We've heard the myths that cats are able to do all their grooming themselves and hate water. Extending these traditions to dull, long-haired, and senior cats is a disservice to cats and their owners.
Bath time doesn't have to be a wrestling fight with a grumpy swinging cat. It is possible to master the essential techniques for quick and easy bathing and drying.
So get your body armor ready, prepare to get wet, and bring your sense of humor to the bathroom or kitchen sink.
Reasons and benefits of a bath
Normally, short-haired cats don't need a bath unless they have a medical condition or get dirty. Long-haired cats benefit from routine bathing and drying. The purpose of the bath is to degrease the coat and make the cat clean to the skin.
The following drying and combing procedure is necessary to remove loose hair, tangles or mats.
Bathe your cat stress-free with this step-by-step guide
It is possible to conquer the art of the bath thanks to these few simple steps:
Preparation
Planning is key to making the cat's bath a positive experience.
Step 1: Choice of location and equipment
- Choose a suitable place for the bath, with a deep sink at waist height (kitchen or bathroom, for example). A sink provides an enclosed space (less movement for your cat) with enough elbow room and easy handling.
- The tub is not recommended as it is too big (easier to leak), your back and knees will thank you later.
- Place a rubber mat or towel in the sink to prevent slipping.
- Invest in a pet shower kit with a stainless steel hose if you plan to bathe them regularly.
- Ideally choose a dry, warm, draft-free room with a door that can be closed to prevent leaks.
- Plug in a Feliway diffuser a few hours before.
- Put on some soothing cat music to create an overall calming feeling.
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Step 2: Implementing tools and products
- Proper use of equipment and product preparation are key to minimizing cat stress, confinement, loss of control and helping to effectively manage bath time.
- Wear comfortable clothing, gloves or appropriate PPE, especially when bathing for medical reasons (to limit cross infection with other pets and yourself).
- Place a towel over your chest in case your cat decides to cling to you.
- Have cat shampoo products or Chubbs bars on hand.
- Warm a towel and make sure it's taut nearby, ready to wrap a wet cat.
- Prepare extra towels for drying.
- Have ear and eye cleaning solutions and cotton balls handy.
Preparation before the bath
- The ideal is to cut the claws of the cat the day before its bath.
- You will also want to brush and remove any carpets.
Introduction to water
- The introduction of water must be gradual, your cat must be used to it, especially if it is the first time.
- Slowly place your cat in the sink.
- Grasp your cat's shoulder/neck firmly with your left hand while remaining calm.
- Bend your left forearm over the cat's body to keep it under control.
- With your right hand, run the warm water from behind to get the cat used to the noise, vibration and tension of the water spray.
bathe a cat
- Do not immerse a cat in water, the nozzle sprayer works best for cats.
- Once your cat is used to the water temperature (slightly warmer than lukewarm) and pressure, start the water at the furthest part of the cat's body (near the tail).
- Check the reaction of the cat, if it is calm, continue by wetting the body and the chin (avoid the eyes, the ears and the nose).
- Keep the spray as close to the cat's body as possible (a strong spray is threatening to a cat).
- Lather up your cat with shampoo or bar.
- Add additional water to achieve good penetration and continue to work throughout the body. Good dispersion and good cleaning are necessary. The denser the hair, the more water it needs.
- Use your fingertips to massage in the shampoo (cats love this part)!
- Rinse out the shampoo residue several times.
- Gently squeeze excess water out of the body.
- When done, wrap the cat in a burrito of towels.
Eye and ear cleaning
- Wipe your cat's eyes with a damp cotton ball or an eye wash prescribed by your veterinarian, preferably using a fresh cotton ball for each eye.
- Gently clean your cat's outer ear using a cotton ball to remove moisture (do not dip into your cat's ear canal).
Drying process
- Dry your cat thoroughly by gently rubbing his body with a large warm towel before drying.
- Thorough drying is necessary so that the cat does not catch cold and the fur does not clump, especially in long-haired cats.
- Use a professional hair dryer on low speed and not too loud until the cat is completely dry.
- Avoid the human hair dryer as it is noisy and overheats.
- Long-haired cats benefit from meticulous combing after drying.
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Last Vital Step: Rewards
- Then reward your cat for their positive behavior by offering them a special treat (a high value treat).
- Give him lots of tender love and care, as well as playtime if he's relaxed.
Conclusion
Few cats like to be bathed; it is best to acclimatize them to this experience from a kitten age. Consistent brushing, bathing, and drying will help prevent hairballs, tangles, and peeling in long-haired cats and older cats. By planning ahead and making the best use of your equipment and your time, bathing will become an enjoyable, stress-free experience in your home.