As the "momma" and "daddy" for several stray cats, my boyfriend and I frequently found ourselves forced to do battle with dirty cats. We've seen it all, from baby kittens not yet litter box trained to adult cats that trampled through a mud puddle on the way home. Throughout it all, I learned a few bathing tips that might make bath time a little easier on you and your cat. Bathing a cat is a difficult task, but far from impossible.
Skip the Bathtub
While bathing a dog outside or in your bathtub is a better solution, do not make the same mistake of giving your cat a bath in the tub. Stick to the kitchen sink or bathroom sink. For kittens and smaller cats, consider using a large tub filled with a few inches of water. Cats do not like water by nature and those unaccustomed to bathtub will likely feel frightened when exposed to large amounts of water or running water. Fill the sink or bucket with a maximum of six inches of water and set the cat inside.
Pet Shampoo
Do not use pet shampoos designed for dogs, but stick with cat shampoos. If you cannot find specialty cat shampoo, use baby shampoo or anti-bacterial liquid soap. When bathing abandoned baby kittens, we used anti-bacterial soap, which removed bacteria and toxins without damaging the kittens' skin. Baby shampoo also works well because it is mild and leaves the cat's hair silky soft.
Take it Slow
Give your cat time to adjust to the water, especially if this is its first bath time. Let the cat wander around the water for a few times, even sniffing the water. Carefully set the cat in the water and let it adjust to the sensation. If your cat jumps out, pick it up and place it back in the water. Some cats just plain do not like water. When we had a cat that refused to go near any water larger than her water dish, we used a wet cloth and gave her a head to toe sponge bath.
Drying the Cat
Lightly rub a dry towel or washcloth over your cat's fur, removing as much of the water as you can. Drying a cat is sometimes more difficult than bathing the cat. I discovered that some cats respond well to a hairdryer, while others run in fear. Try using this trick: turn the hairdryer on its lowest setting and hold the cat in your lap. Stroke its fur, letting it get used to the sound of the hairdryer in a relaxing environment. Slowly move the hairdryer towards the cat, as you continue stroking. The combination of your touch and the hairdryer makes the drying time go a lot faster.
Jennifer Eblin - Jennifer Eblin received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Dayton before re-enrolling and finishing a B.A. in History. During ...
