How to bathe a cat correctly

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Title 1: How to properly wash a cat: how often, at what temperature and why 2 title: Washing a cat at home - choosing products, drawing up a plan, preparing the animal and contraindications. [[[How to properly wash a cat? Is this unpleasant procedure necessary or is it a tribute to fashion? It is necessary to wash, and correctly. You need special shampoos, a little patience and a good mood. There are cases when washing a cat is impossible or undesirable.]]]

It's rare that a cat has a love for water treatments. But nevertheless, pets are often exposed to this action. But bathing is a lot of stress for a cat, so it resists in every possible way. For an inexperienced owner, everything can end in serious scratches. True, cats accustomed to washing from childhood do not react so violently to bathing and are practically not afraid of water.

Cat owners often think about the advisability of water procedures and doubt how correctly they do it and with what frequency. This is a necessary procedure and it is dangerous to ignore it. At the same time, you need to bathe correctly and not when the owner wants. Washing too often can be harmful!

What cosmetics should you choose for your pet? Human gels, shampoos, foams and soaps are not suitable for animals. This is explained by the different acid-base balance of cats and humans. Therefore, you need a special zoo shampoo. By the way, there are products for so-called “dry cleaning”. Special sprays or dry shampoos perfectly clean the coat. However, the procedure should not be abused. Another way to put an animal in order when it is not possible to take a full bath is a “bath” made from bran. True, it is only suitable for short-haired cats; long-haired breeds are not recommended due to the formation of tangles.

Washing kittens deserves special attention. At what age should a baby be introduced to water? How can I help him overcome his natural fear? How much time should you devote to such procedures? There are many questions, but there are answers to them. And we will try to tell you in detail how to wash a kitten and an adult cat. A cat in the bath can behave differently, especially if its first acquaintance with water took place as an adult.

Find out how to bathe a cat if she is afraid of water? At what temperature and in what water should I wash?

Bathing cats is not an easy, but very important procedure in the life of every owner and his pet. Furry sneaks (in their own opinion) do an excellent job of maintaining hygiene, so they react negatively to all attempts to bathe them.

The cat may scream, twist, scratch, and even bite, trying to distract your attention and escape to a dark corner.

Fortunately, not all felines react negatively to this process, and some even enjoy it. Meeting a Don Sphynx or an Abyssinian who cannot tolerate water is a real rarity.

The article will tell you how to properly bathe a cat, even if it is afraid of water.

It is recommended not to feed the cat 3-6 hours before bathing. For bathing, dry or liquid shampoos are used, as well as tar soap (popularly believed that it helps to cope with parasites); in rare cases, the use of human shampoo or shampoo for children is allowed.

• PREPARATION
• BATHING METHODS
• ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• USEFUL VIDEO

When is the best time not to bathe a cat?

Bathing for felines is stressful. But the nervous system of a healthy animal is not in danger; things are completely different with sick or weakened pets. Their condition will only get worse. Another reason to postpone the procedure is vaccination and the quarantine period after receiving the vaccination. A few words need to be said about drying. There is an opinion that a wet cat definitely needs greenhouse conditions. Natural drying should take place at average room temperature. But the really big danger is drafts.

Bathing a pregnant cat is a topic for another discussion. Pregnancy is not a disease, especially since all vaccinations have been received and there are no health problems. But I would like to maintain hygiene at the proper level. Veterinarians speak out quite unequivocally, answering “No”. The expectant mother should only be bathed if she is very dirty, and this dirt should not get inside the body.

Every time you bathe, there is a risk of injury (you jumped awkwardly out of the bath, fell, dropped a heavy object on yourself). For an adult cat, such situations are not dangerous, which cannot be said about babies. Often, due to stress and drafts, pregnant animals experience miscarriages and pathologies. The chemicals present in washing products can harm babies. Shampoo cannot be completely washed off the fur and its remnants inevitably end up in the stomach. But if your pet loves to swim, feels great, the house is warm and there are no drafts, then do not deprive her of this little joy.

Should I bathe my cat?

Cats are afraid of water, so bathing is a serious stress for them. By regularly licking and washing, cats keep their fur clean. However, in some situations it is necessary to bathe a cat:

• If the wool is very dirty;
• The animal was found to have parasites;
• The cat got dirty in toxic substances, such as fuel oil;
• During the molting period, to remove dead hairs.

Washing is additional hygiene for the animal, prevention against parasites, softening and moisturizing the skin, removing lost hair, and simply maintaining the aesthetic appearance of your cat. Therefore, every owner needs to know how to bathe a cat correctly.

How often to bathe a cat

It depends on his lifestyle. On average, a cat requires 5-6 baths per year.

Regular bathing is inevitable for show animals, as their fur is evaluated very carefully. Hairless cats need to be washed frequently because they sweat through their skin. Long-haired dogs are bathed so that less hair falls out.

Kittens should be bathed no earlier than three months of age. Water procedures for small kittens can lead to hypothermia and the baby catching a cold.

How often should you bathe at home?

Cats are very clean animals; they regularly clean themselves. However, situations still arise from time to time when it is necessary to bathe your pet. If the cat gets dirty, before a show, as prescribed by a veterinarian (for some dermatological and parasitic diseases) and for other reasons.

If the owner prefers regularly scheduled bathing, such events should not be carried out too often. The fact is that during bathing, especially with the use of shampoos, the protective fat layer is washed off from the cat’s skin and fur, which leads to dryness, dandruff, weak hair, and can later result in dermatitis, eczema and other skin diseases.

You definitely need to pay attention to cat cosmetics - shampoos, soaps, conditioners, etc. Human hygiene products that are also intended for other animal species should not be used.

So how much bathing is recommended? Healthy cats are washed no more than once every 2–3 months, or less often. Long-haired pets, such as the Nibelung, sometimes have to be washed almost every month, because such hair becomes more dirty and tangled. Be sure to thoroughly dry the coat after the procedure, comb it and, if necessary, style it. In general, the average number of cat baths per year is 2–5.

