Cats usually groom their fur by licking themselves, so once they are adults you don't have to do much to groom them. Kittens, on the other hand, have difficulty with cleaning certain areas: the head, the back and the bottom. Normally it is the mother cat who helps them clean these areas and so your job is to fill this role until the cat is old enough to do it on its own. If it is particularly dirty, consider giving it a complete bath, otherwise it should be sufficient to clean it using specific products or brushing its fur.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning a Kitten with a Damp Cloth
Step 1. If the kitten is not too dirty, clean it with a damp cloth
Kittens regularly groom themselves by licking themselves, but because they have a hard time reaching areas such as the head, back, and bottom, it's the mother who typically helps keep them clean. As a substitute for the mother, you need to clean your kitten regularly to keep it healthy and hygienic.
It should also be noted that this is a good way to get your puppy to familiarize yourself with water and bathing in a gradual and safe way. Cleaning it with a damp cloth, in fact, uses less water than is necessary to give it a complete bath
Step 2. Try to clean it after feeding it
Many kittens, especially smaller ones, get very dirty when they eat. After the meal, massage his entire body with a clean, damp cloth, focusing mainly on the abdomen and genitals area. This will stimulate him to clear his intestines.
Step 3. Wet a soft cloth with warm water
Make sure the cloth is not too rough, or it will irritate the cat's skin. If it is particularly dirty, consider having your vet recommend a specific shampoo for puppies to apply to the cloth. It is a product that you can find in many pet stores.
Step 4. Start by cleaning the kitten's back
Use a cloth moistened with warm water and always follow the direction of the fur, to avoid hurting the kitten or annoying it. Keep him still and talk to him using a reassuring tone so that he feels comfortable. Many kittens are used to being stroked on the back, so focus on this area in particular, cleaning it until the cat is accustomed to the cloth.
At any stage of cleaning, if you see the kitten getting nervous or frightened, stop washing it for a moment and hug it to you while continuing to talk to it in a comforting tone. This will help them understand that you respond to their discomfort and may start to trust you more
Step 5. Gently scrub the kitten from front to back
Start with the muzzle and forelimbs, then move to the back and abdomen and finish with the hind legs. Avoid the eyes, ears and nose! Unless the kitten's head is really very dirty, it's best to avoid cleaning this area. Don't worry though, your cat will probably clean it up after bathing.
Step 6. Pay particular attention to the area under the tail
Kittens have trouble cleaning this area on their own and it is likely to be the area where the mother helps them the most. This explains why cats often turn around and show you their backside when you pet them: it is a sign of trust because they behave as they did with their mother when they were puppies.
- Keep in mind that you need to clean your kitten's bottom almost every day, especially if he doesn't clean himself. This way you will keep him healthy, be happier and you won't smell bad.
- If the cat does not groom itself, it could be a sign that it is overweight.
Step 7. Continue scrubbing the kitten until it is clean
If the fur is still dirty, you can repeat the cleaning using another cloth. When the kitten is nice and clean, put him in a warm place where he can curl up until he's completely dry.
Make sure you don't leave it wet and shaking if you don't want it to get sick, then dry it well by dabbing off the excess water with a towel
Part 2 of 3: Bathing a Kitten
Step 1. If the kitten is very dirty, give him a bath
It should be remembered that cats do their own cleaning by licking themselves, so you must give them a full bath only if they have fleas or when they are particularly dirty and simply rubbing them with a cloth would not be enough. Then, you have to give it a bath as soon as you see that it is dirty, because if you wait too long, the cat could feel discomfort and develop a rash. But first prepare everything you need:
- A soft, clean towel (or more than one if needed)
- Cat shampoo. Avoid using soaps for humans and harsh chemicals (or detergents);
- A basin, sink or any basin that can hold water. Avoid washing your kitten outdoors because if it escapes you would have more trouble tracking it down.
Step 2. Make sure you buy a shampoo designed specifically for cats
Do not wash your kitten with human shampoo or soap, or even dishwashing! Her skin, in fact, is very delicate (like the fur of the rest) and soaps for human use would dry her out.
Step 3. Plan for when you're done bathing him
Once you have chosen where to wash it, also prepare a cozy and warm place for the kitten to then relax. Choose a room in the house that has a door (so you can close it), a curtain or a pet gate.
- After the bath the puppy will be wet and cold, so he will look for a warm place where he can fix his coat. Then prepare a warm and comfortable corner under a table lamp (or other light source) and, if you also have a specific thermal mat for animals, connect it to the power supply.
- Have a treat (or meal) ready to give to the kitten immediately after the bath. It will be a delightful reward for him.
