How To Bathe a Cat That Hates Water?
How to Bathe a Cat That Hates Water
When it comes to bathing a cat who hates water (which is quite common among most cats), many owners find themselves pondering the best approach. While some cats might put up with baths, others outright refuse. In situations where a bath becomes unavoidable, keeping calm becomes crucial for both you and your cat. Here are a few tips I've found helpful in reducing stress, making it less likely for your cat to try to scratch and claw their way out of the situation:
It's crucial to stay calm when bathing your cat because they can sense your energy. I've found that using a calming diffuser in the bathroom can help create a safe and secure environment by mimicking pheromones that helps to keep your cat calm.
Try to choose a time after your cat has eaten or played, as they tend to be more relaxed then. If possible, trim your cat's nails before the bath to dull the ends and make them less sharp.
Introduce your cat gradually to the idea of a bath by wetting their paws and offering treats. You could also float a toy in the water to make it more appealing. As your cat becomes more comfortable, gradually wet them more, and provide comfort during the bath.
Plan a short grooming session beforehand to make it easier to handle their fur. Having a friend to assist can be really helpful - one of you can hold the cat while the other bathes them.
Keep the sound of running water to a minimum, as it can cause panic in many cats. Fill a sink or tub with a few inches of warm water, wash only necessary parts, and rinse thoroughly. Ensure you have a separate area to wash out any products used.
For the face and ears, use a washcloth to clean these sensitive areas gently.
How do you bathe a cat?
When you're getting ready to give a cat a bath, it's important to have everything you need nearby, just like when bathing a baby. Here's what you'll want to have on hand:
Multiple towels for cleaning and drying your cat
Access to a shower or bath with a handheld showerhead
Specifically designed cat shampoo and conditioner
Remember, it's crucial not to use human shampoo or conditioner on your cat. The pH level in human products differs from what's suitable for cats and could potentially harm your pet's skin or fur. If in doubt which cat shampoo to use, oatmeal is always a good choice as it is mildly moisturizing.
Prepping Before the Bath
It's a good idea to brush your cat before starting the bath to eliminate any knots or tangles, especially if your cat has long fur.
Ensure the water temperature is warm and adjust the showerhead to a moderate level spray before beginning.
The Bath
When you're getting your cat ready for the bath, try talking to her and offering plenty of reassurance and praise. Gently place her into the shower tray or bath while using a showerhead from above, which is less stressful since cats are more accustomed to rain than being lowered into shallow water!
To keep your cat in place, use her scruff or consider using a harness if she's a bit feisty. Start washing her gently with confident strokes. Cats sense stress easily, so if you're stressed, she'll likely be on edge too, possibly lashing out or trying to escape!
Use just a bit of shampoo—she might not be as dirty as you think! Rinse thoroughly and then apply conditioner, being careful around her eyes and nose.
Drying Off
Once your cat is clean, it's essential to towel-dry her as much as possible. Some cats get scared of hair dryers, so if yours isn't comfortable with it, consider using a low heat and speed setting to dry her, maybe while she's confined in a carrier. Another option is to let her stay in the warm bathroom until her coat is completely dry.
The key is to make sure she's completely dried before letting her roam the rest of the house. Dampness can make cats chilly, leading to illness, which is especially risky for kittens as low body temperatures can be life-threatening.
Do cats really need baths?
Cats are pretty fantastic at grooming themselves, so they generally don't require frequent baths. Dr. Alison Diesel, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
“In general, cats do not need to be given a bath by their owners,” she said. “Their fastidious grooming behavior makes this a non-necessary task, which most owners are quite thankful for.”
Their tongues have these tiny barbs that help spread saliva across their fur, like a self-administered spa treatment. Each lick distributes natural oils, keeping their coat and skin healthy. These little barbs also work to untangle fur, explaining why you'll often catch your cat grooming itself to smooth out any clumps.
Nevertheless, regular baths, whether done at home or by professional groomers, can lessen shedding and lower the chances of hairballs.
How frequently should you bathe a cat?
Well, cats and kittens are curious beings prone to getting into some mischief now and then. There are certain situations when a bath becomes necessary—like if they've swallowed something harmful such as gasoline, antifreeze, or paint, which can stick to their fur and pose a danger. In these cases, immediate washing is crucial.
Some cats develop skin conditions that might find relief through a bath, such as sebhorrhea, leading to itchy, flaky, or red skin. Veterinarians might also recommend medicated baths for flea allergies or ringworm.
Obese or older cats sometimes struggle to groom themselves effectively and might benefit from regular baths. For long-haired cats, a bath every couple of months can prevent mats from forming. Breeds like the Sphynx and other hairless varieties might need weekly baths due to their oily residue transferring onto fabrics.