If the pet has contaminated some part of the body, for example, the paws or tail, it would be more advisable to clean this area separately rather than wash the cat entirely. This is especially true for those cats that walk outside every day.

We suggest you read: What fish can you keep with guppies?

Has anyone ever wondered why cats are afraid of water? How justified is their fear? For animals, everything is much simpler; they are not subject to groundless panic. The fear of water in cats is due to the following:

1. After swimming, they are at risk of hypothermia or overheating. The air cushion formed between the skin and fur of the cat warms it. After bathing, it disappears, the animal freezes. Also, the coat, naturally moistened with sebum, protects the cat from the scorching rays of the sun. A washed pet loses this protection.
2. There is a risk of infection. The cat's sebaceous glands produce a secretion with antibacterial properties. During bathing, it is washed away, leaving the animal defenseless against bacteria, fungi, and other infections.
3. Wet wool smells. Cats are by nature nocturnal animals and hunters. They have strong camouflage instincts. Purrs carefully bury feces behind them and carefully lick their fur coat so as not to emit odors. Washed cat fur smells very strongly, and this makes the cat very worried.

Bathing is stressful for a cat.
Therefore, you need to know how often to wash your cat. Veterinarians recommend:

• regularly once every 2-3 months, if the animal is healthy
• more often as needed and after consultation with a specialist

Preparation

1. Buy a special shampoo that meets the needs of your pet's body. If the animal is allergic, choose products with antihistamine action; if it is infected with worms, fleas and other parasites, pay attention to the variety of medicinal shampoos. Don't forget about the characteristics of the breed! Long-haired cats are better suited to shampoos with conditioner, which make combing easier and prevent the formation of tangles; sphinxes - with an antibacterial effect. Bathing cats with human shampoo should only be done as a last resort.
2. Don't make unnecessary movements. Cats are very smart creatures. Noticing that you are rushing around the house, preparing towels, taking shampoo out of the cabinet and making other extremely nervous movements that are unusual for you, the animal will definitely sense something is wrong and will hasten to hide in a safe place. It can hide under the sofa, behind the closet, and in a huge number of hard-to-reach places that you didn’t even know were there. Instead of fuss, allow yourself to prepare the equipment necessary for swimming in advance, two to four hours in advance. The cat, even sensing that you are planning something bad, will most likely forget about it within an hour.
3. Talk. Scientists have proven that animals endure stressful situations much easier if they hear the owner’s voice and feel his support. Your tone should be affectionate and soft, the pet should understand that you are aware of how hard it is for him and sympathize with him.
4. Prepare a treat. For some cats, this helps distract them from unpleasant sensations. If the animal does not bite or scratch you during bathing, but only meows pitifully, complaining, then the tasty treat will work as an excellent method of distracting attention.

Now that you have prepared both mentally and physically, let’s move on to the main part of the bath procedures.

Bathing methods

1. Traditional.

You should bathe your cat with an assistant, especially if you are doing this for the first time or the animal is too wayward.

After filling the bathtub with warm water to 10 - 12 centimeters, place a terry towel on the bottom. Sitting on such a bedding, the cat will feel more comfortable. Having carefully secured the cat under the front paws so that it does not escape, we carefully wet the fur with our palms.

Care should be taken to ensure that water does not get into your pet’s eyes, ears, or mouth. Pour the pre-prepared specialized shampoo for cats into the palm of your hand and lather it, then massage it onto the fur.

Then rinse the fur and wrap the animal in a towel or soft fabric sheet prepared in advance. Some animals cannot be contained, so it is quite easy to get your pet wet, collecting excess moisture. After bathing, it is permissible to dry the animal with a hairdryer, but only if it does not object.

Be careful! Do not set the temperature in the hair dryer to maximum! The air should be just a little warm, but not hot.

2. Modern. For animals, as for people, dry and spray shampoos have long been invented. They are sprayed onto the fur, after which the cat should be held for a while so that the particles of the product have time to absorb excess sebum, then the fur is thoroughly combed out.

The safety of this method is controversial, but in cases where the cat is terrified of water, such means should be used. This will keep the animal clean without injuring it.

“Tactics” for training a cat to use the bathroom

Before teaching a cat not to be afraid of water, you need to overcome all the accompanying discomfort. Carry the animal into the bathroom in your arms; if the cat does not strain, try turning on the water for a short time. Calm your cat down, let him know that he is protected, but be prepared, the sound of running water can throw the cat into panic.

Try putting the animal in a dry bath; most likely, the pet will immediately run away, but this is only the first stage. Agree with your pet, do not try to wet the fur or force the cat not to be afraid, forcing events will only add to the hassle. Gradually, patiently, agreeing to the animal’s conditions and that’s the only way!

Important! Bathroom lighting is a separate issue. It has been established that animals experience fear if there is not enough light in the room. Change the light bulbs to brighter ones or install an additional light above the bathroom while you study.

Naturally, it is easier to accustom a kitten to water; the little one who unconditionally trusts you will accept or at least tolerate water procedures after 3-4 “training swims”. It is difficult, sometimes impossible, to train an adult cat. If your pet doesn't go outside, it's easier to give him a quick bath than to torment him for months of training.

Answers to frequently asked questions

How to wash a cat if she is afraid of water?

Do not confuse acceptable fear, bordering on discontent, and panic horror. If an animal reacts to bathing very tolerantly, simply trying to run away during the process or meowing quietly, this does not mean that it does not need to be bathed. Most cats perceive bathing as an act of violence, but I have never met a single owner who, because of this, would leave his “Murka” dirty and unkempt.

If the animal’s fear of the water element is enormous, it thrashes, scratches, hisses, and pure horror splashes in its eyes - the second method of bathing is especially for you.

