Cats’ dislike of bathing is not a new phenomenon. And as a matter of fact, these self-groomers do not really require frequent bathing like other furry pets. But what to do when your feline friend actually needs bathing? How to make this inevitable experience less stressful for you and your cat? Well, it is not all that difficult. If you are appropriately prepared and take the right approach, consider the job done. How to do that? Let’s find out.
This blog provides information regarding the need to bathe cats, preparations required before bathing your cat, and a step-by-step guide to bathing your cat. Read on to learn more.
Do Cats Need Bathing?
Cats in general have rough tongues, designed to support self-grooming, i.e., removing dirt, dust, loose hair, etc., from their coats. Self-grooming also helps with the appropriate distribution of natural oils throughout the fur, thus keeping cats’ coats healthy. However, bathing cats becomes necessary in certain situations. Here is when you need to give your furball a comfy bath:
- If your cat has ended up getting grease or mud on their body during their outside adventure, bathing and cleaning them becomes necessary.
- Cats with long-haired coats, like Persian cats, are prone to problems like matting and tangling. These breeds require regular bathing and grooming to stay knot-free and clean. Similarly, cats with hairless coats, like Sphynx, face the problem of excessive oil build-up on the skin and require more frequent bathing.
- Cats in their golden years have reduced grooming abilities. Also, obese cats find it hard to reach all parts of their bodies for grooming. Such cats need help from their humans to stay clean and healthy.
- If your cat is suffering from a skin allergy or a parasite (flea) infestation, they need to be bathed to get rid of the allergy or parasites.
Pre-Bath Preparations
Bathing a cat is like bathing a baby, where you need advanced preparations. The following tips will help you make bathing a less stressful and safer experience for both you and your fur baby:
- Trim your cat’s nails. Cats are usually not fond of water. Trimming and clipping their nails before bath helps you avoid getting hurt, just in case they end up scratching you out of stress. Try to do this a day before bathing, so that your cat is not already stressed when you take them for a bath.
- Brush your feline companion to detangle their fur and remove mats before bathing, as water can make mats worse and can trouble them. The one day prior to bathing rule applies here too, just to avoid the stress.
- Choose a quiet, enclosed space, like a bathroom or laundry room, for bathing your cat. This creates a calm environment and helps reduce their stress. Also, try to bathe your kitty after a meal or after exercise when they are naturally tired or relaxed.
- Your cat can sense your stress and may end up panicking. That’s why it is important for you not to stress. If required, take the help of relaxing music to stay calm.
- Gather all the supplies you will need, e.g., a cat-friendly shampoo, a non-slip mat, face wipes, reward treats, etc.
- If possible, arrange for help (a friend or a family member) for a smoother experience. This way, one can hold the cat while the other is bathing them.
Bathing Your Cat: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you are adequately prepared, it is time to give your furry friend a luxurious bath. Here is a step-wise guide for bathing your cat:
- Ready the bathtub: Fill a tub or sink with a few inches of lukewarm water. Try to minimize the use of running water, as your cat can get spooked by its sound. Introduce your cat slowly to water.
- Wet the coat: Once your furball has adjusted to the situation, wet their coat slowly and thoroughly. Take the help of a showerhead, a cup or a pitcher, and wet the cat’s coat from behind their ears to their back and tail. Avoid the face, eyes and ears.
- Use a cat-friendly shampoo & lather: Take an appropriate amount of a cat-friendly shampoo, like PURL Advanced Show White Shampoo, to clean and brighten your cat’s coat. You may also use Dermcare Malaseb Medicated Shampoo if your kitty has any bacterial or fungal skin condition. Follow the directions mentioned on the product pack and lather your cat’s coat completely without missing the important parts, like the area under their legs.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your cat’s coat thoroughly. Make sure there is no shampoo residue left, as this can cause irritation to their skin.
- Wipe the face & ears: Use face wipes and ear cleaner prepared specifically for cats. Wipe your fur friend’s face and clean their ears gently.
- Dry off: Take a towel and cover your cat completely with it. Use the towel to absorb as much moisture as possible. If your cat can tolerate a dryer, use it on a cool setting for drying your furball.
- Reward: After bathing, reward your cat with their favorite treats to appreciate their cooperation. This positive reinforcement may help them associate bathing with a happy feeling.
- Repeat: While cats don’t need frequent bathing, you may repeat this process as and when required to keep your cat clean and healthy.
Summing up
Cats usually do not enjoy bathing, and generally do not require frequent bathing either. However, bathing a cat becomes necessary if their age makes self-grooming difficult or their lifestyle leads to an event that requires cleaning. The pre-bath preparation tips and the bathing guide provided in this blog may assist you in giving your furry companion a stress-free and thorough bathing experience.