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| Cats and Kittens: Tips on Bathing
As most people know, cats don’t like getting their feet wet let alone their entire body, and bathing a cat can be next to impossible. Cats are very clean animals, and they normally take care of all grooming requirements. Unfortunately, it sometimes becomes necessary to help a cat with bathing, and the following tips will help you successfully bathe your cat without losing an arm or other appendage.
Kittens and Adult Cats
As much as you love your cat, and as much as your cat loves you, don’t be surprised if he tries to bite or scratch in an effort to get away once he realizes you want to put him in water. The majority of cats are deathly afraid of water and they avoid it at all costs. Trying to bathe an older cat isn’t always worth the fight. You’ll have better luck giving him a sponge bath than submersing him in any amount of water.
If your cat is still a kitten, begin bathing him while he is still very young. Once he’s used to water and realizes he isn’t in danger, you’ll be able to give him a bath on a regular basis without a struggle. Even though kittens and cats are excellent at grooming themselves, it’s a good idea to get a kitten used to regular bathing. Approximately once a month, give your kitten a bath, and if a bath ever becomes necessary for whatever reason, you won’t have to struggle.
Preparation
If your cat isn’t a kitten and has never experienced a bath, prepare in advance for a fight, and have everything ready before bringing the cat anywhere near the water. If you forget something, you won’t be able to get it since the first chance the cat has to run away he most certainly will. It’s also helpful to have a friend or family member lend a little assistance.
Don’t make the water more than two or three inches deep, and make sure it’s a comfortable temperature. Have a few dry towels within reach, shampoo especially formulated for cats, and a large cup or hose attachment for rinsing. If your cat has never had a bath, it’s also a good idea to don a pair of thick elbow-length rubber gloves. If you find your cat is extremely frightened, unless he has come in contact with something that will harm him if ingested, don’t traumatize the cat further by continuing with the bath. Take your cat to a veterinarian who can administer sedation and properly wash the cat as soon as possible.
Sponge Bathing
If your cat or kitten won’t allow you to give him a bath in standing water, a sponge bath is sometimes all that is necessary. Have someone else hold him while you gently wipe his coat with a clean damp cloth, and be sure to rinse and wring it out often. After you’re done giving your cat a sponge bath, he’ll happily finish the job, and he’ll be naturally clean and especially content.
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