At what temperature should you wash your cat?

The temperature at which a cat should be bathed should not be too hot (over forty-five degrees) or too cold (below thirty-five). The normal body temperature of cats ranges from thirty-eight to thirty-nine. Knowing this indicator, you can adjust the water so as not to freeze the animal.

The optimal temperature for bathing cats is considered to be forty to forty-two degrees Celsius.

What water should I wash my cat in?

Yes, you can bathe cats in any tap water! Indicators of impurities, chlorine and iron content in this case do not play as important a role as we are used to.

The only thing is that you should refuse to wash if your water was turned off and now, when you turned it on, brown, red, rusty, black slurry comes out of the tap.

If the water is clear and does not have a repulsive odor, you can safely bathe your pet in it.

How often

The maximum interval between baths can be anything, since most cats do not need regular bathing. Animals that visit the street are given hygiene procedures every 1-2 months. The rest are bathed when an odor or dirt appears.

The minimum gap is more important. You can’t bathe your pet too often, because... During each procedure, the protective layer is washed off from the surface of the skin. If you wash your cat too regularly, your cat's sebaceous glands begin to secrete more oil. As a result, the fur quickly gets dirty, and bathing has to be done more often.

Later, dandruff and itching appear. The animal begins to scratch itself. Due to the disruption of the skin's barrier function, infection becomes easier.

Oily wool creates optimal conditions for the development of bacteria: it is too dense and makes ventilation difficult, and moisture evaporates from it less easily. This is fraught with the development of dermatological diseases.

Rules for swimming

Many people believe that cats are terrified of bathing. The aversion to water is based on the animal's subconscious instincts for safety reasons. If you are properly accustomed to bathing while still a kitten, then there will be no problems with this. It should also be noted that bathing a sick animal is prohibited. This can affect your pet's immune system, resulting in serious illness.

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Before you start washing, you need to take care of your cat's ears and eyes. When applying shampoo, soap suds can get on the mucous membrane of the eyes and ears. Therefore, you need to use eye drops for your eyes to prevent irritation and pain. Use cotton swabs to protect your ears.

Ways to bathe pets

• As a container, you can use a sink or a small basin filled with 10-12 cm of water. The suitable water temperature for washing is 39°C. To prevent the paws from sliding on the enamel surface of the sink, place a towel on the bottom;
• You need to pour a small amount of shampoo or gel into a bag that is capable of allowing water to pass through and place the pet’s body, leaving the head outside. The cat should be held by the scruff of the neck with a soft but firm grip. When lowering the cat halfway into a container of warm water, you need to make circular movements with your hand, saying kind, gentle words. The animal must feel the safety of the actions being carried out.

When bathing, you can use a non-rough sponge to wet all the fur except the head. It is necessary to rub the shampoo in with massaging movements so that a layer of foam is formed. Some breeds find this procedure enjoyable and may even purr. If there are fleas, you need to wash your hair, but very carefully. To do this, you need to soap the surface of your head with a well-wrung out sponge so that the foam does not flow onto your eyes, ears and mouth.

You need to wash off the foam with water, which should have a temperature of 39-40°C. The stream of water should be directed from head to tail in the direction of the fur. You should thoroughly rinse the area of ​​your armpits, belly and under the tail. The second step is to apply the balm, which also needs to be rinsed. After the procedure, the cat should be wrapped in a warm terry towel. When drying, it is not recommended to rub vigorously, otherwise the long hair will become tangled. While drying, the pet should be kept warm, after which the fur should be combed well.

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Breed influence

Cats with fur feel good when bathing if the water is heated to a comfortable temperature equal to body temperature.

Sphinxes are a completely different matter. This breed is characterized by the absence of hair, so the animals quickly freeze and become hypothermic.

They have different requirements for water: it is heated to +39…+40°C.

It is necessary to monitor the air temperature: if it is cold, bath procedures will cause hypothermia. The risk of developing colds increases.

What makes cats afraid of water?

Driven by curiosity, scientists have put forward several theories to explain the causes of irrational phobia in most members of the cat family. In the course of their research, they came to the conclusion that it is not fear that motivates cats to avoid contact with water, but the instinct of self-preservation.

Cats are excellent swimmers, capable of covering long distances. A 1-month-old kitten submerged in water, for example, can swim without assistance.

Whiskered pets not only hunt well, but also swim well

Table 1. Main factors provoking fear of water procedures

Zoologists believe that cats are aware of the negative consequences of bathing and do not want to put themselves at risk. They remember at the genetic level that wet wool contributes to heat loss.

In the large family of cats there are lovers of water treatments. These include servals, tigers, Sumatran cats and jaguarundis.

Unlike cats, dogs can shake off water.

While observing the behavior of cats and dogs, researchers made another interesting discovery. Representatives of canines are active hunters. In pursuit of prey, they cover long distances. If they need to dry off, they either shake off drops of water or get rid of moisture while jogging. Fluffy pets obtain food in a less energy-consuming way. They spend most of their time in ambush, patiently waiting for prey. And they don’t know how to shake themselves off.

Why don't cats like water?

No, this is not a whim or character flaws, but an instinctive fear. In nature, a wild cat will go into the water based solely on survival instincts. There are exceptions, for example, tigers are swimmers and fishermen who can easily endure water procedures due to the water-repellent structure of their fur. It just so happens that more than 80% of domestic cats hate bathing, while the remaining 20% ​​tolerate it. From the point of view of cat psychology, purrs do not like water because their fur quickly gets wet, and water, especially with shampoo, dries out delicate skin.

If you hope to “twist” your pet and bathe it “somehow”, give up the illusion; without washing the fur, you are risking the health of your ward. In addition, true fear provokes animals to desperate actions, fighting charms and torn clothes are provided to you, and after that, wet slippers and torn wallpaper as moral compensation for the “abuse”.

