Bathing the Cat: Wet Baths   Page 2

- A good quality human or pet shampoo that lathers up easily and contains moisturizers for dry hair.

Although some prefer baby shampoo because it prevents eye irritation, some baby shampoos do not lather up effectively on your cat's fur and can be quite harsh on the skin.  A good quality moisturizing shampoo is easiest to use as long as you keep it away from your cat's eyes and ears.  (Some people prefer to use only pet-specific products on their cat and warn against using any human products.)

- A tall stack of fluffy, dry and absorbent bath towels and hand towels.  There is no such thing as having too many dry towels when bathing.

- A bath mat or rug to prevent you from slipping on the wet floor

- A blow dryer only if your cat isn't terrified of it.  If you have a hands-free holder for the blow dryer, or a second human being, all the better. 

Bathing Extras/Options:

- Soothing, slow-paced music on the stereo to keep everyone calm

- An eye ointment to prevent irritation

- A medicated shampoo for flea control

- Rinsing conditioner or leave-in conditioner to prevent tangles

- Vinegar and water rinse consisting of 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water.  Place this into a glass or plastic measuring cup with a spout and warm it slightly in the microwave.  Do not use this if you or your cat has any open wounds, scratches or sores.

- Q tips or gauze and a special ear cleaning solution for removing debris from the external parts of his ears

- Cat toothpaste and finger brush for cleaning his mouth. You might as well get the entire regimen over at once. 

- Brushes, combs and blunt-nosed grooming scissors for stray mats

- Vacuum cleaner for after-bath clean up

- Clean collar and bedding.  It is not very useful to have a clean cat but a dirty collar or bedding. 

Bathing the cat:

A warm shower is a faster and more effective way to clean your cat than submerging him in a bath.  The problem with a bath is that the water must be emptied between shampooing and rinsing.  Any procedure that lengthens the bathing process should be avoided whenever possible. 

This entire process should take less than 15 minutes.

- Cats are creatures of warmth so make sure and use warm water.  This will make it more comfortable for you as well.   

- While holding your cat firmly with one hand (this is where a second pair of hands really comes in handy), wet his fur thoroughly with the showerhead.  You can hold him firmly around his chest and neck with one hand and hold the showerhead in the palm of your other hand. 

- Put down the showerhead but leave the water on (and warm) if possible.  Spread ample shampoo all over him.  Work the shampoo into a lather, pick up the showerhead and rinse thoroughly.  If you are concerned about leaving shampoo on his fur, pour the warm vinegar rinse over him and then rinse again with water. 

- Wrap up your clean cat in a bath towel and massage him gently all over to remove the water.

- When the towel is soaked, change to a fresh towel and repeat the process until he is no longer dripping but merely damp.

- If he will tolerate it, this is a good time to brush his teeth and clean his ears.

- Blow dry and brush or comb him if he will tolerate it or if his long hair requires it.  Otherwise, leave him to finish grooming himself in a very warm room. 

Blow dry and brush your cat:

Some cats really enjoy the warmth of the blow dryer and the feel of a gentle brushing. 

- If you use a leave-in conditioner, rub it in while the hair is still damp. 

- If you don't have a holder, hold the blow dryer in one hand and place a dry hand towel in the other. 

- Start the blow dryer on the lowest setting and move to a higher setting if he tolerates it.  A higher setting will provide the fastest drying time but can be too hot or too strong for many cats. 

- Working quickly, move the blow dryer and the hand towel around your cat.  The hand towel absorbs water and makes the procedure that much faster.  As the towel becomes wet, exchange it for a fresh one.  Always keep the blow dryer moving to prevent burning.

- For long haired cats, you may want to blow dry and brush at the same time to prevent the hair from curling and tangling.  Dry one section (back, sides, chest, tail) at a time, brushing with the grain of the hair.  Your cat may tolerate brushing on his back and sides but not on his sensitive belly. 

Voila!  You now have a clean-smelling, mat-free cat with up to 40% fewer allergens. 

< Previous          Page 1 | 2