What is the proper way to bathe cats?

1. 81

   Susan Ngposted 12 years ago

   What is the proper way to bathe cats?
   
   I read somewhere that you're not supposed to get a cat's face wet when giving him a bath?

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2. 39

   ChristinSposted 12 years ago

   There really is no reason to bathe a cat unless you need to do so for ridding fleas etc.  Cats hate water and it's traumatic for them.  They clean themselves very effectively and efficiently.  Should you need to flea dip them for any reason I would follow the instructions on the dip/shampoo itself, but if you can - avoid bathing a cat.

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3. 61

   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years ago

   Hmm....I never heard that you shouldn't get a cat's face wet. I cannot think of any reason why not. When I fostered very young kittens (as young as two weeks of age) I got them used to water and having a bath as soon as I felt they were stable enough to tolerate the temperature change. As you may know, young kittens without a mother can get very dirty from walking around in their food, etc.
   
   I was very careful to use tepid or lukewarm water, prevent a draft and thoroughly dry them so they wouldn't get chilled. I used a shampoo designed for kittens and made sure I removed all the soap. I kept them warm afterwards.
   
   I usually would wipe their faces off with a washcloth and wiped their faces after they ate as well.
   
   Contrary to what others have said, bathing a cat can help people with allergies. Also, some cats actually like the water - some even like to swim! If you get them used to water as a kitten, at the very least they will not abhor water!

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4. 61

   Glosheiposted 12 years ago

   That is something I would not like to try unless I had booked in for a skin graft! cats hate water and they are a really clean animal, if for some reason (though I can't think why) you want to do your cats face try an old face cloth in look warm water and start by stroking it gently along hid back then move up to it's face.
   Good luck

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5. 82

   thoughtfulgirl2posted 12 years ago

   There is rarely any reason to bathe a cat unless they have visible dirt all over them from falling into something.  They are not dogs.  They have natural oils in their fur which keeps their coat clean and glossy.  Also, their sandpaper rough tongue acts as a washcloth and this allows them to keep themselves very scrupulously clean.
   
   They hate water and are basically a "self cleaning" animal.  Please do not bathe unless they have fleas or have fallen into too much dirt for them to clean themselves.  Even then, if it's regular dirt, I would only take a damp washcloth and lightly go over them and then I would comb them to get remaining dirt out.  Cats really do not need to be bathed.

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6. 61

   Perry the Catposted 12 years ago

   Cats keep their fur clean but the saliva is what causes allergic reactions in humans.  The dried saliva falls off with the cat's dander, tiny dry flakes of skin that shed naturally just like they do in humans.  In order to keep the dander down, bathing a cat is one option. 
   
   First you have to fill a sink or other container with warm (not hot) water.  Don't put the cat into a sink with running water as the sound of the faucet may frighten them.  A friend recommended putting a screen inside the container, leaned against the side so the cat will have something besides your body to curl their claws around.
   
   Hold the cat gently and pour cups of the water over him.  You can use a mild shampoo  or special pet shampoo.  When you are finished, wrap your cat (including their claws) in a dry towel and rub them to take most of the water from their fur.  Most cats won't tolerate a blow dryer, but if yours does, put it on cool or warm (be careful not to get it too hot) and blow the fur dry.  Otherwise, just rub out as much moisture as you can and let your cat go.
   
   He may be mad and not speak to you for a few days, but he'll get over it.  And with any luck, so will you.

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7. 60

   KevinG1979posted 12 years ago

   Throw the cat into a large swimming pool. Make sure to throw it into the middle because it will find the shortest way to "shore" very quickly. The erratic action of the cat "swimming" will wash it real good. It sounds mean but I used to do this when my cat would get sprayed by a skunk - it happened a few times.
   
   Generally though, there is no need to bathe cats. They keep themselves pretty clean.

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