Is it possible to bathe a cat during heat?

You can bathe a cat during a difficult period of estrus; the procedure will not harm her. Moreover, some owners have noticed that after bathing their pets are so busy licking that they even calm down for a while. But this does not mean that water procedures can be performed every day. They resort to them only once.

Bathing during heat distracts the cat.

Bathing rules

Kids quickly get used to the bath day. Therefore, it is advisable to introduce it to water immediately after changing teeth. In addition, it is much easier to cope with a kitten’s hysteria than to withstand the panic of an adult cat.

Kittens are more tolerant of wet grooming than adults

First of all, you need to decide on a place for bathing, choosing between a bathtub and a sink. For small pets, the second option is suitable. Many owners choose a cup-shaped device based on personal comfort. When bathing a cat, there is no need to remain in an inclined position for a long time. For long-haired breeds, it is more convenient to use the bath.

Preparing for washing is no less important than bathing itself.

Required accessories

Before bringing your pet into the bathroom, you should prepare the tools used during bathing. You will need the following accessories:

1. Shampoo. You should purchase detergent for cats. Products designed for people are not suitable for cats. For basic care, a degreasing shampoo is suitable. If your pet has matted long hair, texturizers are recommended to make combing easier. Cleansing pastes are good for problem areas.
2. Air conditioner. You need to choose a rinse based on your pet's coat type. The product should not irritate the eyes.
3. A shower equipped with a special button, when pressed, water flows. This device significantly speeds up the washing process.
4. Bucket capacity up to 2 liters and 2 buckets. These items are necessary if your pet is afraid of the stream flowing from a faucet or shower.
5. Latch. The accessory is made in the form of a collar with a suction cup, which is attached to the bathtub. The invention prevents the cat from running away from its owner while washing.
6. Massage mitten. Helps to apply shampoo evenly and removes dirt well.
7. 2 towels. To prevent the animal from catching a cold, it must be thoroughly dried. The first is to remove the main moisture, and the second is to dry it. Timely drying quickly restores the pet's thermoregulation.

Having prepared the listed items, you can start swimming.

Step-by-step instruction

The bathing algorithm is quite simple. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced swimmers.

Step 1. Preparing the animal

Brush the cat and trim its claws. The last procedure will protect the owner from scratches. If there are tangles on your pet's body, they must be removed.

How to trim a cat's claws

Step 2: Cleaning the bathroom

Remove all objects that the cat could snag or turn over during the washing process.

Step 3: Wear protective clothing

Wear things that don't have fur on them. It is also useful to come up with a uniform that the animal cannot get its claws caught on.

Step 4. Help from an assistant

If the cat belongs to large breeds, an assistant is invited. Bathing together is much easier. Distribution of responsibilities: one person fixes, the second washes.

Step 5. Preparing the water

If the cat is wary of the stream flowing from the tap, use a shower. Make the pressure moderate and the water warm. Pre-fill the sink or buckets placed in the bathroom with water. Dilute a small amount of concentrated shampoo in a ladle. Do not apply detergent to dry hair.

Some pets are repelled by the pulsating flow of water from the faucet.

Step 6. Fixing the pet

If you plan to immerse the cat in water, keep the forelimbs and hind limbs crossed. Smoothly place the animal in the sink and release the hind legs.

Step 7. Bathing the cat

The procedure takes about 15 minutes. Taking a small amount of water into your palm, wet the wool. Then apply pre-dissolved shampoo. Splashes should not get into eyes and ears. To protect your ears, you can cover them with cotton swabs. Wash your face at the final stage without using soap. The cat takes excellent care of this area on his own. Direct the water onto the back in the direction of the hairline. Use a massage mitten to distribute the water flow over other areas. Rinse the detergent from top to bottom. Use the rinse aid in the same way. To prevent shampoo or conditioner from getting into your pet's body while washing, the fur is washed well. Residues may cause itching and burning.

The animal should be washed with leisurely and gentle movements.

Step 8. Drying the wool

Cover the animal with an absorbent towel and allow the moisture to be absorbed into the fabric. Blot the wool, but do not rub it. If your pet responds adequately to the hair dryer, you can dry the hair with it without using the device at full power.

When is it necessary to bathe a cat?

Frequent bathing is contraindicated for pets. While washing, cats clean their fur and epidermis of dust. The effect of licking your hair on your own is comparable to bathing and combing at the same time. This is achieved thanks to the special structure of the cat's tongue.

If your cat gets very dirty during a walk, you should help her clean herself of dirt.

On the tongue of cats there are papillae shaped like spines. They help your pet retain food and water on its surface and clean its hair.

A cat's tongue is equipped with special fibers that help clean the fur.

However, in emergency cases, animals must be helped. In addition, veterinarians recommend providing assistance to pets in the following situations:

1. Seasonal shedding. Water treatments help remove dead hairs in a timely manner, thereby preventing their accumulation in the stomach.
2. Presence of parasites. Regular washing with anthelmintic shampoos helps remove roundworm eggs and other worms. This is especially true for animals walking outside.
3. Age factor. Over time, some pets either cannot cope with personal hygiene on their own or become lazy.

It should be remembered that frequent use of detergents leads to degreasing of the epidermis, which causes the formation of dandruff.

How to get rid of a cat's fear of water

The attitude towards water procedures is formed during the first wash. In most cases, a phobia develops due to the fault of an impatient owner. Cats are considered willful and independent animals that do not tolerate violence. Therefore, using force will only make the problem worse.

If your pet is terribly afraid of water, you need to teach it to bathing gradually.

Bathing should begin by immersing the cat in a container filled 5 cm with warm water. To arouse your pet's interest, place his favorite toy in the basin. It is not recommended to force a cat into water. It is advisable that at this moment he is well-fed and well-rested.

