Bathing Your Cat

Do you give your feline pal baths? It isn’t absolutely necessary to bathe cats. After all, Fluffy is very diligent about grooming herself, and keeping her fur soft and shiny. However, you certainly can give your cat a bath if you want to. Here, a local Thorold, ON vet offers some helpful tips on bathing Fluffy.

Before bathing your furball, be sure to check with your vet first. This is especially important if your kitty is a baby or senior, or has any health issues.

Before bringing your kitty into the bath, give her a good brushing to remove dead fur and dander from her coat. You may also want to clip her claws and/or put a rubber mat down in the tub or sink. You don’t absolutely have to wear full-body armor, but we do recommend wearing long sleeves and thick jeans. Finally, fill the tub or sink with a few inches of lukewarm water.

Get some pet shampoo that is just for cats. Never use human products on your pet! These are too strong for Fluffy, and could leave her fur looking dry and even frizzy. You may want to fill a pitcher or teapot for rinsing.

When you’re ready, go ahead and put Fluffy in the water. Talk to your furry friend in a soothing voice as you lather her up. This is the point at which many kitties become very, very displeased with their human pals. Be gentle! Also, avoid getting soap in your cat’s eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. Just use a facecloth for her head.

Once Fluffy’s bath is over, wrap her in a soft towel and gently pat her dry to get as much water out of her fur as you can. Some cats will tolerate being blow-dried. It really just depends on how much of a diva your pet is. If your feline friend doesn’t mind, you can use a blow dryer on a cool, low setting. However, if your cat is afraid of the blow dryer, just let her go. She’ll immediately start grooming herself to get her fur back in order. It won’t hurt to offer her a new toy or a special treat to get her motor going again.

Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Call us, your Thorold, ON pet hospital, today!