How to Bathe a Cat - Cat Bathing Guide and Tips

So the big day is finally here!

Your kitty, no doubt, is an exceptional groomer, and with their soft paws, tongue, and teeth, they can keep their majestic selves clean and fresh without your help.

But now is the time when you give your feline friend a bath to keep their coat healthy and away from any stink or parasites.

But how do you bathe a cat without getting some pretty nasty scratches?

Here is how you'll do it.

While many wild relatives of our domesticated kitties like leopards, tigers, lions, and jaguars swim pretty well and often cool off in rivers, only a few felines enjoy spending time in the water.

Drinking from your glass of water and curling up in a sink for a cosy nap are your cat's choices, but baths are simply not!

So, what to do when a bath is inevitable?

First:

• Try bathing your cats at a time when they have either eaten or played. They will be more mellow and may be too tired to scratch.

• Trim those sharp claws before getting anywhere near the water. If they are already clipped, filling the ends to dull them is a smart move before any bath time.

• Brush your cat's fur thoroughly to eliminate any loose hair or mats. Putting a cotton ball in your pet's ear can also help keep the water out.

• Place a silicone or rubber mat in the bathtub to prevent slipping. Also, do not spray warm water directly in your cat's nose, ears, or eyes.

• Keep all bath supplies within your reach. Don't forget to include the treats to reward them afterwards.

• Try making the experience as comforting as possible and prefer the product specially formulated for cats.

• Plan shorter grooming sessions and stay calm. Your pet can pick up your stress and throw a tantrum in the bathtub.

1. Call an understanding friend for help

If your cat absolutely hates water, or even avoids the bathroom altogether, then call a feline-loving friend and ask for their help.

One of you can hold the kitty for better control while the other one bathes them.

Be watchful and try to keep your cat calm. An upset feline can claw anyone, and these slits can quickly become infected. So, make sure no one gets any scratches.

If your cat is scratching, you might want to bathe them using rubber gloves.

2. Try keeping the sound of water low

It may sound weird to you, but the sound of water causes many soft and cuddly kitties to panic. They may try their best to sprint out of the tub, plus your grip, and that's the last thing you want.

Grabbing a sharp and slippery cat is the hardest, so it's better to opt for a gentle sprayer instead of a powerful and roaring hose.

You can also use a non-breakable cup to rinse your kitty thoroughly.

3. Fill the sink with lukewarm water

Your cat definitely won't be willing to dive underwater. Instead, fill the bathtub with a few inches of lukewarm water and get the dirty parts wet first. Clean the parts you need to and rinse thoroughly. Protect the face, eyes, and ears with a washcloth.

4. Follow up with the crème rinse

This is a critical step as we don't want to strip our feline's natural body oils away and dry their skin out. Let the shampoo sit for no more than 5 minutes, and then rinse the lathered-up cat.

Take your time and make sure all of the foamy stuff is gone. Anything left in there will be supped by your felines when they clean themselves with their tongue later.

Plus, it can attract a lot of dirt and irritate their delicate skin. Keep a treat available for after you rinse them to make them more comfortable afterwards. Do not use a human shampoo, however, because this can dry out your cat's skin and cause irritation.

5. Towel dry as much as you can

The most critical part of bathing your feline is drying them.

Dry your kitty as quickly as possible and use a large towel. Keep the cats in a warm room until they are thoroughly dried. If your feline enjoys and lets you, use a hairdryer on its lowest setting to get the process done faster.

If your kitty has a long and luxurious coat, comb it out to avoid mats and tangles later. Plus, your feline will be grooming for quite some time after taking a shower, so combing their coat will minimise the hairballs on your carpet.

If your cat does not tolerate water at all, try using a dry cat shampoo and ask your veterinarian for help. They may suggest some professional cat groomers.

These mild-mannered kitties usually prefer staying at home, so it is extremely rare for their long and smooth coat to get dirty. They don't require a regular bath but do need regular trimming, grooming, and brushing schedules.

Persian cat owners may also need to maintain the hygiene of their kitty's eyes, teeth, and ears to keep them from common health concerns. Bathing them every 2 to 3 months is more than enough for their coat to shine.

Persian cats have an aversion to water. The key concern will be keeping them relaxed in water without being on the run in terror. Follow the safety tips we've mentioned before to make the whole situation a breeze.

Cats rarely need to bathe as they can clean themselves quite well.

However, if there are some medical reasons or if your cat is overly dirty or is becoming infested with fleas and parasites, there is a proper way of bathing a cat without making the whole experience a disaster.

Are you supposed to give cats a bath?

The average cat may never need a bath unless they have gotten into something really messy and dangerous that you are unable to remove with regular brushing. Grooming is something felines can do very well for themselves, so they don't necessarily require any external help. However, if you plan on taking the plunge, we won't recommend doing it more than a couple of times a year.

Can you wash cats in the bath?

Yes, you can bathe your kitty in the bathtub or in the sink. But depending on the size, a sink may be an easier option as you won't have to bend or kneel down. You can also buy a cat bath, which is the perfect size for most moggies.

Do cats feel better after a bath?

Most cats don't appreciate being bathed. They try their best to stay away from bathing and spend a whole lot of time licking themselves after getting a bath. The prefer cleaning themselves and are really good at it. That probably explains why bathing cats look at you as if you have betrayed them.

Why do cats hate water?

A cat's fluff is less waterproof than a pooch's. When these fastidious animals get wet, their fur feels heavy, and they lose the ability to move swiftly. Plus, it doesn't feel normal to them.