How To Bathe Your Cat And Survive



Posted: Thursday, July 05, 2007

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So, you've decided a bath is in order for your cat? Well, okay: there are circumstances where it's the best solution, but be prepared. Cats really do hate water and unless you have an unusual kitty, you're going to have you hands full. Be patient and gentle, and don't lose your temper even if your kitty does.

Before you begin bathing your cat, you will need to gather a few supplies. At the minimum, you will need two absorbent terry cloth towels, a pet safe shampoo, a pet safe conditioner, a sponge, and a sprayer attachment for your sink or tub. If you don't have a sprayer attachment, you should have a pitcher or large cup that you can use to scoop clean water over your cat's body. Ideally, you should also have a non-skid mat to help your cat feel more secure.

If you decide to bathe your cat in the tub, you may have a harder time holding on to him if he becomes frightened. However, it is usually easier to keep him contained if he escapes in a bathroom than in the kitchen.

Place your non-skid mat in the bottom of the sink or tub. Add two to three inches of warm water and gently place your cat in the tub. Talk to him quietly and reassure him. He will most likely settle down within a few seconds. Once he is calm, begin to wet him down. If the sprayer attachment scares him too badly, you may have to pour water over him using your pitcher or cup, instead. Do not pour water on his head. You will clean his face later.

A little shampoo on your hand and your ready to massage it into your cat's coat. Be gentle and calm; some cats respond very well to being shampooed. The rinse is what can be difficult. It's essential you get all of the shampoo out of your cat's coat. Any residue left behind will cause skin irritation.

Now, work a palm sized dollop of conditioner into your cat's coat and then rinse it out. This step is actually optional if the cat has short hair. However, conditioner will not hurt a short haired cat, so, if he is not too upset, you may still want to use it.

Once your cat's body is clean, dampen your sponge and use it to carefully wipe down his face. Pay close attention to the area under his eyes.

Wrap your cat in a big towel and pat and rub him dry. Use the second towel after the first one is wet. Get as much water out of his coat as you can. Tell you cat how proud you are of him and how grand he smells and how beautiful he's going to look, now that he's clean. Promise you won't do it again until you really have to. Reward him with a treat or a toy.

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