Cat Bath Time
There is such a thing as a cat bath. This may surprise you, because you’ve probably heard that cats hate water. But the there’s nothing like a clean kitty, and if your cat will tolerate a bath, the benefits go beyond her fluffy fur and fresh smell. A bath can help prevent excess shedding, and it can help treat cat acne and skin problems as well. If your cat has fleas, an occasional cat bath is an especially good idea. The best place to bathe a cat is in a bathtub or large sink. The only supplies will need are a towel and some cat bath shampoo. It might be a good idea to trim the cat’s nails first because she will probably try to escape! Don’t let that discourage you, though. Think positively. If you approach cat bath time calmly and convinced that you will be successful, the results will probably be excellent. When you give your cat a bath, be sure to use a shampoo made for felines. Do not use shampoos or soaps for humans, dogs or any other creature for a cat bath. If your cat has a skin condition or fleas, get a cat shampoo that is formulated to treat that condition. Before bathing your cat, fill the tub or sink with an inch or two of lukewarm water. Then get that kitty and set her gently into the water, holding on to the scruff of her neck. Scoop some water over her back to wet her fur, and then apply the shampoo. All of this will go more easily if you have someone with you to help you hold the cat while you lather her up. It’s also a good idea to drape a large towel around your neck. That way, you won’t get as wet and the towel will be ready when the cat bath is done and it’s time to dry your pet. When the bath is over, give your pet a special treat. If your cat is a lap cat, wrap her in a towel and sit with her if she wants some attention. But don’t be surprised if she’s had enough attention for now and prefers to run away. Expect her to shake the water out of her fur after the bath. This is really fun to watch, but dry her as much as possible with the towel before you let her go so she doesn’t get the whole house wet!
No matter how much your cat resists being bathed at first, the chances are pretty good that your cat will appreciate being clean. Our cats are always very affectionate once their fur has dried and they realize how good they look and smell. Still, not every cat will tolerate a bath. If yours won’t, you may want to try kitty wipes (which are a lot like baby wipes) to keep her clean. And remember, cats do a pretty good job of cleaning themselves as well. For an indoor cat, a bath is like luxury grooming, similar to what going to a spa might be for humans. If your cat spends time outdoors, however, an occasional bath is a good idea, not only to keep her clean, but to protect your carpets and furniture from dirt and whatever else your kitty gets into outside as well.
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