By repeating this procedure several times, you can complicate the task. To do this, you need to place a board across the bathtub with toys. The height of the structure should be comfortable for the animal trying to get the trinkets. After jumping into the water, the cat may get scared and run away. However, once she realizes that she is not being forced to dive, she will try to pull out her favorite toy again. When your pet gets used to the water, you can start bathing.

A basin with toys will encourage curious animals to wet hygiene

How often can you bathe a cat?

The fur of furry pets is covered with natural fatty lubricant, which performs protective and thermoregulatory functions. With regular bathing, it is washed out and makes cats susceptible to infectious and colds. In addition, drying of the skin occurs, which negatively affects the quality of the coat. Therefore, veterinarians do not recommend abusing water procedures.

Frequency of bathing:

• walking - once every 2 months;
• home lifestyle - once every 4 months.

You should not completely immerse the cat, just wet his paws for the first time.

Hairless animals, such as sphinxes, are bathed once every 4 weeks. In case of severe contamination of the fur or the presence of fleas, unscheduled trips to the bathroom are possible. Swimming is prohibited for 2 weeks after vaccination and after surgery until the sutures are completely healed.

Most often, sphinxes like to bathe and even play in the bathtub

It is not advisable to bathe a cat during pregnancy. The application of detergents does not pose a danger to the life of the expectant mother. However, the procedure can provoke a state of panic, which will negatively affect the health of kittens. In addition, trying to jump out of the bathtub may cause injury to the animal.

Can I use regular shampoo?

The veterinary industry is developing rapidly and, in addition to industrial feed and medicine, much attention is paid to animal care cosmetics. In addition to liquid products, dry shampoos and sprays are available on store shelves. The former well neutralize the consequences of the active work of the sebaceous glands. The latter are suitable for animals that cannot tolerate contact with water.

Cats should be washed exclusively with specialized shampoos.

You cannot wash an animal with human shampoo, even one designed for children. Detergents are especially dangerous for kittens. The chemical elements they contain remain on the skin even after thorough washing. Penetrating into the stomach while washing, they lead to eating disorders.

It is not advisable to use soap or shampoo intended for humans on the fur of furry pets. This taboo is due to various indicators of acid-base balance. The PH level of human skin ranges from 3.5 to 5.5, while that of a cat ranges from 3 to 6 units.

The wool must be treated with a special shampoo for cats.

How to behave while swimming

To make this process comfortable for both the owner and the pet, you should adhere to a few simple rules of behavior:

1. Make bathing part of the training process. From an early age, accustom your animal to washing, motivating him with his favorite treat.
2. Be gentle, kind and persistent. Talk to your pet and under no circumstances use raised voices.
3. Distract your cat with toys. Since this event is stressful for most felines, it is advisable to reduce the tense psychological temperature with the help of his favorite items.
4. Bathe your cat together. If your four-legged friend resists strongly, you should invite an assistant. During bathing, one person will hold him by the paws and withers, and the second will do the washing.

By being patient and respecting the emotional state of the cat, you can achieve success and instill in the animal a love of water treatments.

How and when to wash a kitten for the first time and with what?

Unless there are any special circumstances, a mother cat successfully cares for her babies, including their fur. In the first month from birth, healthy kittens do not need bathing.

You need to wash your kitten for the first time at the age of 3-4 months.

It is not recommended to bathe younger kittens because:

• baby may get scared
• if he's with his mom, she might not recognize him as smelling like shampoo
• The baby has not yet established thermoregulation, he may freeze and get sick

So, the decision was made to wash the kitten. What's the best way to do this?

1. The procedure should be carried out 2 hours after feeding the kitten.
2. It is necessary to prepare the bathing area so that cat shampoo and two terry towels are at hand. How to choose a shampoo can be read below.
3. It is better to bathe a kitten not in the bathtub, but in the sink and basin. Lay a terry towel or cotton sheet on the bottom.
4. Approximately 5 cm of water is collected in a sink or basin. Her temperature is measured. 38 degrees is the optimal indicator.
5. It is better to turn off the tap while bathing the kitten; the noise of the water may frighten it. You can wash off the shampoo with a ladle or a mug. If the wool is dense, it can only be washed with running water; the stream from the tap or shower should not be under high pressure.
6. The kitten should not be immersed in water abruptly, starting with its hind legs. At the same time, it is important to stroke him and calm him down.
7. Perhaps, like a child, a kitten will tolerate bathing more easily if it has balls and toys - squeakers - that will distract it from the unpleasant procedure.
8. You need to water the kitten's body very carefully, making sure that water does not get into the eyes and ears. The shampoo should be rinsed off the fur thoroughly.
9. After bathing, the baby should be wrapped in a towel to prevent him from freezing. When the towel gets wet, it should be replaced.
10. Dry the kitten's fur with a soft brush or hairdryer if he is not afraid of it.

To calm your kitten while bathing, you need to talk to him. Your pet's favorite toy will also help.

I recommend washing the kitten for the first time 2-3 weeks after it has moved into your home, even if it has not yet gotten dirty. During this time, the kitten will already adapt to the new place and get used to you.

Kittens often get dirty in the litter box or can climb into a flower pot and get dirty with soil, so sometimes you have to wash them almost every week. This is quite normal, because... Babies are not as neat as adult cats.

Therefore, how many times you need to wash your kitten depends on the circumstances, depending on the degree of contamination of its fur. Washing a small kitten is much easier than washing an adult cat. He will hardly resist, this will make your task much easier. There is now a wide range of shampoos for cats in stores, and there are also special shampoos for kittens.

The main principle that should be followed when washing your baby is not to scare him. This is especially important for 3-month-old kittens. The first procedure affects the subsequent attitude towards water. The resulting negative experience can permanently discourage the desire to swim.

Due to the fact that cats perfectly recognize the emotional state of the owner, you should relax before bathing. The owner's nervous mood is transferred to the animal.

