Buzz
Although cats are known for being clean and grooming themselves, there are times when they still need a bath. Whether it's because they got dirty, their fur became greasy and requires cleaning, or they need to be bathed daily for medical reasons, giving your cat a bath without causing stress can be a challenge. However, it is not impossible if you follow the steps outlined below.
Steps
Preparation Before the Bath
Trim your cat's nails. Cats can get frightened when submerged in water, so to prevent injury to yourself, it's advisable to trim their nails before the bath. Do this a few hours or days prior to bathing so your cat has time to calm down. Be careful not to cause any pain or bleeding during the trimming process.
- Reward your cat with a treat after trimming its nails to help it feel more positive about the experience.
Brush your cat's fur. Don't skip this step. Brushing helps to untangle any knotted fur. If the fur is wet, it may cause discomfort for the cat when detangling. If your cat enjoys being brushed, you can do it in the bathtub to make it feel more comfortable.
- Sometimes, brushing can distract your cat when trimming its claws. It's a two-in-one solution, but you will need an extra person to help.
Choose the right cat shampoo. You can purchase this at veterinary clinics or pet supply stores. Be sure to check the instructions to ensure it's suitable for your cat. Mix the shampoo with water if necessary. Human shampoo can not only dry out your cat's skin but can also be toxic to cats. Don't use dog shampoo as a substitute either. If you can't find the right shampoo, you can use plain water.
- While you can use a towel to apply the shampoo to your cat's fur, using your hands is more effective.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Veterinarian at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Pippa Elliott, licensed veterinarian, says: "It's best to buy a shampoo specifically made for cats. Look for brands with minimal fragrances and artificial colorants, using natural ingredients instead of sulphates and phthalates."
Make your cat want to bathe. First, tire your cat out with some playtime, and when it’s ready to relax, take it to the bath. This will reduce the likelihood of it biting, scratching, or trying to escape. Pick a time when your cat is the most relaxed—usually after a meal. If it's still playful, engage with it until it's exhausted. Here are a few ways to encourage your cat to enjoy the bath:
- Place your cat's toys in an empty tub. Put the cat in the tub and play with it for a few minutes. Then stop, add a little water, and continue the play session. This helps your cat get used to the bathtub. Bathing will soon become a pleasant and non-threatening experience for your cat.
- You can use a special bath toy, like a mouse on a string or something that floats. Only use this toy during bath time to make it more appealing for your cat.
Prepare the Bathroom
Close the bathroom door. This will prevent your cat from escaping, and if you have multiple cats, it will keep the others out. The sound of a cat meowing could make the cat in the bath scared or tempted to scratch. Make sure to close the door to prevent your cat from running out and causing a mess while panicking.
- If your cat has never been in the bathroom, let it get used to the space first. If there’s a toilet, be sure to put the lid down. Your cat could accidentally jump into the toilet and get frightened.
- Similarly, if you keep your cat's litter box in the bathroom, remove it before the bath. If your cat runs out of the bath, it will probably rush to the litter box and create a mess.
Make the bathtub safe. Place a rubber mat or bath towels in the tub to prevent your cat from slipping and to help it feel more stable. You should also lay down a few towels on the floor since it will get wet. Additionally, you’ll need at least two extra towels to dry off your cat after the bath.
- You can also place a grill in the tub to give your cat something to grip. This will reduce the chances of being scratched, and your cat will feel more secure.
Prepare the bathwater. Fill the tub with warm water (not hot) before bringing your cat in, as some cats are afraid of the sound of running water. Fill two large cups of water, or ideally two watering cans, so you can control the flow while bathing your cat. This way, you won’t need to run back and forth to fetch more water, which could scare your cat.
- Don’t use a showerhead or direct water from the tap onto your cat. The water could come out too forcefully, which may frighten your cat. Water should flow gently and calmly, not in a powerful stream like a hose.
- Since you won’t have time to run around fetching things during the bath, make sure you have everything ready in advance. Be prepared and stay calm.
Wear appropriate clothing. This will help protect you from scratches. Long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, or long-sleeve button-up shirts can shield you from being scratched by your cat. You can also wear tall rubber gloves, but they can be a bit cumbersome. Be careful and gentle when washing your cat's head and belly, as these areas are especially sensitive.
- It's best to wear old clothes that you don't mind getting wet.
Tắm cho Mèo
Luôn kiểm soát được mèo. Hãy nói chuyện với mèo bằng giọng điệu nhẹ nhàng trong lúc tắm. Đôi khi, mèo sẽ tìm cách trèo ra khỏi bồn. Nếu chúng chỉ thích nhúng một hoặc hai chân vào bồn, bạn có thể để chúng quay lưng về phía bồn tắm và đứng bằng hai chân. Có thể bạn sẽ phải nhẹ nhàng túm vào phần da ở gáy mèo để giữ mèo ở yên trong bồn.
