Cats and water are not two elements that normally combine well. With only a few certain breeds and individuals that are an exception to the rule, most cats will balk at the first sign of an impending bath. However, bathing is an important routine that you should get your cat acquainted with as young as possible. Some cats will never really need a bath, but for those pet owners, who have allergies, bathing your cat can reduce your allergy symptoms. There are times that a cat may actually need a bath like for instance if your cat falls into the toilet, has a flea problem or if your cat gets into a fight with a skunk and loses.
By following just a few simple steps, you can make the whole experience relatively easy and enjoyable for you and your pet. 1. Assemble your "tools" next to the kitchen sink: Two thick towels, cat shampoo, conditioner, (for longhaired cats), two large cups or mugs, clean sponge. 2. Put a rubber shower mat in the bottom of the sink so kitty will not slip and slide. 3. Run about two to three inches of body temperature water into the sink-- just enough to come up to kitty's belly. Test the water on your wrist, much as you'd test a baby bottle. You should not be able to discern heat or cold. 4. Place a capful of the cat shampoo in a mug of warm water and mix well, to keep from shocking warm cat flesh with cold shampoo. 5. Pick up your kitty and lower her gently but quickly into the water, talking calmly to her all the while. Another human helper is optional at this step. 6. Give her a few minutes to relax to the idea that you aren't going to kill her, all the while talking to her and petting her. 7. Turn on and test the temperature of the shower spray and holding it right up against the cat's skin, wet her body, taking care not to splash in her face. 8. When she is well soaked, pour the diluted shampoo evenly over her entire body, again staying away from the head. 9. Massage the shampoo gently into her fur for several minutes. Now is your chance to give her a full body massage. You may even find that she enjoys it. 10. Rinse well, using body temperature water and the shower nozzle, stroking it the way you would a brush, in long strokes from the base of her neck down over her tail. You can gently pat some water on her tummy at this time, with your other hand. 11. Give her several long petting strokes with your hand to slick away excess water, and to test for any remaining soapiness. 12. Repeat steps 11 and 12 until all evidence of soap is gone. This is the most important process, as soap residue can dry her skin, leaving it vulnerable to rashes and infection. 13. With a clean, moist sponge, wipe down the back of her head and her muzzle, again being careful to avoid her eyes, ears and mouth. 14. Using a large bath towel, lift kitty out of the sink and pat her down, using the towel to blot up as much water as possible. 15. Repeat step 13, using another clean towel, then leave her alone to continue the drying process by herself. Don't forget the praise!
Bathing your cat once a month is an important part of the grooming process. A good bath will cut down on hairballs and can also lessen allergy symptoms displayed by you or your family members. Use a firm and gentle touch, as well as plenty of patience, and both you and your pet will soon come to enjoy the bath.Get More: http://cat-world.50webs.com
Many cat owners can identify with the ordeal they have to face each time they need to bathe their cat. Generally, if cats are rarely bathed, they will become easily frightened and try all means to escape while you try to bathe them. It's quite common for cat owners to get cat scratches during a cat bath!
If you start bathing your kitten when he is about 12 to 16 weeks old and then once every 3 to 4 months, he will become used to the routine and will not resist badly when you try to bathe him.
For adult cats who rarely get bathed, bathtime can be an ordeal for both cat and owner. To reduce this ordeal to some degree, being prepared and having someone to assist you will help a lot.
Here are the items you should have ready before you start:
- Nail clippers - Cat brush - Non-slip metal or stiff plastic screen for cat to stand on - Mineral oil or eye ointment - Cotton balls - Two washcloths - A few large towels - Cat-safe shampoo - Coat conditioner
HERE'S A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO BATHE YOUR CAT
Decide Where You Want to Bathe Your Cat - The bathtub, bathroom sink or kitchen sink are all suitable, but you must have a spray attachment at whichever choice you select. If you don't want to have to lean over while bathing your cat, the kitchen sink will be a better choice.
Close Off and Clear The Area - If possible, close all doors and openings so that your cat doesn't run out if he should panic. Clear all breakable items in the area as a panicked cat can easily run over your stuff and break them.
Set Your Attitude and Mindset - The key to reducing stress to your cat (and yourself) during bathtime is to be patient, sympathetic and be loving to your cat. Impatience and an angry tone is only going to make your cat more frightened and he will react accordingly.
Allocate more time when you bathe your cat so that you don't find yourself frustrated trying to handle your cat and rushing for a deadline at the same time.
Oh, and another thing, be prepared to get very wet!
Trim Claws - Gently clip his claws. This will help to reduce scratches on you if he should panic.
Brush Fur - Gently brush his fur to remove as much loose fur as possible.
Protect The Eyes - Place 1 or 2 drops of mineral oil or eye ointment in each of your cat's eyes. This will prevent any chemical irritation if shampoo should get into the eyes.
Protect The Ear Canal - Place a cotton ball in each ear to prevent water from entering his ear canal.
Place The Non-Slip Screen into your bathtub or sink and then gently carry your cat and place him on the screen.
Wet the Fur - Turn on the water slowly and let it run until the water is warm (not hot). Hold the sprayer very close to your cat's skin so that the water doesn't spray all over him and make him frightened.
If someone is helping you, he/she can hold up the front legs while you wet the fur on the stomach and between the legs.
Apply Shampoo & Rinse - Ensure that your cat's fur is sufficiently wet before shampooing, so that the shampoo can lather easily. Start lathering from the neck and work backwards towards the tail.
To wash your cat's face, wet a washcloth and add a tiny amount of shampoo. Gently wipe all over the face, avoiding the eye area. To wash the eye area, wet a cotton ball with clean water and gently wipe around the eye area. To rinse off the lather on the face, wet another clean washcloth and gently wipe off the lather.
Make sure to rinse and remove all traces of shampoo from your cat's body and face. Shampoo residue will cause irritation and itching.
If your cat is extremely dirty, you may have to shampoo it and rinse again.
Apply Coat Conditioner & Rinse - Coat conditioner is especially recommended for long-haired cats. It conditions the hair and makes brushing the hair smoother. Rinse thoroughly. The coat should feel squeaky clean and not slick or slippery after rinsing.
Drying Off - Run your hands down the back, legs and tail to remove excess water. Use a large towel to scoop your cat up, leaving only the head outside the towel. Place on a cabinet or table and gently towel dry.
Grab another clean dry towel, wrap him up with it and hold him. Hold him this way until he warms up. This also helps to calm the cat down.
If you are running out of time and would like to use the hair dryer, set it to a low or cool setting. If you set it to high and hot, your cat will become very frightened. Make sure not to point the hair dryer at his face and always hold the hair dryer at least 1 foot away from its coat.
Brush The Hair - When the hair is mostly dry, you can start to gently brush the hair.
Both Dr. Hassany Ummar & Rona Limsy are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Dr. Hassany Ummar has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Pets and Cat Urine Smell. Idham EffendiEmail: chip_arm@yahoo.comWebsite: http://cat-world.50webs.com. Dr. Hassany Ummar's top article generates over 40500 views. Bookmark Dr. Hassany Ummar to your Favourites.
Rona Limsy has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cats, Pets and Food for Cat. For more information on taking care of your cat, visit http://www.My-Pet-Cat.com. Rona Limsy's top article generates over 2900 views. Bookmark Rona Limsy to your Favourites.