General recommendations:

1. Check that there are no drafts in the bathroom.
2. Cover your baby's ear canals with cotton balls. Getting water into the ears can lead to colds. It is advisable to lubricate the corners of the eyes with Vaseline. This will help prevent shampoo from getting on mucous membranes.
3. Trim the animal's claws and brush it. If there are tangles, they need to be removed.
4. Prepare a towel, gloves, shampoo, conditioner, your kitten's favorite toys and, if necessary, a basin.

It is better to prepare for this event on your own, without the presence of the kitten.

Your pet's overgrown nails should be trimmed before bathing.

A large bath is not suitable for washing a kitten. It is better to use a basin or sink. During the procedure, the baby should stand on his feet and not swim. In addition, it is easier to hold it in a small container. To prevent the paws from sliding on the surface, the bottom should be covered with a rubber mat.

When immersing a kitten in water, you should make sure that it does not rise above the shoulder line. The optimal temperature is from 36 to 39°C. It is necessary to hold the baby tightly to prevent him from jumping out. During this event, it is advisable to constantly talk to your pet and distract him with rubber balls, soap bubbles and other improvised means.

Basic Rules:

1. Dilute shampoo and conditioner not on the animal’s fur, but in a separate container.
2. Carefully remove the foam formed on the hair using a special brush.
3. Do not spray your baby with tap water or shower water. It is preferable to rinse from a mug.
4. Pay special attention to the areas behind the ears, on the paws, groin, anus and abdominal area. The most dirt accumulates in these parts.
5. Apply water to the kitten's head using a sponge. This will prevent water from getting into your ears.
6. Rinse off detergents thoroughly. Otherwise, the animal may be poisoned. To wash away the smell of care products, cats lick themselves thoroughly after washing. If shampoo left on the fur gets into the digestive tract, it will cause stomach upset.
7. If the pet is very dirty, before bathing, grease the stain with butter and blot it with a napkin.
8. When using anti-parasitic flea products, the neck should be blotted first. This helps prevent insects from migrating to the head.
9. If there is a need to wash individual parts of the body, use wet wipes, a towel and spray shampoos.

At the end of the procedure, reward your baby with his favorite treat.

A cat's body temperature is 38 degrees, so the water temperature should not be more than 39°C

Step 4. Drying the wool

At the end of the procedure, you need to blot with terry cloth and wrap in a softer towel. This will help avoid the occurrence of colds. You should not rub your pet, as there is a risk of tangles forming. To prevent your pet from getting sick, he should spend the next 12 hours in a warm room. Staying in the fresh air is not advisable.

Some babies love to blow dry their hair. However, this device is only suitable for long-haired breeds. During the drying process, comb the hair. This prevents the fur from tangling and removes dead hair.

Signs of pneumonia in cats

How to bathe a cat for the first time?

So, we found out that your cat should first become acquainted with water and shampoo at a young age. It should be remembered that a kitten has a vulnerable child’s psyche. The owner’s task is not to instill in the baby a persistent aversion to water and the entire procedure as a whole. To do this, you must follow some rules. The baby’s attitude towards this procedure in the future depends on the very first bath.

A kitten should be accustomed to water from three months. Usually, before this age, his mother washes him out. However, there are exceptions to every rule. If a kitten is very dirty at the age of one month, then it can and should be bathed. You should not carry out the first procedure in the bathroom. A basin is more suitable for this, as it doesn’t look as intimidating to a baby as a huge white bathtub, and it will also be easier to keep him in the water.

You need to pour a little water so that it just reaches the kitten’s tummy. While bathing, talk to your baby in a quiet voice and call him by name. Do not wet the kitten's head from the shower; clean the fur on it with a sponge. Use shampoo for kittens, choosing it based on your pet's coat type. If you can’t purchase it, use any children’s one.

How and what to bathe a British cat?

British cats have plush fur with a thick undercoat. She needs special care, which, in addition to good nutrition, taking vitamins, regular brushing, includes bathing once every 2-3 months.

British cats need bathing.
A British man is given a bath. The fact is that it will be difficult to wash out all the shampoo from his undercoat in a sink or basin. If a cat is afraid of the sound of water when washing it out of a ladle or mug, you need to comb it out at the same time with a special brush.

Shampoo for short-haired cats.

For bathing, you should get a special shampoo for the British breed.

Washing and bathing cats and kittens

Home :: Keeping and caring for cats :: Washing and bathing cats and kittens

Washing cats and kittens is a means of grooming; many people believe that cats wash themselves (lick themselves) and therefore do not need this procedure. But there are times when a cat gets so dirty that it cannot be avoided. However, remember that you should not wash a sick pet because it is susceptible to infections.

There is an opinion that cats are afraid of water, so many owners have doubts about washing cats. But if kittens are washed from an early age, bathing will not be difficult.

Before washing your cat, take care of its eyes and ears. To prevent your eyes from becoming irritated by shampoo or soap suds accidentally getting into them, you need to put eye drops in them before the procedure. Plug your ears with cotton to prevent water from getting into them. Bathing cats and kittens can be done in several ways.

Fill the sink with warm water (water temperature for bathing cats should be about 39 ºС) to 7-10 cm. To prevent your pet from slipping, place a terry towel on the bottom of the sink. You can take a regular small basin.

Bathing cats can be done in another way. Take a strong but water-permeable bag, add some shampoo to it and place the cat in it, leaving only the head outside. Then submerge halfway in warm water. While washing the cat, hold the cat by the scruff of the neck, grasp the skin gently but firmly, do not let go, while saying kind words to your pet.

When bathing cats, after you have placed the animal in the water, gently wet the entire fur except the head with a sponge and gently massage the shampoo into the fur until a lather forms. Some cats really enjoy this procedure and even purr.

If a cat has fleas, she will have to wash her hair too. In this case, it is convenient to use a sponge, wet it, gently lather the surface of the head, avoid getting the foam into your eyes, ears, nose or mouth.

