Cat
How to Give Your Cat a Bath
How to give your cat a bath. – Generally, cats aren’t very fond of water, but if you own a cat then chances are you’re already aware of this fact. Cats are excellent at grooming themselves but sometimes that just isn’t enough. With Winter season coming into effect it’s starting to rain more, which means mud, and lots of it! If your cat gets incredibly muddy and covered in filth then you may have to consider giving it a bath. Now, giving a cat a bath can be incredibly painful. But if you do it right then you’ll avoid being turned into a human scratching post.
How To Give Your Cat A Bath
Step 1 – Prepare Your Cat
First of all, you need to groom your cat’s fur, ready to be washed. You will need some kind of cat brush to get rid of all the excess hair and any mats in the fur. An easy way to make their bath less of a hassle is to play with your cat first.
A rigorous play session will help to tire out your little kitty and make them more mellow, and so less likely to struggle and scratch you. Another suggestion you may find helpful is to make sure your cat’s nails aren’t too long as it makes it less likely for your cat to lash out.
You could also gently put some cotton wool in your cat’s ears to stop them from being filled with water.
Step 2 – Prepare the Bath/Tub
We recommend that you do not actually give your cat a bath in the same bathtub you use. It is much easier, quicker, and less likely for your cat to drown if you bathe them in some kind of special tub. Having said this it is possible to bathe them in your bathtub, just make sure not to fill it up too much with water and that you can easily reach over the side to wash your cat.
It is important to fill your tub/bath with lukewarm (not hot!) water and that you place a rubber mat at the bottom of the bath so that your cat doesn’t slide around.
Your tub/bath should be filled no more than 3 to 4 inches deep so that you won’t drown your kitty.
Step 3 – Bathing Your Cat
We recommend that you use some kind of showerhead or nozzle spray to gently cover your cat in water from shoulders to tail. Make sure to keep the water away from the cat’s head. If you don’t have a showerhead or nozzle you can carefully use a bucket or pitcher.
Cats prefer to be balancing on their hind legs in the bath, so if it is possible try and place their front paws on the edge of the tub/bath to make them relax a bit more.
Use your cat shampoo and gently lather them from shoulder to tail including the paws. Make sure you have a special cat shampoo as human products may irritate the skin.
Rinse away all the shampoo thoroughly because this could also cause skin irritation. Use a small washcloth to wash the cat’s face – water is the best option but if your cat’s face is exceptionally filthy you may use a very small amount of shampoo, staying clear of the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.
Step 4 – Dry Your Kitty
You will need a couple of large towels. First, you must use a towel to gently blot across your cat’s body and pressing gently to get rid of all excessive water.
Next, you must wrap your cat up in a towel and give them a good rub. Lastly place your cat on a dry, preferably warm towel to dry. Make sure to place them somewhere warm without a draft.
If you have a long-haired cat it may be a good decision to blow dry your cats fur and run it through a wide-tooth comb.
Step 5 – Reward
Your cat has been incredibly fearless in surviving through their first bath! Make sure to reward them with their favorite treat or snack for their bravery.
Giving your little warrior a treat can also make your cat more willing to take a bath over time until one day, you never know, they could enjoy it!]]>
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