Simple ways to properly clean your cat and stay alive

Cats are clean animals that do what they do every day is lick their fur, making their coat clean and beautiful. But sometimes situations arise when a pet may get dirty or an unpleasant odor begins to emanate from it. Many owners wonder how to bathe a cat if it is afraid of water and scratches?

Most cats cannot tolerate water and are terrified of it. As a result, the bathing procedure ends with scratched hands, a flooded bathtub, and a spoiled mood for both the pet and the owner. And while bathing, your furry friend will scream heart-rendingly, struggle and even bite.

At first glance, bathing a cat if it is afraid of water is an impossible task.

But if you approach the matter in a cunning way, using a few tips and subtleties, then it is quite possible to do without horrifying consequences. And the animal will not experience much stress.

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Why bathe a cat

The answer is obvious - the animal needs bathing, just like people. Despite its natural cleanliness, the cat physically cannot wash itself in all areas, and the owners come to the rescue.

The washing procedure is especially necessary if:

• the pet is preparing for an exhibition;
• came home after a walk;
• fleas were found on the cat's body;
• The cat's fur is dirty.

Even if the cat does not walk, it needs to be washed (once a month will be enough). Fleas can “sit” on an animal after interacting with other animals. If catfish gets dirty in the toilet, you can simply wipe it with a damp cloth; it is not necessary to arrange a full-fledged bathing procedure.

How to behave while swimming?

Try to calm your pet before washing. Say kind words to him (cats are very good at picking up and perceiving a person’s intonation and feeling his mood), pet him, repeat that this is a necessary procedure because he has gotten dirty. It would be a misconception to believe that cats are not capable of deep feelings for their owner. Almost always, these cute fluffies are so attuned to a person that they are able to have a beneficial effect on him.

During the process itself, hold the animal firmly, but not too tightly, with one hand, and carry out the washing procedure directly with the other. How to bathe a cat without consequences? First of all, you must be confident in yourself. Calm your pet if the situation requires it, and, if possible, try to perform all the necessary manipulations as soon as possible. Not a single cat will tolerate such “mockery” for long. It’s better to keep it to 5-10 minutes; you don’t need to count on more.

How often to bathe

Many people are interested in the question of how often they should bathe their furry. I want the animal to be comfortable, so what’s the secret - and the owner is pleased to sleep with him in an embrace. There is no universal answer; many factors need to be taken into account.

Bathing is especially necessary when:

• the animal sheds: the pet licks and combs itself, however, the owners can simplify the task for it;
• the fur is dirty: if the cat walks every day, it must be wiped with a damp sponge or towel;
• parasites were detected: after bathing, the cat’s “fur coat” is treated with an antiparasitic agent (you can ask the animal department for this);
• the kitten was taken from the street: the new family member needs to be washed.

The frequency of bathing depends on the breed: if a cat has long hair, it is bathed much more often. On average, veterinarians recommend using the procedure 5-6 times a year, which is quite enough. A cat that does not leave the walls of the house can be bathed even less often - 2-3 times a year. Do not bathe the animal often, as this will deprive the cat of its protective layer.

How often do you bathe your cat?

2-3 times a year 5-6 times a year

What will you need to bathe your cat?

If you have already decided to give your cat a bath, but she is afraid of water and scratches, it is important first of all to stock up on everything you need and be well prepared:

1. Shampoo. Pay special attention to shampoo. You need to choose animal shampoo for bathing, and not use your own. You can use regular cat degreasing shampoo. It will provide basic coat care. It is also advisable to use a special cleansing paste: it is applied to the most problematic areas before washing. Some people also choose texturizer shampoos, which add shine and volume to the coat and make combing easier. Long-haired cats need such formulations.
2. Latch. A very useful modern invention will allow you to limit your cat’s physical activity in the bathroom. The accessory is a special collar with a cord that has a suction cup at the end. It is attached to the bathtub so that the animal does not escape from the bathtub. It will be able to move, but it will no longer be able to jump out of the room. An excellent solution for anyone who doesn’t want to chase a scared, wet cat throughout the apartment.
3. Massage mitten. You can wash the animal by hand, but this is inconvenient and ineffective. It is much better to take a special massage mitten. With its help, it is much easier to distribute the shampoo throughout the coat, rub it in thoroughly, and then rinse well along with the dirt.
4. Towels. After bathing the cat, you need to dry it well so that it does not leave wet marks behind and does not catch a cold. It is advisable to use at least two large towels. The first will become the base - the main moisture will be absorbed into it. But with the help of a second towel you can dry the animal’s coat more thoroughly. Proper drying will quickly restore the cat’s normal thermoregulation.

