An orphaned kitten is vulnerable, helpless and unable to meet their basic needs. As the new owner of the cat, you must take care of its hygiene, as the mother is not present to wash it. Keeping a kitten clean reduces the likelihood of it contracting disease. Bathing him also teaches him to take care of his own hygiene and is an important step to be able to establish a bond with the animal. Normally, kittens are washed by their mothers, who use their tongue to clean them and stimulate the production of excrement. Since she is not present, you have to imitate the actions she would have taken.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Replicate the Wash of the Mother
Step 1. Clean the kitten only in a few places when it is not very dirty
If he hasn't rolled in mud, taking care of the dirtiest spots is more than enough. Orphaned kittens often get dirty. Under normal circumstances, the mother would be the one to clean them, but without her it is your duty. Cleaning your puppy's coat and back daily should be enough to keep him clean and happy.
Rub the kitten with a damp cloth to mimic the "scrubbing" his mother would have done with her tongue
Step 2. Wet a soft, dry cloth with warm water
Make sure the fabric isn't rough and doesn't irritate the kitten. At that point, wet it with warm water. Squeeze it with your hands before you start cleaning the kitten. With this process, the cloth will be roughly the same temperature as the mother's tongue.
In many pet stores you can find special shampoos for kittens, but water is usually sufficient if the animal is not particularly dirty. If you have any doubts about how and how often to wash your kitten with a specific shampoo, consult your veterinarian
Step 3. Gently scrub the kitten in the direction the hair grows
It is best to start with the front legs and the face, continuing towards the back, the belly and ending with the hind legs. Make short, repeated movements. Try to clean about 7 cm of the animal's body with each stroke and repeat the gesture two or three times in the same place. This way, you will mimic the mother's habits as closely as possible.
Be especially careful when cleaning your kitten's anal area, as they can't do it on their own. This is also the area that gets the most dirty
Step 4. Clean all other dirty spots
Once you have taken care of the majority of the kitten's body, look for spots in its fur that are dirtier (for example, they may be caked with mud or feces). Use the damp cloth to scrub back and forth an inch at a time at the affected spot. Once the kitten is clean, blot excess water with a dry towel so it doesn't get sick from the cold.
- Since you are using a slightly damp cloth to clean the kitten, its coat should be mostly dry by the time you are done.
- If the fur is still damp, dry it by gently dabbing the affected areas with a dry cloth.
Step 5. Always scrub the back area of the kittens after feeding them
You need to stimulate the anus and genitals of kittens that are less than three weeks old to urge them to urinate and defecate. You should do this right after meals. Once your kitten has eaten, massage her entire body with a clean, damp cloth, focusing particularly on the tummy and genital area.
This is usually done by the kitten's mother. However, it is up to you as this is an orphan. If you don't massage it under the tail, it won't be able to produce excrement
Step 6. Massage the kitten under the tail until it urinates and defecates
Massage the kitten's anus and urinary opening with short, repeated gestures. These movements mimic the action of the mother who washes him with her tongue.
- Since kittens will produce droppings directly in the cloth you are using, you may want to use toilet paper.
- Kittens learn to toilet themselves after about three weeks of life, when you can train them to use the litter box.
Method 2 of 3: Brush the Kitten
Step 1. Brush the kitten's fur if it doesn't need a thorough wash
Cleaning orphaned kittens with a comb or brush is a popular method. This gesture helps to stimulate subcutaneous blood circulation and can improve the condition of the animal's skin. In addition, it mimics the movement of the mother's tongue, which would cleanse her own children if they weren't orphaned.
This method is not suitable for foundlings who are too dirty. However, if your kitten is not that dirty and its coat is not contaminated, you can easily clean it by brushing it
Step 2. Purchase a brush for your kitten at a pet store
Look closely at the pet's skin and coat for fleas before choosing the right brush. If he has fleas, you need to buy a flea comb with very narrow teeth. If not, a normal pet brush may suffice.
- The presence of fleas, even in small quantities, on a kitten can lead to serious illness, but most flea chemicals are too aggressive for puppies. Ask your vet for advice.