Step 4. Fill a shallow basin (or sink) with warm water
The puppy's skin is delicate: using hot water your kitten could get burned, while cold water could dangerously lower his body temperature. This is why it is very important that you use lukewarm water, neither too hot nor too cold (you will know that the temperature is right if, by pouring it on the skin of the wrist, you do not feel discomfort). Also check that the water is not too deep, because the cat does not go completely submerged.
Step 5. Gently place the kitten in the sink
Many cats are not afraid of water, but rather of the loud noise it makes when it comes out of the tap. Once running water has frightened them, they learn to fear it all the time, so first fill the sink with water and only then submerge the cat. Caress him gently, to calm him down and make him feel safe, and speak to him in a soothing tone throughout the cleansing process.
- At first, proceed with caution and soak the kitten by placing it in water and leaving it there for a few seconds. Then take him out, dry his paws, and give him a reward for doing well.
- If your cat really refuses to be bathed, give him two weeks to familiarize himself with the water. Towards the end of the second week you should be able to even wash it under the tap without resisting it.
Step 6. Lather your puppy with a cat shampoo
Make sure the kitten is completely wet before you start soaping him. With a cloth (or a hand) rub a small amount of shampoo into the fur and gently lather the entire body of the cat, from the head to the tail. With a wet finger, remove all traces of urine and feces.
- Avoid washing your kitten using soap, unless it is necessary to treat him against fleas. If you have to do this, consult your vet and ask for a soap that is safe for your friend.
- Make sure that water, soap and anything else does not end up on the cat's face because they could irritate his eyes and make him panic making him associate this negative fact with bathing in the future.
Step 7. Rinse the kitten completely
Fill a cup with water and pour it over the kitten's body. Do this slowly and carefully because you have to remove all traces of shampoo. Use a damp towel to wipe the soap off his face and speak to him in a calm voice if you see him resisting or seem scared.
- If at this point the kitten becomes livelier, get someone to help hold him down while you pour water over his body.
- If the sink has a detachable hand shower, use it quietly, but make sure it's not set to a strong jet or you could hurt your kitten.
- Do not run tap water directly on the puppy's head, otherwise it could get into his eyes and frighten him.
Step 8. Use as little water as possible
Do not immerse the kitten in too much water. If the puppy isn't strong enough, he may have trouble getting out of it and instead needs to feel comfortable. Instead, wet his hind legs and lower abdomen with one hand.
Step 9. Once finished, wrap the kitten in a clean, dry towel
Bathe your puppy as quickly as possible, then dry his fur with a clean towel. Next, wrap it in another dry, soft towel and place it in a warm place until it dries. If possible, stay with him and cuddle him, to help him calm down.
If it seems cold to you, speed up the drying process by wiping it with the towel in the direction of the hair, so it will warm up sooner
Part 3 of 3: Brushing a Kitten
Step 1. If your kitten is not too dirty, brush his fur
If the kittens are excessively dirty, brushing them may not be the best solution because it would be better to wash them first. However, if you see that the kitten is not very dirty and the fur doesn't look very dirty, you can clean it simply by using a brush.
- This method is very useful for removing fleas from kittens recovered from the street. It also helps to stimulate subcutaneous blood circulation and can concretely improve the health of the cat's skin.
- Using the brush is especially important with long-haired cats, which are generally more prone to dirt. On their mantle, in fact, it is easier for dirt to get stuck.
Step 2. Choose the right brush for your kitten
Depending on the length and type of the cat's coat, the brush or comb to use will be different. Check that your cat does not have fleas because it is infested with them, you will need a comb with special fine teeth to remove these parasites from its skin.
You can purchase specially designed metal combs for this purpose at many pet stores. Consult your vet if you are undecided about the choice of brush
Step 3. Brush the kitten starting from the head and working towards the tail
Doing this in the wrong direction can irritate their skin and cause their hair to fall out. Brush your entire body meticulously, focusing on the abdomen, back and hind legs.
- Some kittens may refuse to be brushed, so be nice to yours and don't force it. Use a calm, reassuring tone of voice during this operation and try to make him feel comfortable.
- Clean your brush from time to time in the process as dirt and lint can build up on the bristles, making it less effective.
Step 4. If the kitten refuses the first brush, try using two
Cats take care of their hair themselves and your puppy may find it offensive that you help him with this, or just be intrigued. If you see him starting to bite the brush, leave it in front of him so he can smell it, then use another one to continue brushing. This way you will allow him to see it and at the same time you can take care of his hair. Over time, he may learn to love being brushed and let you do it freely.
Repeat this as needed. Keep reversing the brushes: every time your cat grabs the one you are using, simply take the other one and continue with the cleaning
Advice
- Keep the litter box clean, otherwise every time the kitten goes to the toilet it will end up getting more dirty than before and keeping it clean will be a losing battle from the start.
- If your kitten is an indoor cat, make sure to clean and care for the spaces where he spends most of his time because playing in a clean environment will get less dirty.