Contraindications for swimming

This is a very important point that caring owners should take into account. In some cases, bathing a cat is unacceptable.

You should refrain from swimming:

• during the rehabilitation period: there is no need to place a weakened animal in a bath and rub it with shampoo; at least a month must pass after the operation;
• after vaccination: the cat’s immunity is weakened at the time of vaccination, you should be patient with washing;
• during late pregnancy: if a cat is already pregnant with kittens, bathing can cause premature birth and become stressful;
• during illness: a sick pet should not be placed in a bathtub or attempted to be bathed. Such measures may worsen his condition.

If the listed points are not your case, then you can safely move on to the rest.

What not to do when bathing an animal

Common mistakes that cat owners make when carrying out hygiene procedures for them:

• You should not open the tap and immerse the cat in water - a strong flow will scare him;
• you should not turn on the shower and try to wash off the foam from the animal with a stream of water;
• a frightened animal should not plug its ears with cotton wool - this will only cause it irritation;
• It is not recommended to bathe a cat with dog products, shampoos for other animals, and especially with dishwashing detergent;
• Shampoo is often poured from a jar directly onto the wool - this is wrong, especially if the skin is dry;
• You shouldn’t try to calm the cat down by feeding him sedatives - they do more harm, and there are side effects.

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How to prepare an animal

During bathing, cats scratch because they are afraid of what is happening. First, you can trim your cat’s claws and remove tangles.

A regular bath is suitable for large animals; if the kitten is small, it is better to use a basin. Place a towel on the bottom to prevent your paws from slipping.

What else needs to be done:

• remove all things that the cat can get caught on with its claws;
• choose a shampoo intended for cats;
• cover the cat's ears with a hat;
• prepare a soft washcloth;
• prepare a large soft towel;
• ask someone to help you bathe.

It is also recommended to close all windows to avoid negative consequences. Keep the air temperature at least +22 °C. Fill the bathtub or basin with water in advance, as cats are frightened by the sound of water.

Bathroom preparation

Close the bathroom door.

This will prevent your cat from escaping, and if you have more than one cat, it will help keep the others from escaping. If you keep the door closed, this will help prevent the cat from damaging things in a state of passion)).

• -If your cat has never been in the bathroom before, let him get used to this new place. If you have a shared bathroom, do not forget to lower the toilet lid, you yourself understand what this can mean!
• — Also, if there are valuable fragile things in the bathroom, it is better to temporarily remove them.

The bath itself must be safe.

Place a rubber mat or towel on the bottom of the tub to help keep your cat from slipping and have more comfortable support. Also place some towels on the floor as the floor is bound to be wet. Also, have at least two towels ready to dry your pet when the time comes.

Use a clothes dryer or other device to create something like a handrail so your cat has something to hold on to. This will reduce the chance of you being scratched and your cat will feel safer.

Run a bath.

Before you bring your cat into the bathtub, fill it with a few inches of warm, but not hot, water, as some cats do not like running water. Fill two large cups with warm water, or better yet, prepare a whole kettle, it will be much more convenient for you, the main thing is to check the temperature so as not to burn your pet.

• — Do not use the shower head or wash your cat under the tap. For a cat, this method of washing can become very stressful. A bath should be as comfortable and soothing as possible and should not be associated with anything negative.
• - You won't have time to run and grab something while your cat is in the bath, so you need to have everything you need at the ready. Be prepared and don't worry.

