Do cats need baths? Cats don’t need to be bathed sometimes because they’re clean and groomed. If the need occurs, you may need clarification on ensuring a pleasant experience for you and your feline partner. It is vital to groom and bathes your cat. As a responsible pet owner, you must know how to give a cat a bath and groom regularly your pet’s skin and coat. Washing your cat is easy. So, follow these below steps on how to bathe a cat.
How to Bathe a Cat that Hates Water?
You can’t make cats like baths. Bathe your cat if it’s covered in something stinky, or sticky or if it has parasites. One of the most common mistakes in raising a kitten is bathing it when it is eight weeks old. To clean a kitten, use baby wipes or wet towels. Here is the step-by-step procedure to guide you through the process for bathing your feline:
#1 Your Cat’s Claws Should Be Trimmed
To keep your cat safe, clip their claws before bathing them. Trimming your cat the day before or the same day if your kitty is worried is okay. A haircut and a bath in one day may be too much for them. Rubber or waterproof gloves, like the Full Circle Splash Patrol Cleaning Gloves ($11, Walmart), will keep your hands safe if your cat is violent.
#2 Use Shampoos Made Specifically for Cats
Never bathe a cat with human shampoo. The pH difference can irritate cat skin conditions. As a result, there are numerous cat shampoos available. When bathing your cat, use a mild shampoo free of odors and additives. Lather your cat from neck to tail with the best cat shampoo. As you apply the shampoo, massage your cat as if you were on the couch. Be basic but thorough.
#3 Collect the Supplies
Before you begin, it is important to understand the things required for how to bathe a kitten. Gather all necessary materials and make sure they are easily accessible. If you’re mid-bath and remember you’ve missed a critical tool, prepare to start over. Some tools you might need are:
- Cotton balls
- Towel
- Dishwasher
- Rubber gloves
- Best cat shampoo
- A huge pitcher, mug, or spray nozzle
- Non-slip mat
#4 Pay Attention to the Basin you Use for Bathing
A full-sized bathtub can be intimidating to a reluctant cat, so use a small basin or pail for bathing them. A kitchen or bathroom sink can be a cat tub. Use a shallow basin/bucket with warm water. A shallow bathtub with 5 inches of water should suffice. It should be non-skid, as you’ll want to avoid slipping if your cat tries to flee.
#5 Prep the Bath and your Cat
Preparing your cat for a wash is critical. So, how to wash a cat? It’s best to finish the bath when they’re calm. Brushing your cat before bathing will help prevent tangles and keep them calm. Close all windows and entrances to keep your cat from escaping. If you can’t get the cat inside, use treats or floating toys, as they’ll allow your cat to interact safely with water.
#6 Rinse your Cat
To know the best way to bathe a cat it is good to choose a warm bathe. Heat the water to lukewarm. In the tub or sink, gently wet your cat’s coat. You may use a pitcher or the spray nozzle to get water out of the tub and onto your kitty. Don’t get their head wet as they don’t like it. Gradually soak to the skin.
#7 Lather and Massage
They can achieve a good scrub with either undiluted shampoo or diluted shampoo. Massage the scalp as you would when washing your hair, working your way from top to bottom. Remember to scrub the hard-to-reach areas, such as the bottom.
#8 Rinse your Cat a Second Time
After shampooing your cat, immerse it in water. Rinse well to remove soap. You could also use a cat-specific conditioner. Of course, this requires a second rinse, but the benefits are worth it. This treatment is best for long-haired breeds. Avoid getting the head wet.
#9 Clean the Face
Now that you’re almost done, use a moist towel to wipe the cat’s face gently, but do not use shampoo. Clean the cat’s ears with a cotton ball.
#10 Towel Up!
And voila! You have a squeaky clean cat. You should swaddle them with towels; rub them if they want it. In case you have a long-haired cat, you may blow dry them.
How Often Should you Bathe a Cat?
After knowing how to bathe a cat that hates water it is important to know for how many times to give your cat a warm fuzzy shower.
- Longer coats demand more care than short coats. The lack of fur means that hairless breeds need bathing every 1–2 weeks.
- Outdoor cats will need more baths than indoor cats.
- Cats that cannot or do not efficiently groom themselves require regular washes to keep their coats clean. Obese cats require more frequent bathing because they have trouble accessing all parts of their bodies. Their backs become matted, and their skin becomes itchy, peeling, or diseased.
- Medical conditions like skin irritation, flea or tick infestation, and loose stools may necessitate further care. In that case you can use the best flea shampoo for cats.
- High-activity cats will require more regular baths.
- An eye or scent test will usually tell you if your cat needs a bath. Your cat’s hair and skin’s overall state reflect its health. A lustrous, smooth coat and supple, clean skin are signs of good health. The National Cat Groomers of America recommends bathing and blow-drying cats every 4-6 weeks to prevent matting and pelting.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to bathe your cat properly, check out these tips the next time you shampoo a cat. Taking a bath doesn’t have to be an all-out battle with a grumpy cat swinging from the ceiling fan. If you learn a few easy tricks, it must be easy for you to understand how often should you bathe a cat and how to do the cat bathing. Put on your gloves, pick up your cat, get ready to be soaked, and bring your sense of humor. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and well-cared-for kitty!