- Bạn nên mua một chiếc đai để giữ mèo an toàn trong khi tắm. Bạn sẽ cầm dây đai để giữ yên mèo trong bồn tắm thay vì nắm vào phần da ở gáy mèo, hoặc phải nắm vào dây đeo cổ và khiến mèo bị đau.
- Tắm cho mèo sẽ dễ hơn nếu có hai người cùng làm, nhất là nếu mèo của bạn đủ khỏe để vùng ra khỏi tay. Một người có thể túm gáy mèo, và người kia tắm cho mèo. Bạn phải làm nhanh nhưng không được nóng vội. Khi giữ mèo, hãy đảm bảo là mèo vẫn thở được.
Không vật lộn với mèo. Bạn hoàn toàn không nên quyết một trận sống mái để bắt mèo đi tắm. Một chú mèo nặng 5 kg có thể khiến bạn bị thương. Bạn chỉ cần nhúng ướt chân mèo rồi thôi cũng được. Hãy thử lại vào một hôm khác rồi dần dần tìm cách tắm cho mèo.
- Nếu bạn lo lắng hoặc quá hào hứng với việc này, mèo sẽ nhận ra và trở nên lo lắng theo.
Nhúng mèo xuống cho nước ngập tới cổ. Dùng một ít xà phòng và nước để làm sạch phần cổ, thân, chân, bụng và đuôi mèo. Hãy gãi từ cổ tới đuôi theo xuôi chiều lông. Gãi như đang mát xa để mèo thấy yên tâm và không sợ hãi. Các động tác cần giống như lúc bạn vuốt ve và chải lông cho mèo để mèo cảm thấy tắm táp là một việc bình thường.
Không để xà phòng dính vào mắt, mũi, mồm và tai mèo. Để tránh nước vào tai mèo, nhét vào đó một miếng bông gòn – loại chuyên dùng cho vết thương. Đừng quên bỏ bông gòn ra sau khi tắm xong. Bông gòn cũng có thể làm giảm tiếng ồn và khiến việc tắm mèo trở nên dễ dàng hơn.
- Nếu bạn định tắm để diệt rận cho mèo, hãy làm ướt phần cổ trước. Rận sẽ chạy tới những vùng khô hơn, vì thế, nếu bạn nhúng cả người mèo vào nước thì rận sẽ dồn hết lên đầu và mặt mèo. Khi phần cổ bị ướt, rận sẽ không chạy lên đầu mèo được và bị dính xà phòng diệt rận.
Rinse off the soap from your cat. Use the water in the tub to thoroughly rinse the soap from your cat’s body. Afterward, drain the water and rinse the cat twice more using water from a bucket or warm water from the faucet. Be sure to remove any soap residue that may have stuck to the sides of the tub. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and no more soap bubbles are visible.
- Mix the soap with water before you start bathing to avoid using too much soap and having to rinse repeatedly.
- If your cat has long, thick fur, this process may take more time.
Wash your cat's face with water and a towel. There's no need to use soap at this step, as soap could irritate your cat’s eyes. Use a damp towel to gently wipe your cat's face, starting from the nose and moving outward along the direction of the fur, until the face, ears, and head are clean.
- You can perform this step later, once the bath is complete.
- Never force your cat's face underwater. Doing so will cause panic.
Watch for signs of fear or stress in your cat. These signs include hissing, growling, heavy breathing, sneezing, and distress cries. Pay attention to your cat during the bath. If your cat seems too frightened by what you're doing, stop. Continuing may result in injury to you or severe distress for your cat.
- Be gentle with your cat during its first bath. Don’t do anything that will scare it so much that it won't want to bathe again. Be patient, and if necessary, try again later.
If your cat resists the bath, use a wet towel. This will remove dust and dirt from your cat’s coat, leaving it cleaner. You can buy pre-moistened towels at pet stores, designed specifically for grooming cats. The scent of these towels is also quite pleasant for both you and your pet.
Dry or Blow-dry your Cat’s Fur
Absorbing Water from the Cat's Fur. Start by using a dry towel to gently blot the water from the cat's fur. Then, wrap the cat in the towel and rub gently. If the towel gets too wet, switch to a dry one. Continue wiping until the fur is only slightly damp.
- When blotting, be gentle as if you're massaging. You can warm the towel with a hair dryer beforehand to make the cat feel more comfortable.
- It's important to respect your cat's wishes. If your cat doesn't want you to continue drying, stop immediately.
