Anyone who owns cats or has been around cats will know that they are not afraid of getting their claws out, especially if they aren’t having a good time.
Cats don’t need to be bathed very often, but when they do, it can be a difficult task that neither you nor the cat looks forward to.
Some cats just aren’t that fond of water, which can make it hard to wash them properly.
Not all cats have an aversion to bath time, but many do, and it can be difficult to get through bath time unscathed.
Cats actually spend a lot of their time grooming themselves, which is why they won’t need to be cleaned very often.
However, there will be occasions when they are in desperate need of a bath, like if they roll in something unpleasant, and we have some tips that will help you get through the process without being covered in scratches.
Be Prepared
To make things simpler for you, try to get all of your bathing essentials ready before you bring the cat into the mix.
If you have to leave your cat unattended to get your supplies ready, they aren’t likely to be there waiting for you upon your return. Such items that this could include are shampoo that is suitable for cats, a towel, and a brush for those with longer fur.
You might even need an extra person on standby to help you if it is unmanageable to do this by yourself. If your cat really doesn’t like being washed, try to be discrete when gathering your supplies, so they don’t catch on to what you’re doing.
Another thing that you can do for cats with long fur is to brush them before washing them. This will help to make the process quicker and will help to remove any mats that may be in the cat’s fur.
Next, you should fill the tub with roughly 4 inches of warm water, but be careful to make sure that the water isn’t too hot. Once you have all of your supplies, and the bath is ready, there is only one step left to follow.
Finally, the only part of the preparation left to do is to find your cat and to get them into the bathroom. Good luck!
How to Bathe Your Cat
Try to remain calm during the experience to avoid further stressing out your cat. After checking that the temperature of the water isn’t too hot or too cold, you can place your cat in the water.
Thoroughly wet their fur, but avoid the face, and make sure that the fur is soaked in water down to the skin.
Gently pour shampoo on their body and rub it into a lather using your hands. Make sure that the shampoo is designed specifically for cats, as human shampoo isn’t designed for their sensitive skin.
Once you have washed them, it’s time to rinse out all of the shampoo. Try not to leave any soap behind, as this can cause unnecessary irritation and can be very itchy.
Your cat can also try to clean themselves and end up ingesting the soap, which can give them a bad stomach.
When it comes to cleaning the face, you will only need to use a damp cloth with warm water. Avoid using any soap on this area as it is much more sensitive, and you don’t want to get any in their eyes or ears.
Cats can be prone to ear infections just like people are, and if water gets trapped in their ears, it can be very unpleasant for them. Don’t try to pour water over their head to clean them; a cloth will be sufficient.
When you have finished the previous step, you can remove your cat from the water. Wrap them in a towel to get rid of the excess water, and place them somewhere warm to dry off on their own.
You can use a blowdryer to dry them quicker, but not all cats will appreciate the loud and obnoxious sounds, and this can add too much chaos to the already stressful experience.
Top Tips for Bathing Your Cat
You should try your best to be calm throughout the process. If you are getting stressed, you are probably going to make them even more stressed.
Use a soothing voice when you talk and do not yell or raise your voice at your cat, no matter how they are acting.
You want to try and keep the situation under control, and if they are panicking, shouting is only going to make them act out even more.
This experience is likely to test your patience skills. It is important not to rush the process as this will disturb the calmness. Try only to bathe your cat when you have enough time available to go at a slower pace.
It might not always be ideal, but it is definitely the best approach to take.
The earlier in their lives that you get them used to bathing, the better. If you bathe your cat when they are a kitten, they are more likely to be tolerable of the water when they are older too.
An adult cat having a bath for the first time can be quite a daunting and even scary experience, but if it is something that they have done multiple times before, then it might not be as frightening.
Some cats were just not destined to be in or around water, and might not follow this rule, so try not to force them into situations that they aren’t comfortable with.
What if This Doesn’t Work?
If you absolutely cannot bathe your cat without them going wild and completely fighting against the situation, then it is best to seek professional help.
It might be a better idea to take them to a groomer that has experience in grooming cats, as they will know exactly what to do.
This could be a great alternative if you aren’t having much luck at home. Not all cats can cope with bathtime, and that’s alright.
