Fluffy Gets a Bath
October 21st, 2008
Have you ever tried bathing a cat? It’s not for everyone.
Cats don’t typically need a bath as they are really good at keeping themselves clean. But sometimes they get into messes and you need to persevere or have it done by a groomer. Of course, it’s always best to begin bathing your cat when she’s a kitten. The sooner in life your cat is put in the tub for a bath, the easier it will be to give her a bath as she grows up. If that time has passed and you decide to take on the challenge later in life, here are some tips.
First, have all the supplies you need at the ready. If you’re bathing due to a skin condition, be sure you use a shampoo that’s recommended by your veterinarian.
As we all know, cats love warmth so it helps to make the room warm. Also, use of a pheromone emitter that plugs in helps to lessen your cat’s anxiety. Whether you’re bathing in a sink or a tub, it’s a smart move to place a rubber mat on the bottom so your cat doesn’t slip around. It’s stressful enough on your cat without you having to steady her while bathing. If you give your cat a bath in the sink, use of a hand sprayer is best. If you give your cat a bath in the bathtub, a removable shower head works best. If you don’t have either of these, then a large plastic cup will do.
If you have two people for the job then one can gently restrain the cat at the neck while the other one bathes. If there’s only you, then use of a harness helps. Just attach a leash to the harness and wrap it around the faucet allowing a foot or two lead so your cat doesn’t jump out. You never want to leave your cat alone in a harness. If you’re doing this task alone and don’t have a harness, be sure to close the door. Otherwise, you might have a sopping cat running through your house. It’s also wise to dress appropriately. You’re going to get wet and possibly scratched or bitten. Wearing rubber gloves helps protect you.
Now for the actual bathing. Get the water to a warm temperature and then put your cat in. Apply the shampoo starting with the head and going all the way to the tail. Then start lathering in the same direction. Some shampoos say to leave them on 5 to 15 minutes before rinsing, so be sure to read the directions first. When rinsing, make sure all the shampoo is removed. Shampoo left on the skin can cause skin irritations or be ingested when your cat licks her fur.
To dry your cat, first squeeze all the water you can out of her hair and then use a big fluffy towel to wrap her in. Most cats won’t tolerate a blow dryer. It scares them unless you’ve already gotten your cat use to its’ sound and feel. Even then, not all cats will get accustomed to it. Try to comb your cats hair out while still wet if she’ll let you. If not, use a comb once she’s settled down.
By: Debbie Foster
About the Author:
Cats don’t typically need a bath as they are really good at keeping themselves clean. But sometimes they get into messes and you need to persevere or have it done by a groomer. Of course, it’s always best to begin bathing your cat when she’s a kitten. The sooner in life your cat is put in the tub for a bath, the easier it will be to give her a bath as she grows up. If that time has passed and you decide to take on the challenge later in life, here are some tips.
First, have all the supplies you need at the ready. If you’re bathing due to a skin condition, be sure you use a shampoo that’s recommended by your veterinarian.
As we all know, cats love warmth so it helps to make the room warm. Also, use of a pheromone emitter that plugs in helps to lessen your cat’s anxiety. Whether you’re bathing in a sink or a tub, it’s a smart move to place a rubber mat on the bottom so your cat doesn’t slip around. It’s stressful enough on your cat without you having to steady her while bathing. If you give your cat a bath in the sink, use of a hand sprayer is best. If you give your cat a bath in the bathtub, a removable shower head works best. If you don’t have either of these, then a large plastic cup will do.
If you have two people for the job then one can gently restrain the cat at the neck while the other one bathes. If there’s only you, then use of a harness helps. Just attach a leash to the harness and wrap it around the faucet allowing a foot or two lead so your cat doesn’t jump out. You never want to leave your cat alone in a harness. If you’re doing this task alone and don’t have a harness, be sure to close the door. Otherwise, you might have a sopping cat running through your house. It’s also wise to dress appropriately. You’re going to get wet and possibly scratched or bitten. Wearing rubber gloves helps protect you.
Now for the actual bathing. Get the water to a warm temperature and then put your cat in. Apply the shampoo starting with the head and going all the way to the tail. Then start lathering in the same direction. Some shampoos say to leave them on 5 to 15 minutes before rinsing, so be sure to read the directions first. When rinsing, make sure all the shampoo is removed. Shampoo left on the skin can cause skin irritations or be ingested when your cat licks her fur.
To dry your cat, first squeeze all the water you can out of her hair and then use a big fluffy towel to wrap her in. Most cats won’t tolerate a blow dryer. It scares them unless you’ve already gotten your cat use to its’ sound and feel. Even then, not all cats will get accustomed to it. Try to comb your cats hair out while still wet if she’ll let you. If not, use a comb once she’s settled down.
By: Debbie Foster
About the Author:
An animal advocate, Debbie Foster owns http://petbedsunlimited.com where you’ll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, large dog beds, pet strollers and more.