Wear “special” clothing.

You need to wear something that can protect you from possible scratches. During washing, a cat can scratch very strongly, take this into account when choosing clothes. A jumper, sweater or long sleeve shirt will do, and your hands should be well protected.

Use long-sleeved gloves, although they are bulky and uncomfortable, they will provide good protection for your hands. Be as careful and gentle as possible with your pet, especially when you rub his head and tummy, as these are very sensitive areas of the body.

• — Take old, unnecessary clothes that you won’t mind throwing away if something happens.

Step-by-step instruction

1. First of all, it is recommended to prepare your cat for a bath. Lightly soak it with a sponge, and when it gets used to the water, move on to the next steps;
2. After putting your cat in the bath, communicate with it. Let her hear your kind timbre of voice;
3. Rinse the fur and body with your hands using massage movements;
4. The animal’s face does not need to be washed, just rinse with water (be careful not to get the shampoo into the ears or eyes).
5. Rinse off the shampoo thoroughly after bathing (after water procedures, animals lick themselves; if the shampoo remains on the fur, the pet may be poisoned by chemicals).

Drying the cat

Dry the cat with a towel.

Take a towel and gently cover it to blot away any excess water. Then wrap your cat in a towel and gently rub. When the towel becomes too wet, grab another dry towel. Don't stop until just the towel is wet again.

• - When you blot water on your cat, do it gently, as if you were massaging him. Also try warming up the towels in the dryer first; cats love warm things.
• - Again, monitor the cat’s condition. If she doesn’t like this process, then it’s better not to continue, she’ll dry out on her own))

13 Important Life Lessons Your Cat Can Teach

We finish drying the cat.

Short-haired cats can dry themselves completely in the bathtub as long as they are away from drafts. They will appreciate a heat source (heater or warm air extractor) and a dry towel to sit on.

With long-haired cats, you will need to use a brush and more towels. Long hair is easy to comb when wet, so it is best to brush your pet before it is completely dry.

• — If your cat is not afraid of a hair dryer, use a warm drying setting, but not hot, keep the hair dryer at a distance. Air flow that is too hot can cause burns and injury, please be aware of this.
• - Gently comb your cat's fur to get rid of any knots or matted tufts. This is especially beneficial for long-haired cats.

Reward your cat.

It is necessary. If you want your cat to want to take a bath again, you must give her a positive connection to the process. Give her her favorite treat, catnip or other treats. If your cat associates bathing with getting tasty treats, your cat will not only love bathing, but will even demand an extra bath day!

• - Praise your pet, pet him, tell him how good and wonderful he is, and pay more attention after taking a bath. After all, after such a test, cats feel vulnerable and scared, don’t forget about it, show them how much you love them.

How to wash your eyes and ears

1. Soak a cotton pad in warm water and wipe your pet's eyes with light movements.
2. Wipe the outer part of the ear with a cotton swab dipped in a drop of Vaseline oil.
3. Do not wash your cat's ears with water or other liquids.

Expert opinion

Dusheba Vera Ivanovna

In 2010, she graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine named after K.I. Scriabin with honors, specializing in veterinary medicine. I regularly attend veterinary conferences, congresses, and webinars.

The cat's fur creates an ideal air cushion that retains heat and provides the cat with maximum comfort. When the fur gets wet, this comfort evaporates - after bathing, it is important to wrap your pet in something warm and take it to a draft-free bedroom.

It is advisable to have someone help you when bathing - the cat will resist. You can hold the cat while another person washes him and sprays him with a watering can to rinse off the shampoo.

When not to swim

There are situations when it is better not to wash even a very dirty pet. So, you should not swim:

• cats during advanced pregnancy;
• all recently vaccinated animals;
• cats suffering from any skin disease (on the advice of a doctor);
• animals with an easily excitable nervous system and heart disease;
• cats who have recently suffered from pneumonia and some other diseases.

In addition, you definitely shouldn’t wash your pet if it’s cold in the house. The optimal temperature for swimming is not lower than +25°C.

