If your cat could talk, she’d tell you there’s no need for baths… ever. After all, she grooms herself constantly, so she’s clean right? Well, not necessarily. Even if she spends most of her time indoors, your cat may need a bath occasionally, especially if she has a long-haired coat. But her bath doesn’t have to be a painful experience with you cringing while she’s clawing. It may take some time, but it’s possible to bathe your cat and come out of it scratch free. Here’s how:
- Begin with a calm attitude. If you’re nervous or anxious, your cat might pick up on it and get anxious as well. Play with your cat, brush her coat and try to get her to relax.
- Have the shampoo and all of your materials ready and within reach so you can bathe her quickly.
- Put your cat in a tub or sink filled with a couple inches of lukewarm water. A rubber mat at the bottom will help her feel more secure.
- Use a portable shower head, a spray nozzle or a cup full of water to gently wet your cat. Spraying water can startle her, so hold the sprayer close to her skin as you wet her. Keep your hand under her chest or over her neck in case she tries to escape.
- Talk to her in a calm, soothing voice as you bathe her.
- Use shampoo for cats and lather her fur (avoiding the face). As you rinse her off, hold the water nozzle close to her body.
- If she tries to jump and gets too anxious, wrap a small towel around her front like a bib and hold it (loosely) behind her neck to hold her in place.
- You’re almost done! Dry her well with a towel. You may be tempted to use a hairdryer, but don’t as it’s easy to burn your cat’s skin with it.
- Comb out her coat and if needed, clean her eyes with a wet cotton ball.
- Don’t forget the most important part afterwards… playing with your cat and rewarding her with a special treat.
Overall, being calm and soothing is the key to a pleasant and scratch free bath.
Stock up on cat-bath supplies, including shampoo, brushes and more at Pet Supermarket.
