While there are cats that like to bathe, for many of them it is a terrible experience. Bathing a cat that hates water can result in a traumatized pet and a good deal of scratching and biting. To make bath time as stressful as possible, it's important to be prepared in time and have an extra pair of hands on hand.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting Ready for the Bathroom
Step 1. Prepare the necessary materials
When bathing an angry cat, it's important to have everything ready before you begin. He will probably try in every way to escape; if you leave it alone to fetch something you have forgotten, you risk finding yourself with a wet and soapy cat roaming freely around the house. Before you start washing it, prepare everything you need (cat shampoo, towels, a washcloth) and keep it handy near the tub.
- It may be helpful to put a rubber bath mat in the sink, tub, or tub that you will bathe in. The cat will feel more stable on its paws and will not continually slip.
- Use only cat-specific shampoos; those for humans get too annoyed and won't do them any good. You can buy them at a pet store or even at the vet.
- Prepare a soft towel that is large enough to wrap your cat in after a bath. You can also warm the towel a little on a radiator or in front of an electric heater, or keep it a few minutes in the dryer if you have one.
- To protect your hands from scratches, you can wear rubber gloves.
- Also get a brush and nail clipper to groom the cat before washing.
Step 2. Trim his nails and brush his fur
Before attempting to bathe him, make sure his nails are short enough to prevent unwanted scratches. Also, brush it well to remove knots and bulk of dirt; it will also serve to calm him in sight of the bathroom.
If your cat does not tolerate having his nails clipped, perhaps it would be best to let a veterinarian or professional groomer do it
Step 3. Avoid chasing him and try not to scare him
It is best to try to wash it while it is calm; if you chase him or grab him sharply, you will only scare him and make the bathing process somewhat difficult. Brushing him, cuddling him and talking to him softly will help him relax.
You can also try to tire him out by playing with him for a while before the bath
Step 4. Ask a friend for help
When it comes to bathing a difficult cat, having an extra pair of hands is always handy. Ask a friend or relative to assist you; even better if the person you ask for help knows how to deal with cats, especially with uncooperative ones.
It would help even more if the cat already knew that person, so that he is not upset by the presence of a stranger
Part 2 of 3: Bathing Him the Right Way
Step 1. Use lukewarm water
Fill the sink, tub, or tub with a few inches of warm water, neither too cold nor too hot. The cat will feel more comfortable and will not experience a thermal shock when you put it inside.
Step 2. Take him by the scruff
When you have to put the cat in the water, gently lift it by holding it by the scruff (the flap of flesh and fur at the nape of the neck) and ask your helper to hold it still by taking it by the back of the body, without squeezing too much. If your cat is particularly nervous, it will be extremely important to keep him still as much as possible; however, try to do it gently, without hurting or frightening him.
Close the door. Try to keep the cat confined to the place where you will bathe him, wherever he is, to prevent him from escaping in case he manages to free himself from your grip
Step 3. Gently apply the shampoo
Wet the fur by pouring a little water on the cat with a cup or even spraying it with a spray bottle; then, while your friend holds it still, gently apply the shampoo, massaging well. If your cat has very thick or very long hair, you may want to dilute the shampoo so you don't over-lather them - try one part shampoo and five parts water.
Try to avoid getting water or shampoo on your face or ears. Pour or splash the water away from the head and instead use a wet washcloth to gently clean the muzzle
Step 4. Rinse it thoroughly from head to tail
Again, be careful to keep soap and water away from the muzzle as you rinse the shampoo off. Gently pass your hand over the hair, following its direction of growth; this will help make sure there are no shampoo residues left and also eliminate excess water.
It is important to get rid of all the shampoo. Any residue can irritate the cat's skin, which will start to itch and scratch. Also, they would make the fur sticky and it would end up getting even more dirty
Step 5. Wrap it in a large, dry towel
Once you have rinsed all the shampoo off, try to remove excess water by running your hand over the cat in the direction of hair growth, as if you were using a window brush. Then, ask your friend to help you wrap the cat in the towel you made. Wrap it well, but not too tight; make sure he can breathe well, but can't escape at the same time. Keep it wrapped in a towel to let the fur dry as much as possible.
- While the cat is drying, try to keep it in a warm room, with no drafts from fans or an open window.
- If you want to use a hair dryer, be sure to set it to the lowest heat setting, or you risk burning his skin, which is very sensitive.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping It Clean Between One Bathroom and Another
Step 1. Remember that cats usually clean themselves
Most cats are perfectly capable of looking after their own cleanliness; You should therefore only bathe your cat if he has become very dirty or if he has health problems that require special attention to hygiene. Your vet will be able to advise you on this.
Step 2. Brush it often
Brushing your cat regularly is a good way to keep him clean without having to go to the bathroom. The brush removes knots and dirt from the fur and can also improve overall skin health by stimulating blood circulation and eliminating sebum and dead hair.
- Use a brush designed for cats and be gentle. If you find a knot too difficult to untie, cut it carefully.
- By brushing off the excess hair, you will also help your cat regurgitate hairballs less often after cleaning.
- When you brush it, check the health of its skin and coat: check for signs of excessive hair loss, infections, or the presence of fleas or ticks. If you notice any of these problems or any other abnormalities, contact your vet.
Step 3. Use a wet wipe to clean specific areas when needed
Instead of tucking your cat into the tub as soon as you notice some dirt on the fur, just use a damp cloth to clean it. This will not only avoid the drama that often comes with bathing a cat that hates being bathed, but you can also prevent the excessive dryness of the skin that too frequent bathing can cause.
Advice
If you are concerned that you will not be able to bathe your cat while avoiding scratches and bites, consider taking him to a professional groomer
Warnings
- Always contact a veterinarian if you are concerned about your cat's health or well-being.
- Do not lift an adult cat by holding only the scruff of the neck: it could hurt. If you take him by the scruff of his neck, you must always lift him while supporting his entire weight at the same time.
