Wild cats may actually enjoy being in the water, but housecats notoriously aren’t keen for being bathed. Housecats have coats that absorb water, rather than deflect moisture. This means that it is harder for housecats to dry off when they become soaked. It is a good thing that cats self-groom, since most housecats avoid water at all costs. So the question is, why would a cat need a bath?
Truth be told, many cats don’t need to be washed with water. Because they naturally groom themselves, regular brushing is all they need for them to stay clean and comfortable. With that being said, there are situations where a good bath is in order. For example, perhaps the cat has become dirty because of the litterbox. Or, maybe your kitty tried to climb up the chimney? Who knows what kitty decided to get into. Luckily, with a little preparation you can successfully give your cat a bath.
Prepare Yourself
Having all of the necessary supplies handy will help to make your cat’s bath a quick and painless experience. Here is a list of what you need:
- Kitty Shampoo
- A Pitcher for Rinsing
- A Large Comfy Towel
- Cotton Balls for Cleaning the Ears
- A Washcloth to Clean the Face
- Rubber Gloves if you Like
Tip: It is much easier for you to wash your cat in the bathroom or kitchen sink then having to bend over a bathtub. Here is how to give your cat a quick and thorough bath.
- Fill up the sink with about 2 or 3 inches of warm water. Be sure it isn’t too warm!
- Get your cat wet, from the shoulders to the tail. Apply shampoo.
- Lather up your cat, and then use the pitcher to rinse thoroughly.
- Instead of splashing water on your cat’s head, use a damp washcloth instead.
- Using a cotton ball, clean the inside of your cat’s ears. (Do not use a Q-Tip)
- After rinsing your cat thoroughly, place your cat on a large towel and bundle them up.
- Using the towel, rub as much water as you can off of their fur
- If your cat has long hair, you can set a blow dryer on low, as long as it doesn’t scare them.
Note: It is best to use a shampoo that is specifically formulated for cats. If you are in a pinch, use baby shampoo. If you try to use anything else, your cat’s skin or eyes may become irritated.