Completing the Drying Process for Your Cat's Fur. Short-haired cats can dry naturally in the bathroom as long as there’s no draft. Cats enjoy warmth (from a heater or warm air blower) and sitting on a dry towel. For long-haired cats, you'll need a comb and multiple towels. Long hair tends to be easier to comb when wet, so you can brush until the fur dries.
- If your cat isn't afraid of the hair dryer, you can use it on a warm setting from a safe distance. Avoid using too hot a setting, as the cat could burn or become scared.
- Gently comb your cat's fur to prevent tangles, especially if you have a long-haired cat.
Rewarding the Cat. This step is essential. If you want your cat to enjoy bath time, reward it after the bath. Give your cat a treat it loves, such as cat grass or other special snacks. You can reserve these treats for special occasions. If your cat associates bath time with a tasty treat, it will soon look forward to getting a bath.
- Compliment your cat with affection, telling it how well it behaved and giving it love after the bath. Cats often feel sensitive and scared after a bath, so your attention will leave a positive impression.
Another Method for Giving Your Cat a Bath
Bathing the Cat Using a Bucket of Water. You can create two bath stations for your cat using two buckets. Fill one bucket halfway with warm water. Dip your cat into the bucket and use a towel to ensure the cat is fully wet. Then, apply soap to the cat’s fur. Afterward, dip the cat into the second bucket of water to rinse off the soap.
- You may need an additional bucket of water to fully rinse off the soap from your cat.
- This method can be done outdoors on warm, sunny days. You’ll need two people to prevent the cat from running away. Avoid using this method on indoor cats that are not accustomed to being outside.
Bathing Your Cat with a Bathtub and Showerhead. Ensure that the cat has something to grip, such as a small towel or mat in the bathtub. The area should have a door, not a curtain, to prevent the cat from escaping. The showerhead should spray water at a safe distance to wet the cat, apply soap, rinse, and then towel dry or use a dryer. Use warm water and a gentle spray to keep the cat calm.
- Some cats love shower baths, but others may fear the sound of running water. This method might cause injury to either you or your cat.
- You can purchase a plastic hose attachment for the bathroom sink that’s long enough to reach the shower area. Alternatively, you can buy a handheld sprayer and a Y-connector to attach it to your showerhead.
Bathing Kittens in a Sink or Small Tub. Kittens feel safer in smaller spaces, which also makes it easier for you to control them. If you have a kitten or a particularly anxious cat, you can bathe them in a sink or small tub placed inside your regular bathtub. Simply position the small tub inside your larger one. Fill the tub with water, apply soap to the kitten, and proceed as usual. If using a sink, make sure it doesn’t have a drain hole, as even if it’s plugged, the kitten’s paws could slip into the hole and cause injury.
- This method works well for adult cats that prefer tight spaces.
- Place a towel at the bottom of the bathtub to help your cat feel more secure by giving it something to grip. You can also gently press the cat’s back and softly speak to soothe it.
Dry Bath for Cats. If your cat’s fur is oily, you can use cornstarch instead of water for a dry bath. Sprinkle cornstarch on your cat’s fur and gently massage it in. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then brush it off.
- This method is less stressful than a water bath, but it shouldn’t be used to clean any harmful substances your cat may have gotten on its fur.
Advice
- The earlier you start bathing your cat, the easier it will be. As they grow, cats become accustomed to bathing and tend to resist less.
- If nothing works, take your cat to a reputable pet care provider or veterinary clinic. They have the experience and equipment to keep your cat calm and safe. Some cats may need sedatives if deemed appropriate by the vet.
- If you have time, start with a shallow warm water level (around 1 cm). Pet the your cat and feed it if it likes food. Continue with this water level until your cat is no longer fearful. Repeat daily or every few days until your cat gets used to this routine. Gradually increase the water level until your cat can tolerate standing in 5cm of water. Eventually, ask someone to help hold the cat while you create waves in the tub. This process could take a week or even several months, depending on the cat, but it’s worth the effort knowing you can bathe your cat when needed.
Warning
- If you're not sure how to handle a cat's neck, don't attempt it. The cat could suffocate.
- Avoid bathing your cat more than once every two weeks. Overbathing can strip away the natural oils in its fur, causing it to become brittle and reducing its natural defense against certain elements.
- Cats that are too small, too old, or too thin cannot regulate their body temperature. Be sure to dry or towel off the cat completely and keep it warm to prevent hypothermia.
- The room temperature should always be maintained at 20°C with low humidity. If the weather is not suitable, keep your cat indoors and warm for 12 hours after bathing.
Essential Items
- Cat-safe soap.
- Conditioner (optional).
- Two or more bath towels.
- Brush or comb.
- A bathing area.
- Warm water (not too hot).
- Long-sleeve shirt, sweater, or long gloves.
- At least two people.
- Treats for the cat.
- Toys (optional).
- A bathroom with a closed door.
