How To Properly Bathe The Cat

If a cat is a homebody, it doesn’t need to be bathed very often. That’s because cats devote hours of their day to cleaning themselves, licking themselves. We’ve always heard about cats’ aversion to water and bathing. It is necessary to know if this is true or if it is a myth. Is it necessary to bathe the cat?

The tongue of cats is the organ that allows them to take “dry” baths. It is rough because it is covered by rigid papillae that have keratin in their composition.

This daily hygiene ritual cleanses the cats’ skin and fur. Therefore, only cats that go out on the street or spend part of their time outdoors need to bathe in soapy water.

Bathing, in addition, can create great stress for most cats. Therefore, it is recommended to follow certain rules so that the experience is as traumatic as possible. The little feline will eventually accept the bath as something normal, but you need to help him adapt.

the puppies bath

If the cat is not yet eight weeks old, it is not ready to take a full bath. A good alternative is to clean it with a damp cloth. After this period, if the cat is educated to bathe from an early age, it will get used to it and will make the task much easier in the future.

Before the first bath, he can get used to the water. A container for him to play with and experiment with will ensure that water is not a foreign element for the animal.

What to do to make the experience of bathing the cat a good one

Buy specialized products

First, bathe the cat with a special shampoo for him. Products for humans or shampoo for dogs are not recommended, as they can cause irritation and even intoxication. Remember to always read the instructions that come with the product.

Cut the animal’s nails

It is a way to protect yourself from scratches if the cat is not convinced when it’s time to take a bath. It is a natural defense, and that is why you need to be careful not to suffer injuries.

The ideal time to cut your nails is the day before you shower.  It’s not good to add to the stress of bathing or cutting your nails. One option to convince him is to give him a treat appropriate to his diet and then he will let his nails be trimmed.

To comb

It’s a very important step that shouldn’t be missed. The reason to comb a cat’s fur is to undo the knots. If there are knots and the fur gets wet, the situation will get worse and may even cause pain to the animal.

If the cat likes to be groomed, it can be a way to calm him down, but if he doesn’t, it’s best to leave at least an hour between grooming and bathing. That way, he’ll have time to calm down, and if that doesn’t work, you can try to relax him with music.

Putting a non-slip mat

If the cat tries to get out of the bathtub, which is very likely, it could slip. This can upset you, so a non-slip mat can help a lot.

The bath

Once you’ve taken the first steps to bathing your cat, you can continue. All you need to do is follow these steps:

• Place the cat in the chosen bathtub or container: If the cat has an aversion to water, it is best to place it in the dry bathtub.
• Then, with the help of a container, gradually pour warm water over your body. Do not use the shower directly as this may scare you.
• Toys can help keep the cat entertained and calm.
• Don’t overdo the amount of soap: if the cat doesn’t like water, it’s not convenient to need too much to rinse him.
• Shampoo should be applied gently.
• It is not necessary to splash soap on your face: On the contrary, this substance can get into your eyes and irritate you.
• Avoid placing the cat’s face directly under water. That’s because cats, under these circumstances, often panic.
• Finally, dry the cat gently with a towel. Afterwards, the fur is combed, if it is a long-haired cat.

• After this great effort, the cat deserves a reward, such as treats, treats or a toy.