Giving My Cat A Bath

Giving your cat a bath has to be one of the most harrowing experience's in life. And I am not talking a harrowing experience for your cat. If you are a cat owner and have given your cat a bath at one time or another in your lifetime, you may know exactly what I am talking about. If not, than you have a very docile cat that enjoys it's bath time.

There is a myth out there that cats do not like water, I don't think cats hate water so much, as it is that they do not like getting wet, mauled and lovingly bathed. But then again, I did have a cat that liked to go outside when it was raining. So I am thinking the water thing is a personal preference for the cat.

If you start bathing your cat from an early age you should not have too much of a problem bathing them as they get older. This however is not always true. many cats just do not adapt to the bathing experience. Cats do a pretty good job at keeping themselves clean. However they may still require a bath now and then. It will also accimilate them as what to expect when the water starts flowing.

Because sometimes believe it or not, your furry little friend may stink. Cats sometimes get dirty, and like it or not if they are outdoor cats, they can get exposed to fleas, ticks, skunks and garbage. Bathing your cat will also help reduce shedding, especially if you have a longer haired breed.

Clip Those Claws - To avoid scratches and accidents it is essential you clip your cats claws. Many people have this done at the vets office or a groomers. Others are very comfortable doing it themselves. This can be done every few weeks to keep the cats claws trimmed nicely.

Wear Suitable Clothing - The first thing I do is find clothing with long sleeves. I always wear long sleeves, and long pants. I am protecting myself from scratches and I am avoiding any possible infections from those scratches. Wearing cloth gloves can also be an additional safety measure against scratches. You can usually get them for a buck at almost any store.

Prepare The Bathing Area - Get all necessary items you are going to need. Towels, shampoos, brushes, wash clothes, and so forth. Have everything handy so you don't have to reach for it. Because if you do, that means letting go of your cat, and you know what that means, it means a soaking wet cat running madly through the house. So be prepared, and have everything handy.

Fill The Bathtub - Fill the bath tub with about five inches of lukewarm water. You do not want it to hot or to cold. Make sure to do this before you bring in your cat. If your cat gets heads up that you're going to give it a bath, it most often will start a game of hide -n-seek with you. I always have a fresh bucket of warm rinse water. Sometimes when you turn the water on, your cat gets a little agitated and wants to dart right out of the tub. If you have a shower hose, that will be suitable for rinsing. Some cats actually like this.

Cat Shampoo - Human shampoo is known to irritate a cat's skin, so it is best to choose a shampoo specifically made for cats. There are many shampoos to choose from, depending on why you are shampooing your cat. There are flea shampoos, deodorizing shampoos, hypoallergenic shampoos, and more. You should consult a professional or a veterinarian can recommend the very best shampoos for your cat.

Bath Tub Mat - Put a rubber mat or a towel on the bottom of the bath tub. This will help your cat keep steady, you don't want it slip sliding all over the bathtub. There is nothing more unnerving than a cat trying to get its balance. That is where the long sleeves and gloves clothing are very helpful.

Now that you are dressed appropriatly and have the bathing area ready , it is time to prepare your cat for a bath. Begin by brushing your cat thoroughly, getting all the knots, and fur balls out. It will be easier giving a bath if there are no tangles or matted fur.

Now it is time for your cat to get a bath. Set your cat gently down into the tub of water. Use the washcloth to soak your cat down. Carefully begin rubbing the shampoo onto your cat. Gently holding your cat's neck and shoulders. Be careful to avoid getting soap in your cats eyes. Lather up your cats belly, legs, backside, head, and paws. When you are done shampooing, rinse carefully with the bucket of fresh water or shower hose. Be sure to remove all the soap.

After you are done rinsing, it is time to dry your cat. Wrap your cat into a dry towel. Rub softly until the water is absorbed. By this time your cat will be ready to take off and finish the job on it's own. But before the cat bolts off, use a brush or comb on the cat to avoid matting.

I always give my cats a can of wet food as a treat for getting a bath. They don't seem to be so agitated and set on revenge when they are eating that delicious can of food.