climb up me like a tree sounds especially appealing - sign me up.

Tips

Your cat has its own personality. While these are all good suggestions, be aware of your cat's reactions, and be prepared to adjust tactics accordingly. Translation: Cats are snobby and cannot stand being wet. However, since you have decided to bathe your cat, be prepared for the worst.

Brave souls may find it easier to put on old clothing and sit in the tub holding the cat (however the cat typically likes to be held) and letting someone else actually bathe the cat. You must be kidding.......

In order to reduce chances of getting scratched, you may decide to put your cat inside a mesh laundry bag before bathing her. Make sure that you are able to keep her head above water at all times--this is very traumatic for your cat, and will only serve to justify its fears about bathing. Use it only in urgent situations (i.e. cat covered in potentially toxic substance). This is my personal favorite. Just how exactly does one stuff dear kitty into a mesh bag?

Another idea that some have used, which is not so cruel as a little funny, is to attach small doll socks to their feet. This will not eliminate all of the potential scratching, but will help. Keep in mind that the socks make it difficult for the cat to walk, so remove them when the bath is over. This idea was inspired by the Clinton's. Did you ever wonder why their cat was named "Socks"?

Another useful idea is to put some tape around your cat's paws but not too tight! This will keep the cat focused on getting rid of what is on it's paws instead of scratching you, or even getting out of the water! This one seems a bit cruel. How would they like someone to affix tape to their arm and then rip it off?

When you have more time, run a very shallow warm bath (only a cm deep or so to begin with). Pet the cat, and give it a treat if it is food orientated. Continue at this depth until the cat does not panic and try to escape. Repeat daily, until the cat treats it as part of a routine, gradually increasing the depth until it is accepting standing in 4-5 ins of water. As a final step, have someone else reassure the cat whilst you use your hand to gently make waves in the water. This can take a week, or months depending on the cat, but it is worth the perseverance to know that you can safely bathe your pet when necessary. Yes, now kitty can start scratching you as soon as she hears the faucet running....

If all else fails, take your cat to a professional pet groomer (i.e. PetSmart, PetCo) for their washing.

Some cats will do better in an empty tub (or sink) with water being poured on rather then being put into a tub with water already in it.

Start early in the cat's life. Train your new kitten once every few weeks by giving it a bath. When the cat is older there will be no problem giving it a bath.

Try using baby shampoo, it is safer than regular shampoo and if the cat splashes it will not burn their eyes. Also makes the coat nice and soft. This works with dogs also. I actually use the J & J Chamomile and Lavender Baby shampoo on Buddy - he smells wonderful. For a couple weeks after the bath he emanate the fragrance when I scratch his back. He is sort of like a "Scratch and Sniff" dog in that way.

Warnings Personally, it seems as though the warning should have been listed first.

Watch out for cat claws if you decide to bathe your cat. Wearing a thick, long-sleeved sweater is one way to avoid getting scratched badly while bathing your cat.

If you don't know how to properly hold a cat by the scruff, don't do it. Your cat may choke. Don't put shampoo on their head. It could get in their eyes.

Be aware that you shouldn't bathe him frequently, this technique is just in case your pet is really dirty. This seems to contradict the whole getting kitty used to the tub idea.

Although some cats may accept the bath without great complaints, they may get nervous or angry or too scared when you try to dry them. Be careful during this last phase, shut the door of the bathroom or the cat will run away all wet, keep it calm or it will urinate, creating a big mess. If you find your cat objects too much to a bath by hissing at you, and trying to escape, then forget the bath. If the scratching and climbing didn't already scare you away from bathing the cat, this should.