- Ask your vet for advice if you don't know which brush to buy for your kitten.
Step 3. Brush your kitten in the direction the hair grows, from head to tail
Brushing against the grain can cause unnecessary irritation and cause it to shed hair. Pass the brush with short strokes, about 5 cm. This way you will mimic the action of the mother's tongue when she is cleaning her puppy. Brush his entire body well, including his stomach, back and rear.
Make sure you regularly clean the brush during this process, as dirt and hair can accumulate between the bristles, making it less effective
Step 4. Keep the kitten calm while brushing it
Kittens feel warm and safe when they are groomed by their mother. Replicate that feeling by holding the animal gently (never squeeze it). Also avoid abrupt or sudden movements, especially when you are holding him. Brush him calmly and slowly, speaking to him in a soothing and serene tone of voice.
Your kitten may seem nervous after the first few brushes, but he will calm down soon when he starts to trust you
Method 3 of 3: Bathe a Dirty or Flea Infested Kitten
Step 1. Prepare your bathroom supplies
Clean up your kitten right away if it is very dirty or covered in mud, dust, or other debris. Leaving a kitten dirty for too long is unpleasant for him and can cause him irritation. If it is really very dirty, you will have to bathe it and you won't be able to just wipe it with a cloth. Prepare what you need before starting:
- Clean towels;
- Mild hand soap (which does not contain irritating chemicals or detergents);
- A sink or basin;
- Ask your vet for advice on what products to use if your kitten has fleas.
Step 2. Run the water to adjust the temperature
The water should be around 35 ° C. This way, the kitten will not be cold and will feel comfortable. To assess the temperature of the water, touch it with your hand, put it on your wrist and feel the sensation on your skin.
It is important to keep the water at a reasonable temperature. The kitten's skin is sensitive. If the water is too hot it can burn him easily, while the cold one can lower his body temperature too much
Step 3. Fill a basin or sink halfway with warm water
Fill it about 10 cm before submerging the kitten. Do not submerge it completely as it may be too weak to keep afloat and risk drowning. Use your hands to wet the animal's hindquarters and belly rather than submerging it in water.
- Wet the kitten gently, handling it with slow, fluid movements. That way he will feel safe.
- Once you have washed your kitten like this for a couple of times, try leaving it alone in the water for a few seconds.
Step 4. Wash a flea-free kitten with a mild pet shampoo
Start by pouring a small amount of shampoo onto a washcloth. Gently scrub the kitten's entire body, without neglecting the face, belly, paws and back. Start shampooing his head and work his way up to his back, belly and tail. Try to remove feces and urine from the fur by scrubbing.
Do not get the water and soap in the kitten's eyes, ears and face. You could irritate these sensitive areas and scare them away
Step 5. Rinse the kitten completely
Once you have shampooed your kitten, rinse it well by slowly pouring a cup of water over it. Use a damp washcloth to wipe the soap off her face. Use gentle movements to make him feel safe and avoid getting water in his eyes.
- Do not put the kitten's head directly under the tap. This would scare him and it would become more difficult to control him in future baths.
- If your kitten seems nervous or scared, talk to him in a relaxed tone.
Step 6. Wrap the kitten in a towel when done
The bath should not last more than 5-10 minutes. Once finished, pat the pet dry with a dry cloth, then wrap its body with a second soft, dry towel. Finally put it in a warm place until it dries completely. If it feels cold or shivering, hold it close to your body to calm and warm it.
You can rub the soft towel in the direction the kitten's fur grows to dry it faster. Also, thanks to the clutch you will warm it up
Advice
- Help from a friend can help you as you clean your kitten. This way, you can focus on cleaning while the other person calms the animal.
- If your kitty has fleas, ask your vet how to get rid of the parasites. A specific flea shampoo is usually recommended to wash the animal with. Brushing wild foundlings can help remove fleas. Never use a flea shampoo on a kitten without consulting a veterinarian first, as the chemicals in cleaning products can be toxic to puppies.
