Many people know that the relationship between bathing and cats is very negative and contradictory, but some cats accept bathing at times, as cats show violent reactions when bathing, although we must take care of their hygiene whenever necessary, so there are tips to follow to care for cats such as; trim the cat’s nails, comb cats especially when there is long or thick fur and others.[١][٢]
Situations that require bathing cats
There are many situations that require bathing cats, and here are some of these cases:[٣]
Ringworm is a type of cat fungus, and the veterinarian may request therapeutic baths depending on the cat’s condition and other factors.
Flea infestation; in this case, a bath is not necessary, but in case the situation is serious or when the cat is allergic to fleas, only bathing is useful and necessary.
When you want to remove any foreign objects from the cat’s fur; such as medicines and remedies used to kill fleas that contain chemicals such as pyrethrin, as their presence leads to severe tremors.
In case the cat is obese or suffers from arthritis, it may be unable to take care of itself properly and completely, and therefore it may need occasional baths to maintain its health and fur, as for cats with arthritis, warm water, and massage may be good and useful.
How often do cats bathe
Cats usually take care of themselves by licking themselves with their tongue to clean their body, but this is not enough to remove dirt from the fur or skin, according to the American national cat breeding Association, It has indicated that cats should be bathed every 4 – 6 weeks to preserve the fur, so the bathing process should be organized, which is based on:[٢]
Home or outdoor environment: cats that stay outside the House need to be bathed more frequently than cats that stay inside the House.
Density and length of fur: cats with dense or long fur require more care.
Self-care behavior of cats: cats that cannot do this behavior or obese cats need frequent bathing; because the upper back may itch due to the accumulation of dandruff and fat, and may become inflamed due to the inability of cats to reach it.
The level of movement and activity of cats: cats that have constant activity and movement need frequent bathing.
Health problems: cats that have health problems such as; loose stools, skin infections, or fleas need more care and attention.
Important information to ensure the smooth running of the cat bathing process
Here are some of these tips and advice:[٤]
Before bathing
Here are some things to consider before bathing your cat:
You have to bring all the toiletries in one place.
Bring a large bucket or a bathtub lined with a non-slip floor.
Bring shampoo for cats; it should be free of chemicals.
Use a special balm for cats.
Bring one or more towels, and a brush to remove the knots.
While bathing
Here are some things to consider when bathing your cat:
Fill the bathtub with a moderate amount of warm water, then gently lower the cat into it.
Give the cat peace of mind throughout the bathing period, and it is also preferable to put a treat for the cat, such as its own food.
Apply a little shampoo only to the soiled area, avoid applying it to the head, and use a damp cloth without shampoo to wipe the head and face.
Do not put anything in the cat’s ear; this may cause it to be unable to hear.
When rinsing the cat use one hand to hold the water jug, put the other hand on the cat’s eye and ear to protect them, and it is very important to rinse the cat thoroughly to avoid licking it for shampoo or conditioner.
When finished, allow the cat to get rid of excess water.
After the shower
It is preferable to dry the cat with a towel unless she is used to a hair dryer.
Do not let the cat out of the house to avoid catching a cold.
Tips when bathing kittens
As for kittens, you should follow a set of tips, including the following: [٥]
Make the cat feel comfortable before bathing; you can wet it a little or offer it a little food.
To ensure that the cat feels safe, keep giving her treats, and you can help someone if necessary.
When the cat feels comfortable, put warm water on your hand and then wipe it on her back while petting her.
Apply a small amount of cat shampoo and massage it gently, then rinse the cat thoroughly from the shampoo.
If the cat is scared or nervous try again later.
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