How To Bathe a Cat?

The problem is that cats rarely are up to a bath, even if they need one. Consequently, the process is distressing for both the cat and the owner.

Washing your feline friend may seem like a tremendous undertaking, but you will undoubtedly manage it if you follow pro tips for bathing a cat.

Most importantly, take care of your safety and pay attention to the cat’s mental state.

How To Understand a Cat Actually Needs Bathing

Although some cats enjoy the water, bathing is stressful for most cats. You’ve likely sprayed a cat from a water bottle at least once in your lifetime and know they run away with lightning speed. Now, imagine putting the cat in a bath.

Furthermore, cats handle grooming well themselves, so bathing is only necessary in rare cases. So, how do you know a cat needs bathing?

In some instances, the need for bathing is obvious. For example, when a cat decides to play in the mud in your garden or hides in a chimney.

If your cat has fleas or ticks, your vet may recommend using special shampoo to fight the parasites. However, flea shampoo is a temporary solution because it doesn’t kill the eggs.

In other words, bathing is necessary whenever the cat is too dirty to clean on its own or has fleas. However, bathing is also required for any breed cat before a show – perhaps, apart from sphynx.

Unless you’re getting your kitty ready for a cat show or it got really dirty, it doesn’t need to be bathed. Help in grooming may be necessary for long-haired cats, but it doesn’t involve washing.

If you have a long-haired cat, brush its coat with a furminator once in a while to minimize hairballs and tangles.

What You’ll Need

Assuming your cat genuinely needs washing, gather all the necessary supplies beforehand. You’ll need a soft, large towel, cat nail clips, cat shampoo, and a rubber mat for the bath.

If you have a long-haired cat, you’ll also need a brush. Cat fur conditioners, skin exfoliators, and liquid silk can be used to groom the cat for a show but using so many products for a domestic cat is unnecessary.

Don’t use your shampoo to wash your cat because it may contain chemicals toxic to pets and can irritate the cat’s skin. Dog shampoo should be harmless for cats, but dogs and cats have different fur types.

If you can’t find any cat shampoo in local pet stores, use a hypoallergenic baby shampoo that does not contain chemicals. As a rule of thumb, the fewer ingredients in a shampoo, the better it’s suitable for cats.

Buy a shampoo that targets your cat’s needs. For example, if the cat has fleas, buy anti-flea shampoo, and if your cat has long fur, get a smoothing detangling shampoo.

Trim the Claws & Brush The Coat

Preparation is vital for safe and effective cat bathing. Start by clipping the cat’s claws because your furry friend likely won’t like being washed and may be aggressive. If you have no idea how to clip cat claws, a few tips can help.

Before you begin, get the cat acquainted with the clipper. Leave the clipper somewhere close and let your pet sniff it. Then, wait until your cat is in a good mood and put it on your lap, ensuring your little friend sits comfortably.

Take one of the paws in your hand and press it gently, causing the claws to show. Then, clip off the sharp point, avoiding the quick. Don’t forget to trim the back leg claws.

If your cat has long fur, brush it thoroughly before washing, getting rid of all tangles. Brushing also helps to relax the cat because it resembles petting. If you have difficulty eliminating knots, use a bit of oil.

Right Timing

One of the biggest mistakes in bathing a cat is doing it when the cat is irritated, anxious, or wants to play. Timing is critical, so wait until your four-legged friend is calm and relaxed.

The more energy your cat has, the stronger it will object to washing. Play with your cat beforehand to drain its energy or wait until the cat decides to rest itself. Feeding the cat also helps to calm it down.

You may put the cat’s favorite toy in the bathtub and let the cat play in it for some time to get used to the environment.

In some instances, calming a cat before bathing is impossible. Suppose your cat went missing and you’ve found it all dirty in a neighbor’s garden.

Getting lost is stressful for cats, and the poor creature may need weeks to restore its mental well-being. So, how to give a cat a bath if it’s extremely anxious? In this case, you can use some catnip.

Be discrete when preparing the bath. Cats hide skillfully, especially when they sense bath time or a trip to a vet.

Get Someone To Help

Unless your cat admires water, it will inevitably try to escape the bath. Holding a cat with one hand and cleaning it with another is challenging, so ask someone to help.

Your helper should keep the cat under the front and back legs, ensuring it can move neither front nor back.

Some cats get extremely aggressive during bathing. In this case, you and your helper can wear thick garden gloves to prevent injuries. Avoid short-sleeved clothes, even if your cat is an example of angelic behavior.

Alright, but how to secure a cat while bathing if you have no one to help? Use a leash attached to a sturdy hook in the bathroom. Opt for a full-body harness instead of a collar for the cat’s safety.

Don’t forget to close the bathroom door to prevent the cat from escaping. Close also the toilet lid because a terrified cat may jump inside.

Likewise, remove the cat’s litterbox from the bathroom. The cat may jump into the litterbox, perceiving it as a safe place. Litter sand sticks to wet paws, and your cat can make a huge mess running around.

Get Traction

Your cat will appreciate traction in the bathtub as much as you do. Lay a rubber mat into the bathtub to prevent your kitty’s paws from slipping on the wet surface.

A towel will do the job if you don’t have a rubber mat, although it will be soaking wet afterward. Traction will also help you keep the cat in place.

Bath or Shower?

When it comes to actual washing, you have two options – a bath and a shower. When deciding whether to wash a cat in a tub vs. shower, consider your cat’s attitude to water and level of dirtiness.

If your cat is really dirty, washing it in a bathtub may be quicker and more convenient. However, washing it under a shower may be a better idea if the cat only has muddy paws or hates water with a fiery passion.

To wash a cat in a bathtub, fill the tub with a few inches of warm water before bringing your four-legged friend in. Running water may scare the cat, so prepare the bathtub beforehand.

A comfortable water temperature for a cat is about 76 degrees Fahrenheit or 24 degrees Celsius. It’s better to use slightly colder water than hot because cat skin is gentle.

On the one hand, you can’t avoid the running water sound when washing a cat under a shower. On the other hand, you don’t have to wet the entire cat, and your furry friend is more likely to tolerate getting only strategic parts cleaned.

Shampoo & Rinse Well

Start by wetting only the cat’s paws to get it used to water. If your cat doesn’t become overly aggressive, soak it from the neck down. Then, rub a bit of shampoo between your hands.

Don’t use much shampoo because you will need to rinse it for too long. Apply the shampoo to the cat’s back, tummy, and legs. Only shampoo the tail if necessary because most cats don’t like their tail being touched.

Avoid using the shampoo anywhere near the cat’s face. If it’s dirty, clean it with water, and if any shampoo gets in the eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse it thoroughly with cold water.

Next, rinse the shampoo, ensuring no film remains on the coat. Spend extra time rinsing the shampoo if your cat has long fur.

Wrap The Cat in a Towel

Finally, it’s time to dry your cat. However, not every owner knows how to dry a cat after bathing correctly. Start by blotting excess water from your cat with a large towel. Then, wrap your cat in the towel and rub it gently.

If your cat doesn’t like you rubbing it with the towel, respect it and stop. Short-haired cats don’t need further help – the coat will dry itself.

If your cat has long fur, you can use a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting and speed. Gently brush the cat’s coat once it’s semi-dry to get rid of tangles. However, don’t use a dryer if your cat is distressed.

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