With built in tools for grooming, your fastidious cat is equipped will enough to tackle her own needs of haircare. On the other hand, when she does get overly dirty now and then, a bath is something you will need to give her. There are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure maximum bathing efficiency and minimal stress.
Timing is Key
When bathing your feline, you will need to time this perfectly. Baths need to be scheduled when your cat is very relaxed. After your cat plays with a toy or with you, she will usually be exhausted and this is the perfect time for a bath.
A Firm Stand
So your cat does not slip around as you bathe her, position a rubber bath mat in the tub or sink. Next, fill up the tub with 3-4 inches of water. Hose your cat with a hand held hose for spraying and do not directly spray into her nose, eyes and ears. If a spray hose is something you do not have, an unbreakable cut or a plastic pitcher works as well.
Remove Loose Hair
The next thing to do would be to remove any loose mats and hair from your cat. Now is also the best time to put some cotton in your cat's ears to prevent water from dripping or splashing in.
Snip and Clip
To protect you, experts at the ASPCA have given the recommendation that trimming the claws of Fluffy is a good idea before you give her a bath.
Lathering
Your pet should gently be massaged with solutions that consist of five parts water and one part shampoo working from tail to head in the hair growth direction. Take care to avoid eyes, ears and face. The shampoo should then be rinsed off thoroughly using a pitcher or spray hose. Ensure that the water you use is neither too hot nor too cold. All residue needs to be removed from your cat, as it can become a dirt magnet or cause your cat's skin to become irritated if it is left on your cat's skin and fur.
Face Cleaning
Wipe the face of your pet carefully using plain water. There is no need to use shampoo in these parts, but if you want, you can use a very diluted shampoo solution.
Drying
Once your cat is bathed, use a large towel to wrap your cat in a warm place away from a draft. You can use a blow dryer at this point if your cat does not really mind the loud noise. Make sure you shower your pet with endless praise at the end of each bath so she will look forward to the next one!
Mark Perissinotto has been a practicing veterinarian for over 20 years, 14 years of which he was the owner and principal of a busy multi-vet mixed animal hospital. One of the two co-founders of Vet Shop Australia, graduated from the University of Queensland with Bachelor of Veterinary Science and one of the best retailer of pet supplies Australia.
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