Bathing Cats

Cats don’t normally need to be bathed, as they are normally very clean animals. However, some cats get very dirty in the garden and may need a little help cleaning up. Bathing cats may also help to reduce sheading around the house and will give your cat a glossy coat.

Its important to buy a specialised cat shampoo as human shampoo is not suitable due to having different pH levels.

Get all bathing equipment ready before you put the cat into the water. Before bathing your cat, it may also be a good idea to trim their nails.

Step 1: If your cat allows, try give them a comb before getting them wet to detangle their fur

Step 2: Fill a large plastic bucket or bath with warm water, lined with a non-slip floor mat

Step 3: Using a jug, wet the cat’s body, avoiding the face. Make sure the cat is wet down to the skin

Step 4: Apply a small amount of shampoo and lather all over the cat’s body, being careful not to get any shampoo near your cats’ eyes.

Step 6: Rinse well with clean warm water, once again avoiding the eyes and inner ears. Its important you rinse off all soap as left-over soap may irritate the cat’s skin.

Step 7: Remove the cat from the tub and rub dry with a towel

Step 8: Leave your cat in a room to fully dry, ensuring you don’t let them outside until they are fully dry

Tips:

Be prepared to be hissed at and possibly bitten or clawed
If possible, get a friend or family member to help with the bathing process, four hands are always better than two
Giving your cat plenty of reassurance and praise may help keep them calm
Treats may also work as a distraction for some cats
It is also important that you try to remain calm, as the more stressed or angry you become, the more you will stress out your cat

If your cat completely refuses to go anywhere

near water or the tub, it’s safer to take them to

a professional groomer, this will avoid possible

injuries to yourself and your cat.

13 March 2019 - by Morgie & Dan