Do you want to wash your cat, but you do not know where to start or which shampoos to use.
Don’t panic, we are passionate about this topic and know exactly how to help you. Let’s discover together how to wash your cat effectively at home. Let’s get started now!
Cats can find bathing extremely stressful, making them much more likely to become aggressive and lash out at you. With a little preparation and patience, you can give your cat a bath.
Why wash your cat?
We are well aware that our cats are very autonomous. Most cat breeds never need a bath. Felines are cleanliness pros, asself-cleaning is a natural instinct. However, there are exceptional circumstances. If they’ve rolled into something they can’t wash themselves, or if they have long hair that has become tangled. A bath can be a good idea. Remember that every cat will have a cleanliness problem at some point that will require a bath to remedy it, especially if your cat has long hair. Even low-maintenance cats can end up in a dirty or sticky place.
Beyond the bath itself, the bath teaches the cat to let itself be manipulated in an unusual way without having to scratch its master. Cats have a memory. Making bathing a positive experience will help your cat get used to this kind of manipulation in future situations.
How often to wash your cat?
There is no set rule. For its well-being, we advise you to wash your pet every4 to 6 weeks. How often you should bathe your cat depends on several factors:
The environment: outdoor cats will need a bath more frequently than indoor cats.
Coat length and type: Long-haired cats require more maintenance than short-haired cats.
Self-care behavior: Cats that can’t or don’t want to groom themselves need regular baths to prevent their coat from getting greasy or sticky. In addition, overweight cats have difficulty reaching all parts of the body, so they will need more regular baths.
Activity level: Very active cats will need more frequent baths.
What shampoos for cats?
Never use men’s shampoo on cats. Their pH level is different from that suitable for cats and may dry out their skin.
For cats with dry skin, try a moisturizing, purifying and revitalizing shampoo. Other types of shampoo that you might consider using depending on the condition of the coat are cat shampoos that have been designed specifically for them, as well as shampoos against hairballs. It is importantnot to use flea or tick shampoos designed for dogs on your cat, as they can be dangerous for your feline’s health. We recommend that pet owners always check the label of any product to make sure it is safe, whether it is a cat or a dog.
How to bathe your cat: step by step
Make sure everything is ready before you bring your cat to bathe. You must have at hand:
– Acat shampoo withoutparaben or silicone.
– A towel to help it dry.
– A comb or brush for long-haired cats.
– A pitcher or other container for rinsing.
– A non-slip or rubber mat to prevent your cat from slipping.
We advise you to follow these stepsto make bathing the cat less stressful (for you and him):
– Tired himout with a preliminary game session. We advise you to wash it when it is calm.
– Use acarding brushto remove dead hairs and untangle knots.
– While talking to your cat and offering lots of comfort and praise, gently place him in the shower, bathtub or sink.
– Wet your pet, taking care not to put it directly in his nose, eyes and ears. If he doesn’t like the shower head, use a plastic pitcher.
– Gently massageyour pet with a cat shampoo, going from head to tail, in the direction of the hair.
– Rinseyour cat thoroughly with warm water. Make sure all soap residue has been removed.
– Wrap your cat in a large warmtoweland dry it with it in a warm place.
– Praise your catand reward him with a special treat for a successful bath
How to dry your cat?
Cats’ coats retain water and cause their body heat to lose when wet. Always make sure youhave a towel close to you. In general, cats prefer to be dried with a towel rather than a hair dryer. Some cats are petrified by hair dryers unless they have been accustomed to it from an early age. If you are in this case, do the maximum with a towel, then leave it in a warm room so that it dries naturally. Do not let it out until it is completely dry, so that it does not get cold.
Chances are the experience will be anything but a relaxing bath for your cat. So, once the bath is finished and after drying it well, reward your cat with some kibble. This positive association will reassure your cat that the experience is not that bad and may even distract him for a few seconds while you rub him. Be sure to pay close attention to your cat for any signs of distress.
My cat hates water: alternatives to wash your cat without water
Hiring a professional groomer for your cat’s bath is an option if your cat absolutely hates baths, but another solution is to use adry leave-in shampoo or washing foam. It cleanses the coat, absorbs excess sebum and removes dirt. You can also use water wipes specifically designed for cats. These wipes are designed to clean your cat like a bath, but without the water. You can also use them to clean your cat in hard-to-reach places.
When buying a wipe for your cat’s bath, always choose a wipe made from natural ingredients and without chemicals. Before using the wipe, do a test to make sure your cat is not allergic. Use them only when needed, as you may dry out your cat’s coat if you use them too often.