How to wash a cat if he is afraid of water

A kitten accustomed to water from birth will not be afraid of bathing. However, if an adult cat bathes for the first time, fear is inevitable. Stroke the distressed animal, gradually accustom it to water: first wet its belly, then one paw, then the other.

If the cat is very hysterical and his heart is pounding, it is better to postpone the procedure. Remove the animal from the bath, wrap it in a blanket and let it calm down.

The best time to wash your cat is when he is relaxed. Before the procedure, you can play with it and stroke it. When bathing, he will struggle - this is obvious, you should not scream and swear, as this will increase the pet’s stress level. If you can’t wash your cat the traditional way, use dry shampoo - it cleans just as well as regular shampoo.

When to accustom a cat to water procedures?

How to bathe a cat? It is extremely important to “introduce” a cat to the bathroom at a young age. There is an opinion that if the kitten is not accustomed to regular washing in time, then later you will not be able to do this. Representatives of the cat breed are very sensitive to their habits, so you need to make sure that they are formed in advance. The little kitten will look to you for protection, and most likely will perceive washing as something inevitable. An adult animal will definitely release its claws in the event of such an unforeseen circumstance and may inadvertently inflict deep scratches on the owner.

How to bathe a cat for the first time?

The earlier the better!

Experts are confident that it is necessary to accustom a cat to the process of bathing the sooner, the better.

.

Firstly, this rule is true not only for bathing, but also for any learning process. And secondly, because as a cat ages, it can become more aggressive.

Gradual training

It is necessary to accustom a kitten to bathe gradually, interest it, attracting its attention. How to do it better:

• Fill a basin or other not very large container with water.
• The water should be warm and there should be very little of it.
• Place the basin in the place in your house that the kitten likes most (or near it).
• Put his favorite thing there (for example, a rubber ball), thereby attracting and interested the kitten.
• Place your pet in a container of water, giving him the opportunity to get used to the sensations.

And only after all the manipulations have been carried out, you can start swimming.

animal. If everything is done correctly, then, even though cats do not like to swim by nature, your water procedures will be at least painless for both of you.

Some experts, by the way, claim that you can teach a kitten to bathe by personal example.

. That is, to show that it is not at all scary, but very pleasant and interesting.

How to remove dye and tangles from cat fur

Removing paint from cat fur can be done by lubricating the damaged areas with warm vegetable oil and gradually combing them out. Contaminated wool is also sheared.

In severe cases, when your pet's fur is completely covered with dye, it is best to seek help from an experienced veterinarian.

In order to remove tangles (clumps of dirt and other impurities in a cat’s fur), it is necessary to strictly follow certain recommendations:

1. the animal must first be fixed in one position with the help of other household members;
2. find the tangle and assess the degree of its hardness when palpating;
3. after partially cutting out the lump, you can try to comb out the remains with a brush;
4. tangles in a neglected state are almost impossible to untangle, so it is best to cut them out using a machine or scissors;
5. the procedure is carried out in stages (first the mat is cut into several parts, which are then gradually removed).

This procedure is quite dangerous, as there is a risk of infection, so in such cases you can also use the services of qualified specialists in a veterinary clinic.

Reviews

Reviews of cleansing procedures for cats have varied responses, since much depends on the degree of pollution and the pollutant in the cat's hair. Moreover, in most cases, almost any problem can be solved.

Dear readers, was this article helpful? Is your pet afraid of water and have you ever wondered how to properly clean your cat? Leave feedback in the comments! Your opinion is important to us, and it will be useful to other people who do not know how to clean their pet.

“Our cat lives in a private house, and we have never washed it the entire time. She washes herself and is always clean, despite her light color. Therefore, I believe that there is no such need and there is no need to spoil the animal’s fur with constant bathing.”

Svetlana, Kaluga

“Yes, and we had to wash our cat because she accidentally fell into the toilet. Of course, the procedure was not pleasant, since the animal constantly struggled and wanted to escape. We don’t carry out such manipulations now, but if necessary, we are already well trained.”

Marina, Moscow