By : Angela Coyle
It is important to know how to bathe your cat. Cats generally to a fine job cleaning themselves, however, they my need a little help from time to time. In this case, it is important to know how to properly give you cat a bath.
Giving a cat a bath can be a little trick since most cats are not fond of water or getting wet.
There are dry bath products available on the market today to avoid the traditional bath altogether, however these products are better used to keep your cat clean and healthy rather than get them clean after a roll in the mud.
The dry bath products are generally a leave in treatments great for eliminating odor. A dry bath is a great idea for keeping you cat clean. It will usually not effect their current flea treatment because no water should be needed to wash it away. Always read the labels before using these products. They are safe to use on cats, but may contain different ingredients that you or your cat could be allergic to.
Dry bath products are great, but what do you do when your cat homes home late at night, covered in mud, paint, or something incredible messy and possible toxic? Lets face it, cats get into trouble sometimes.
You probably won't want to let them come in the house and lay on your floor or furniture, and, unless you know what your cat is covered in, probably should not let them sit in the mess all night, or try and clean it themselves. You should never let your cat ingest a foreign substance if possible.
When this happens, hopefully on a rare occasion, you will want to know how to give your cat a bath.
If you're very lucky, this may not be much trouble. Your cat might like the water. But if you have a normal cat like the rest of us, things could get pretty interesting.
When you've decided to give your cat a bath, you should get them a special kitty shampoo. The regular shampoo you use everyday may have harsh perfumes or chemicals that could be harmful to your cat. If this is not available, try and do the best you can with just water in an emergency. It may not be as easy, but this should get most of the muck out of your cat's fur.
By this time you should be well aware of your cats temperament. You will know if your cat will fight you and how hard he or she will fight to get away from bath time. So take every precaution necessary to protect yourself and your cat. After all, most cats are equipped with an effective defense. Claws!
If you have a leather jumpsuit or bird handling gloves, then you're set. Of course, most of us don't have these types of armor and they are not necessary to get the job done. Rubber gloves are suggested, but long sleeves are a must! Personally, I've found that a thick, durable fabric like denim or even a thick cotton work just fine. Just make sure, what ever you wear, that it can't be penetrated too easily by your cat's claws.
The size of your cat, and intensity of his or her frenzy, should determine your bath space needed. You may be able to get away with using your sink for small cats and kittens. If not, use your bathtub and keep all doors closed. If you have a glass shower door, it's not a bad idea to climb into the tub with your cat and keep that door closed too.
Stop! Before you throw you cat into tub of water, remember they will, most likely, be frightened.
When you attempt to give your cat a bath, chances are, your cat will know that something's up even before you begin. Your cat may be frightened by the sound of running water, or the splashing sounds in the tub or sink. It's usually not the best idea to run the water over your cat like a shower. This could startle your cat and cause him or her to spring into action and try to run away from it.
The best way I've found is to draw a shallow bath and have a cup handy to pour water, slowly onto your cat in order to wet him.
Maintain control! You are the master of your domain and don't let your cat think otherwise in this situation. While hogtying your cat is not recommended, you will need to restrict his movement somewhat. This might take the effort of two people for unruly cats and may take some force. Whatever you do, please don't hurt your cat!
Once you have control of your beast, and the water is ready, complete the procedure as quickly as possible.
Wet your cats coat thoroughly and lather him up with his own special shampoo. Do the best job you can; don't forget the feet, tail and stomach. Always use extra special care when washing your cats face! Shampoo may not be needed in this area, and be very careful around his eyes.
Once your cat is soapy, start to rinse. Using the same, gentle pouring motion with your handy cup and the water in the tub rinse your cats fur. You may want to have a reserve of fresh, clean water for rinsing. Try and use your fingers to break up any matting and wok through thick coated areas. Rinse well, drain the tub, and you are almost done.
Now it's time to dry your cat. Drying your cat should not take as much effort as it seems. You will not be able to get him completely dry, so do your best and your cat, and time, will gladly finish the job.
When you let your cat out of the sink or bathtub, keep him in the area. Your cat will most likely want to shake first, just like dogs, and then gently, but with enthusiasm, rub your cat with a towel to rid him of excess water.
Your cat will begin to lick himself dry. You can them leave your cat in the bathroom until he's dry, or let him out whenever you feel is best you, your home, your furniture, and your cat.
In order to simplify this process, here is a step by step guide on How to give a cat a bath:
Get cat shampoo
Suit up! Protect your body from potential injury.
Draw a shallow bath (warm, not hot or cold)
Restrain your cat
Wet
Lather
Rinse
and Dry
The last thing you should know before giving a cat a bath is not to be intimidated. It may not be as simple as one, two, thee, but it's not impossible and you'll both feel better when it's over.
Author's Resource:
Angela Coyle is an avid cat lover, and owner of Hercules the cat, Murteza Abyssinian, Mango, and many others throughout the years. She is also currently an editor at www.cat-care-cat-information.com
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