Bath time at my house for my dog is practically every day. The little guy loves to romp and play in all terrain…. especially the wet and muddy areas! Having a dog means having dirty paws most every day. However, when it comes to cat, I somehow don’t see anyone putting one in the tub and breaking out the bubble bath! Most cat owners probably depend on the cat to clean herself, right? But what about those times when you want to give your cat a bath? How can you do that without ending up with an angry kitty and scratches all over your arms and face?
According to peteducation, com., it can be done, but it is a process. Before the actual bath, be sure to groom your cat. You can use a grooming glove or even a fine-toothed comb or soft brush. For longhaired breeds, a wide toothed comb works best. Brush your cat thoroughly but be mindful of her thin and sensitive skin. Get rid of any mats you might find, as removing them from wet hair is torturous to both you and the cat!
While grooming your cat, take the time to look for any anomalies such as sores, lumps or other skin issues. Check your cat’s ears for any excess wax or dirt. This is also a good time to clip her nails. It is a wise move to gather all of the materials you will need before you actually begin the entire process. To protect your cat’s ears, put cotton balls in them and then apply ophthalmic ointment to protect the eyes. Consider putting a towel at the bottom of the tub or sink in which you will bathe your cat so she doesn’t slip. (Sounds exhausting already, doesn’t it? Should we go back to the idea that cats just clean themselves?)
Be sure to bathe your cat in a warm area so she does not get chilled. Interact with your cat, speaking in soft and calming tones and don’t give her the feeling she is being controlled. You know how cats are about feeling controlled! They are in charge at all times, right? If you are nervous, your cat will sense this and respond in a similar manner. Fair warning!
Use lukewarm water and avoid spraying the water. If you have to use a spray, avoid your cat’s face and keep the spraying soft and to a minimum. Be sure to thoroughly rinse your cat after shampooing. Even if you think you have rinsed her well, rinse again. You know the drill…. lather, rinse, repeat (the rinsing part only!)
After the bath, gently towel dry her using a “blotting” method instead of vigorously drying her. A longhaired cat may require additional brushing or even a “blow out” with a hair dryer on a no heat setting. (Yes, we know…the noise may be unbearable to her…it’s just a suggestion!)
And for those cats who absolutely refuse to get wet, you could opt for a powder shampoo or those pre-moistened towelettes. Even a proverbial sponge bath with a damp towel might do the trick! (I dare to say that I saw some bathing device online that allows you to lick your cat to clean her…something you put over your tongue. I’ll take a pass on that, please!)
One of the easiest ways to ensure your cat will begin to enjoy bath time is to introduce it to her as a kitten. If your cat is older and you are just now considering this, it could be more of a challenge, but once your cat grows accustomed to this experience and associates it with feeling good, it may become more like a day at the spa than a day at the races!
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
