Cats are not normally used to getting wet. Bathing a cat can be a complicated operation, which hurts feelings and brings a few scratches to the forearms. Here are some tips to make the daunting task a little easier.
Steps
Step 1. Cats are naturally clean animals, and are generally able to keep their bodies fresh and clean at all times
Step 2. Try cat wipes
You can buy them at most pet shops or large supermarkets, and they can be enough for the purpose of cleaning the fur if it is not too dirty.
Step 3. Don't expect your cat to enjoy bathing
Having false expectations will only make the operation more difficult.
Step 4. Get some gloves
Cats have only two defense mechanisms: scratching and biting. Gloves will help protect your hands and forearms.
Step 5. Fill the tub, or a basin, with 3-4 liters of water
Make sure it's warm, but not hot. Your cat would never forgive you if you burn him. Use the shower onion with a very moderate jet, and run it over his fur, wetting him with a light drizzle. Do not try to immerse the cat in water, it would hate you for it! Using onion from the shower is definitely a better idea.
Step 6. Wet the coat well
Apply the shampoo and follow the instructions on the bottle.
Step 7. Rinse the shampoo gently
Make sure you rinse it all off - any shampoo residue could cause irritation.
Step 8. Try to sit with your legs apart on the cat when it squats to prevent it from moving too much
Just be careful not to weigh on him too much and not hurt him if you don't want him to scratch you!
Advice
- If possible, start bathing the cat (approximately every six weeks) while it is still a puppy to get used to it. If he gets used to the procedure, you may then get away with a few sidelong glances and less claws.
- Don't forget that a cat's body temperature is higher than ours. If, therefore, the water is lukewarm for you, it could be a bit cold for him.
- If you are lucky enough to have a water-loving cat, fill the tub with a few centimeters of water and let it play for a while before bathing, to prepare it for the best.
- Asking your cat to ENJOY the bathroom isn't really realistic. The most that can be achieved is to make him tolerate it. The key is to be constant: don't bathe him just once a year, but maybe every few weeks (not too often, however, or it could dry out his skin).
- Keep your cat indoors for 24 hours after bathing him: if he doesn't like bathing, he may run away and never come back, so don't leave him out!
- Always use pet shampoo! Regular shampoo, the kind we use, could irritate your cat's skin, and be toxic when he licks his fur after a bath.
- Prepare many towels: the whole operation will fill the room with sketches, and it is better to be well prepared.
- If you really can't get your cat to cooperate, you can always turn to a professional, it usually doesn't cost too much.
- Talk gently and quietly to your cat to help him relax. Never scream.
Warnings
- Even if your cat loves you, they may scratch you. He does this because he's scared, don't blame him and don't take it personally.
- Be careful not to get shampoo on his eyes. They could burn and bother him, which would not help him tolerate the bathroom.