After washing your cat with shampoo, rinse the fur with warm water. Direct the flow of water from the head - the way the fur lies. Pay special attention to the abdominal area, areas under the tail and under the arms. Next, apply the balm, rinse it off, remove the cat from the sink or basin and wrap it in a large, warm towel.

Dry the cat carefully; if the cat has long hair, do not touch the long fur so that it does not get tangled. After bathing, it is better if the cat is kept warm until the fur is completely dry. After the procedure, you can comb the cat.

If the cat is young, weak or old, then dry washing can be used. This procedure is effective for animals whose fur is greasy or matted. Sprinkle with talcum powder, wipe it off and comb the coat with a comb. In this way, the kittens can be washed, and then proceed to bathing them in water in order to gradually accustom the pet to this procedure

When brushing out the powder, hold the cat's head so that the powder does not get into her eyes and nose. Nowadays there are a lot of special lotions for cats. They are especially good for hairless cats. A cloth is moistened with lotion and the animal is wiped with it.

Features of washing cats of different colors

It is best to wash your cat with dry shampoo on the bare floor. This is necessary primarily so that after the procedure you can easily remove the powder. When using various spray shampoos, remember that many cats can be frightened by the fizzing sounds. In this case, you should stop the procedure using such shampoos. But before washing a cat using liquid shampoos, you need to carefully prepare. Firstly, you don’t need to feed your pet before bathing (4 hours before). Secondly, there is no need to demonstratively make noise with basins or water, since the cat is a very sensitive animal. She may get worried and hide from you. The best thing to do is try to calm the cat down, for example, pick it up and stroke it. A very important condition for washing your pet is the temperature of the water and air. , the air temperature must be 22 degrees, since cats are quite sensitive to various hypothermia. It is best to wash your cat in a sink or bathtub, with the bottom covered with special bedding to prevent the paws from slipping. It is worth noting that it is not recommended to wash a cat in a basin, as it will desperately grab onto its edges. Now, regarding the water temperature. It should not be cold or hot, the best option is 38 or 40 degrees. One tip on how you can determine the temperature of the water: put your elbow in the water, if you do not feel the water, then this means that this temperature is suitable for the cat. The water level must be up to the cat's belly. Remember, when bathing, you do not need to speak emotionally or loudly, or make any sudden movements. The first thing to do is to very smoothly place the animal in the water, while holding it very firmly with one hand. After this, wet the coat and apply shampoo to the back, withers, chest, tail and belly. Never allow water to get into your cat's nose or ears. To do this, you can first insert special cotton swabs into your ears. Particular attention should be paid to soaping the front legs, tail and chin. Do not forget that various shampoos foam a lot, so you should not apply too much of them, as it will be very difficult to wash off the foam later. To rinse short-haired animals, just one basin will be enough, but if the hair is long, then several basins. After this procedure, you need to thoroughly wipe the cat with a dry towel. In this case, you should not rub the animal under any circumstances; all movements should be smooth and soft, in the direction of the fur. If you wipe against the grain, you can easily damage it. You can also use a hairdryer, but the cat should not be afraid of it. After wrapping the cat in a towel, you need to hold her close to you, but in no case deprive her of support, as she may escape. After water treatments, the cat must be left alone, as it needs to gradually calm down.

In most cases, before various cat shows, a so-called procedure is carried out. But such a procedure is unnatural for animals; any cat definitely needs a wash. Persians need to be washed once a month, other remaining breeds - once every two or three months, and light-colored cats even more. – a comb, preferably with wide teeth – 2 or 3 towels or a quiet hair dryer – shampoo – grooming powder The cat must be washed at least twice. During the second wash, you need to use a special tinted shampoo or balm. You must first wash off the foam with clean water, then with a balm or vinegar solution. This will make combing your fur much easier. When drying, it is recommended to use special massage combs with teeth that are coated with an antistatic coating. You need to wipe the fur dry, starting from the back and gradually moving towards the collar. After this, apply powder to the damp wool. It will not only make the coat silky, but will also absorb all the excess moisture. It is worth noting that the fur should not be left wet, as the pet may catch a cold, and if the fur is long enough, it can form. After several hours, it is recommended to treat the wool with a special protein conditioner.

This type of cat is best washed by two people. Here's how it's done: the cat, secured by its hind and front paws, is gently immersed headless in a bucket of water. This way the wool gets wet very quickly and you can start washing right away. After the procedure, the cat must be wrapped in a towel and while she is in this position, you can easily wipe her eyes with cotton swabs. They can be pre-moistened with chamomile infusion, drunk tea or salted water. It is enough just to wipe the Burmese cat every day with a damp cloth or a piece of suede. This will remove all excess hair. It is also recommended to comb the cat once a week with a special mitten or rubber brush. At this time, you can use some kind of antistatic agent, for example Bio-Groom Anti-Stat. It does not injure the eyes and skin, is not sticky and, moreover, this antistatic agent protects the animal’s fur from the harmful effects of various heating devices. It is worth noting that almost every cat really enjoys a massage, and the fur looks just fine after it. Remember, it is strictly not recommended to wash cats the day before the exhibition, since the fur of this breed is quite thin, and if the shampoo is not selected correctly, your pet will look like a hedgehog. The best option is to carry out this procedure 5 or 7 days before the event. Another very important procedure is ear cleaning. To do this, using cotton swabs, you need to wipe the auricle very carefully. At the same time, remember not to try to get deep, as you can damage your ear. As a rule, cats really like gentle care and, therefore, they will be happy to give you their ears. It is best to carry out this cleaning once a week. It is worth noting that in a healthy cat, sulfur is predominantly odorless and has a fairly light shade. It is also recommended to examine your pet’s oral cavity. If you notice the formation of tartar, bad breath, or discoloration of the gums, then this is a reason to consult a veterinarian.

