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Bathing your cat may not be the most fun of activities, but it is a necessary chore. Some cats take better to baths than others, but the best way to make this a more enjoyable activity is to get him used to bathing and grooming from an early age. If you're already past that point and just dread the thought of cleaning your kitty, you can always take him to the groomer.
There are some supplies that you'll need. First is a good shampoo and conditioner. You'll find a large variety of these and can get ones that are meant for your particular breed's coat. You'll probably want to try out a few brands to see how your cat's coat reacts to them and then choose the one that's best. You'll also need some towels, a washcloth, and a hair dryer.
Before you start the bath, first wash your cat's face with a mixture of warm water and baby shampoo using a well wrung-out washcloth. Be sure to clean the eye area and inside the outer ear. Rinse these areas clean by wiping several times with warm water, then pat dry with a towel. Now it's time for the bath.
The best place for your cat's bath is a laundry tub or sink. Fill this half way with warm water. Gently lower your cat into the water by holding his two front feet in one hand and supporting his body with the other. Try to avoid over splashing the water as the noise tends to frighten cats. Get the coat, minus the face, thoroughly wet then apply the shampoo and work it into a lather. Rinse well using a sink hose or by pouring water from a cup over his coat several times. Now its time for the conditioner, which should be diluted first with warm water.
Work this into the coat and then rinse again. Once the coat rinses clean, squeeze out excess water then blot dry with a towel. It's best not to rub as this can cause tangles but to blot using multiple towels if necessary.
With a hair dryer set on medium heat, dry your cat's coat, holding the hair dryer about a foot away and keeping it constantly moving. Make sure not to blow air into your cat's ears or on his face. You can use a wide-toothed comb as you dry. The coat can take up to 24 hours to completely dry, so be sure to keep your cat warm and out of drafts in the meantime. Back to Pet Tips |
