Cats are known for their excellent self-grooming abilities. In fact, studies show that they spend around 8% of their resting time grooming themselves. Using their barbed tongues, they carefully clean their coats, which often means they do not require much help from their owners.
However, there are certain situations when your intervention is necessary. If your cat becomes covered in something harmful, sticky, or foul-smelling, simply leaving them to groom themselves is not enough. In these cases, it becomes essential to bathe your cat promptly.
You might be worried about how your cat will react to a bath. Many cat owners share this concern, as it is common for cats to become anxious or upset during bath time. But do not worry! With the right approach and a calm mindset, you can manage the process smoothly. In this blog, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to wash a cat effectively. So, continue reading, and soon you will be ready to give your kitty a proper bath.
How to Know If Your Cat Needs Bath?
Before diving into the bathing process, first, let’s see the clear signs when your cat needs immediate bathing:
- Visible Dirt or Strains
- External parasites
- Unpleasant Smell
- Fungal Skin Infection
- Excessive Shedding
- Decreased ability to groom
- Allergies
How to Bathe a Cat: Step By Step Guide
Here is the step-by-step guide to bathing your cat while making it a stress-free experience for both of you:
Plan the Right Time for Cat Bath
Cats do not like water exposure, so you need to select their bath time very wisely. In the first place, you need to choose the moment when they are calm and tired. It is usually recommended after their long play session so that they may not object strongly to the bath session.
Get Ready all Cat Bath Supplies
Before initiating the process, make sure you have all the required cat bath supplies. These include a cat-specific shampoo, a non-slip mat for the sink, a plastic cup for rinsing, and towels for drying. If you are still anxious about the cat’s shower, getting a helper with you is better.
Trim Your Cat’s Nails
Before attempting a bath, always trim your cat’s nails. This is because it can use its nails for scratching you while looking for defense. With properly trimmed nails, you can avoid these scratches and reduce the risk of injury for both you and your cat.
Brush Your Cat
As cats shed frequently, it is better to brush your cat thoroughly before bathing to remove all the loose fur. This will improve your cat's cleaning, and the shedding fur will also prevent your drain from clogging.
Remove the Pet ID tags
Pet ID tags are essential to keeping cats safe, so it is important to remove them before bathing them. However, if they are steel tags or aluminium tags, you can shower the cat along with them.
Fill the Tub
Now, fill the tub with lukewarm water. Add only about four inches of water so you won’t feel overwhelmed.
Lower Your Cat in Water
Hold your cat gently by the back of their neck and lower it into the sink. Speak softly and try to make them calm during the bath.
Try Pour-Over Method
If your cat is nervous in the water, switch to the pour-over method. Use a cup or sprayer and gently pour the water on your cat. Start from the neck and move downwards so that their entire body becomes wet.
Apply Shampoo
Only use a small amount of shampoo for your cat’s fur. Starting from the neck, lather gently and then move towards the tail. Avoid using too much shampoo and ensure that they do not get it in their eyes, ears or mouth.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse, rinse and rinse! Once you have fully lathered up your cat, it’s time to rinse them properly with water. Give proper time to ensure that all shampoo is gone. If any residue is left, it can cause severe irritation to your cat’s skin. So, be careful.
Dry Well
Here comes another important step in bathing a cat: drying it off properly after bathing. Take a large towel and dry it as quickly as possible. After that, keep it in a warm room until it has completely dried. A hairdryer is also a good option for drying if your cat can tolerate it.
Reward Your Cat
Once the bath is over, it’s the reward time for your beloved cat. So, offer them treats, praise and plenty of playtime. This positive reinforcement ensures that future baths won’t be as much of a struggle for you.
How Often Can Cats Take Baths?
Now that you are familiar with the bathing process, the next question that comes to mind is how frequently I should bathe my cat. Well, there are no criteria set for it. But remember, too much bathing can remove excessive oils from their coat and is not generally recommended.
Generally, long-haired breeds require more frequent baths to minimize their fur matting. Meanwhile, short-haired breeds only need occasional bathing. To be more clear about it, always consult your veterinarian. They will suggest the right intervals in baths based on your act’s skin condition, breed and coat health.
Conclusion
We hope this guide will help you a lot in learning how to wash a cat. Always remember that cat baths require gentle touches and a lot of patience. Try to create a calm environment, use the right tools and follow all the above instructions with care to make this process a positive experience for both you and your cat.
FAQS
What to do if my cat becomes aggressive during a bath?
If such a condition happens, don't panic. Instead, try to handle your cat calmly. If you feel you are unable to manage it, consult a professional groomer and seek their help.
What to do if shampoo gets in my cat’s ears?
If the shampoo enters your cat’s ears or eyes, dry them gently with a towel. For eyes, use a clean and damp cloth to wipe away all the residues.