Cat and dogs are affectionate, and great companions to have in homes. However, unlike dogs, felines are low maintenance, and they spend about six to seven hours a day grooming themselves. They’re self-washing machines, and their beautiful patterns are mostly odor-free. Nonetheless, certain circumstances may require you to thoroughly bath your furry pals. An acute illness or sickness, as well as a muddy and dirty coat, may necessitate a rigorous washing procedure. Felines, especially older ones, are sometimes hostile, defensive, and become uneasy during the bathing sessions. This article will show you how to bathe a cat without getting scratched.
Why Should I Wash My Feline?
Should I bathe my cat? Well, this is an excellent question to ask since felines can clean or lick themselves without any human assistance. However, there are times that cats may need help. For instance, if your feline is extremely dirty or muddy, he will need intervention to get rid of the mud. Another example where you will have to lend a helping hand in cleaning your cat is when he falls in a filthy pond, or maybe his paws got stuck in a sticky or adhesive condiment. Again, your feline could be diagnosed with a serious medical issue that may necessitate constant bathing.
How to Give a Cat a Bath Without Getting Scratched
Before you throw your feline into your sink, check to see if you have all the bathing items or equipment available. These are the tools you will need.
- A- feline-friendly conditioner or shampoo
- A comb
- Towels
- Brush
- A mat preferably made of rubber to be placed in your tub to prevent your cat from slipping.
- Petroleum jelly
- Pitcher
You may also like our article on Brushes For Cats.
The Steps:
The best way to bathe a cat without getting hurt is by following the processes below.
- Begin by trimming your cat’s claws to avoid any scratches. Your feline might not be the hostile type, but when a cat is put under intense pressure, and he is stressed out, your cat may fortuitously harm you while attempting to escape from the tub. If your feline detests claw clipping, you can do it days before the bathing procedure. This is to ensure that your cat does not associates the claw cutting process, which he dislikes with the bathing routine.
- Next, arrange your petroleum jelly, shampoo, towel, comb, brush, and treats in a favorable or convenient position so you can quickly get hold of the items while bathing your furry pal.
- The third step involves filling your sink or tub with clean and warm water. It should not be higher or above your feline’s belly. There should be adequate water for the bathing exercise rather than plenty or too much water, which can cause your cat to drown.
- Learning how to wash a cat without getting the feline to panic is not an easy task, especially if you have to lure your feline to come into the bathroom. This step can be done by enticing your cat with tasty treats or toys so that you can get hold of him. Once you pick him up, bring him into the washroom, and gently shut your door. Restrooms with a well-cleaned tub are suitable for aging or adult felines since they hardly have any hiding places and are also small. In case you have severe back pains that make it difficult for you to lean particularly into the tub, you can cleanse your feline in your kitchen or cookhouse sink.
- Likewise, you will have to prepare your feline for washing since carrying out the above steps can make your cat paranoid and anxious. As such, reassure your feline by cuddling or petting him. Allow the feline to sniff or play with the warm water to get him adjusted to his environment. After, rub a small amount of the petroleum jelly around the section encircling the opening or space of your feline’s ears. This is to prevent water from getting into your cat’s ear.
- The next step requires you to put your feline in the warm water. Here, start by grasping your cat by the back of his neck and unhurriedly lower your cat into your tub or sink. While doing this action, you should still maintain one hand on your furry friend’s nape but remove the other hand from the bottom part of his body. For some felines, they become calmer and feel safe when they see that their human companion is sitting in the bathtub alongside them in the course of the bathing. However, you should do this if you are sure that your feline will not forcefully runoff.
- Again, after your cat is in the tub, wet your feline’s coat. Use one of your hands to hold back your feline while you scoop the water with a cup and pour it onto your feline’s fur. You should pour the water on your cat’s full body except for his head. You can use a mobile showerhead in your tub or a portable sprayer in your sink to get your feline’s pattern wet. It is vital to avoid wetting your furry pal’s ears since it can result in your cat getting infections in his ear. The correct way to pour water on your feline’s head is to till his head upwards while placing your cup, sprayer, or showerhead between your furry friend’s ears. Then spray or pour the liquid in such a way that the small runoff water only drops at the back of your feline’s head. You can employ a clean wet cloth to wipe your feline’s face, especially around his eyes and mouth areas.
- After this, the next process is to shampoo your feline’s coat. Pour the shampoo gently onto your cat’s skin. To clean your feline’s face, use a wet towel, and pour small drops of the shampoo onto the towel and slowly cleanse your cat’s face. Also, when bathing your feline to remove fleas, you will have to pour out a small amount of shampoo into your cat’s fur, onto his legs, tummy, head, and tail.
- The final stage is to rinse your cat’s coat. Empty your tub with your feline still sitting in the bathtub. Then use the cup, sprayer, or showerhead and rinse your feline’s pattern by employing the above procedure for moistening his coat. You should also remove any soap residue on his fur since it may attract dust once your furry friend is clean and dry.
How to Dry Your Feline After Bathing
- The first stage is to squeeze the liquid out of your cat’s coat by paying particular attention to his feet, legs, and tail. Begin by forming a shape that looks like the letter ”U” with your hand. Use the shape you created with your hand to hold your feline’s shoulders. Then, apply a little bit of pressure or force while at the same time pulling your shaped hand from your feline’s shoulders straight to his hips. You will observe a pushing liquid flowing downwards from the uppermost part of your cat’s back. After, slowly grasp your cat’s tail with one hand and pull that hand immediately from the base of the tail to the tip. When you’re done with this, water will flow from the cat’s pattern into your tub. Repeat this process to the feet and legs as well by squeezing your cat’s paw softly to release water, particularly from your feline’s fur circling his toes.
- Next is to spread a clean towel or cloth out on your floor with one hand restraining your cat. Then, pick your feline up while supporting the back of your cat’s legs using the other hand but don’t scruff it. After, lift your cat from the sink or bathtub. Slowly lower your feline onto the clean towel on the floor. Use your right hand to fold your towel or cloth and partly cover your feline while the other hand is still restraining your cat. Next, use the same right hand to rub the cloth over your feline’s pattern in an up and down motion. Continue stroking your furry pal’s body until the coat is fuzzy and semi-dry. Subsequently, use the comb or brush to smoothen and flatten his fur. At this stage, give your feline treats, soothing, and release him.
Voila! You now have a well-cleaned and groomed furry pal to bond with.
Check out some of our other cat grooming guides, such as cat nail clippers, cat nail caps, cat brushing gloves and cat ear cleaners.
How to Wash a Cat That Despises Water
Another problem that cat owners have to deal with is how to bathe a cat that hates water. Some felines will get agitated and even become aggressive when you put them into the tub filled with water. Read below to find out what you should do in such circumstances.
- Don’t rush the bathing process as this may cause your cat to become nervous.
- Talk in a friendly manner to your feline all through the exercise. Screaming and yelling will only frighten your cat.
- Stroke your cat’s fur frequently
- Make an effort to associate the bathing session with his treasured toy.
Tips for Cleaning a Feline
To effectively wash your feline, here are a few cat bath tips you can use.
- Use only feline-friendly shampoo and carefully follow the directives outlined on the product.
- Arrange every bathing tools and equipment before you put your cat into the sink or tub.
- Examine the temperature of the water.
- Remove every soap residue on your feline’s body.
- Wash your furry friend’s face and head with a clean, warm towel.
- Don’t immerse your feline’s head under the warm water.
- Be patient throughout the process.
- Introduce your kitty to the cleaning process before they mature. It is difficult cleaning aging cats for the first time; as such, they become apprehensive.
To Summarize
Though felines are usually neat freaks and clean pets, there may be occasions where you will need to give them a good bath. Situations such as car oil or grease on their skin will require you to wash them meticulously. Thus, brace yourself up as some cats may behave like divas and give you a tough time during the cleaning process. When they become belligerent, be calm, and follow our guidelines to prevent them from hurting you. Bathing your feline comes with many advantages, including reducing infections and maintaining his shiny coat. So, the next time you take you feline out for a bath, try and make the bathing experience comfortable, fun, and worthwhile for you and your furry friend.
Sources:
- How to Give a Stress-Free Cat Bath – Michelson Found Animals
- Give Your Kitten a Bath With These Simple Tips – Animal Humane Society