We suggest you read: Signs of rabies in humans after a cat bite

And the last procedure that needs to be done is to trim the nails. This should be done like this: first of all, you need to very carefully release the front paw and squeeze it with your fingers so that the claws protrude forward. The tips of all claws are made of dead tissue and therefore they do not feel pain.

Remember, you should never touch the inner pink part, since this is where the blood vessels and nerves are located. That is why, before you start trimming the claws, it is necessary to determine where the blood vessel is located, which cannot be touched in any way. It is best to trim claws with a special nail clipper, but you can also use regular nail clippers.

However, they must be very sharp, otherwise they can split the claw. A very important point is that the claws need to be trimmed as they grow, while the claws on the hind legs, as a rule, are not trimmed. It is worth noting that after washing, the fur of Burmese cats becomes quite light and soft.

– White cats should be washed with shampoo designed specifically for white cats, and at least two or three times. In this case, the second-applied shampoo should be left for two minutes, after which everything should be washed off thoroughly. – Silver merle or chinchilla cats, as in the first case, are washed with shampoo intended for white cats. One difference, reapplying shampoo should not be left on for a while, but, on the contrary, it must be washed off immediately. – cats with colors such as cream, blue, lilac or lilac-cream are often darkish. In this case, you can again use shampoo intended for white cats. It is this kind of shampoo that can give the coat a lighter and lighter shade. – cats of red, tortoiseshell or red merle colors are usually washed with bronze or red shampoo. – cats of chocolate colors should be washed with bronze shampoo, adding a few drops of shampoo to it, intended for black cats. – Black cats are best washed with black shampoo.

Some types of cats require an individual approach to hair care. For purebred pets, it is advisable to use specialized shampoos. White animals require the use of bleaching detergents. Long-haired babies, Persian and Siberian for example, are bathed more often than others, once every 2 months. Shorthaired Scots or British - once every 6 months.

Persian kittens are bathed more often than others

Hairless pets differ from their counterparts not only in their exotic appearance, but also in the rate of contamination of the skin. Due to the fact that they do not have a protective coat, they need to be bathed frequently. Veterinarians recommend washing hairless kittens once every 3-5 weeks. For water treatments, Ms.Kiss “Graceful Sphinx” and Doctor VIC shampoos are suitable. To clean your pet's head, you need sanitary napkins specially designed for cats.

The skin of Sphynx cats gets dirty faster than other breeds.

Bathing a kitten is a responsible and energy-consuming procedure. Knowing the basic rules of a bath day, this process can be turned into an exciting event. A pet’s love for washing largely depends on the owner, so you should patiently instill in your baby a culture of water hygiene.

The meaning of bathing and the procedure for carrying out this procedure are similar for all cats, but have distinctive nuances for some breeds. It should be understood that cats with long, short, thick, curly hair, as well as representatives of hairless breeds, require an individual approach.

Longhair

How to teach a kitten to bathe

Bathing a small kitten when it is only a month old is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. If, for example, he gets his paws dirty in the tray, they should be wiped with a wet napkin and wiped dry, but do not wash the baby all over. It is optimal to start accustoming a kitten to water starting at the age of 4 months. This process is quite lengthy and requires patience from the owner, since not every kitten, despite all efforts, is able to get used to bathing. In order for a kitten to stop being afraid, you need to teach it to wash in water in the following sequence:

• the kitten gets acquainted with the bathing basin - it should not cause fear in the animal. First, you need to show the basin to your pet, and then put the baby in it even before the water is poured. Then the kitten is taken out;
• water at a temperature of 38-40 degrees is poured into the basin to a depth of 5-7 cm;
• the kitten is placed in a basin of water, speaking to it in an even, calm voice, while at the same time holding it tightly;
• The pet's head is quickly wetted, making sure that water does not get into the ears and nose. They try to wash it briefly, since the kitten, as a rule, does not like to bathe.

If the kitten is very nervous, then before bathing you should give him a little sedative designed specifically for kittens. Regarding which product to choose and in what dosage to give it, it is worth consulting with a veterinarian.

© shutterstock

It is important to remember that the sooner the bathing is over, the better. You should not force your kitten to endure unnecessary exposure to water.

Cat bathing temperature

When bathing kittens and adult cats, do not use hot or too cold water. The pet should not be scared, burned or frozen, especially since some breeds of cats are heat-loving and a cold shower will be dangerous to their health. The optimal bathing temperature for a cat is 39o C.

To wash cats, it is recommended to use a special domestic and imported pet shampoo. If you don't have shampoo, you can use baby soap.

Regular human toilet soap, powder and shampoo are not suitable for caring for cat fur. They are harmful not only for bathing small kittens, but also for adult cats, as they have a negative effect on the fur and epidermis and are poorly washed off with water.

You should not wash cats often, because fat is removed and thus the natural protection of the skin and coat is reduced; it is usually recommended to bathe cats once every 2 months.

The animal should not be placed in water after eating; at least four hours must pass. By following these recommendations, you and your pet will enjoy washing.

What water should I bathe my cat in?

When cats should not be washed

You cannot wash an animal in the following cases:

1. The cat recently ate. Due to manipulations, your pet may experience nausea.
2. The animal recently underwent surgery. After surgery, pets are not bathed for 2-4 weeks.
3. The pet was under severe stress. Due to aggression or fear, the animal will not be able to relax. Your actions will increase nervousness. Even if you manage to wash the cat, the relationship between you will worsen. Next time the animal will resist.
4. The pet is sick. In case of chronic pathologies in remission, the cat can be bathed, but in case of exacerbation, hygiene procedures should be abandoned. This is an additional burden on the immune system.

Use caution when bathing older cats, small kittens, and pregnant and lactating animals. During these periods, pets’ bodies are weakened, so stress affects them more strongly, and the chance of catching a cold is higher.

It is better not to bathe kittens under 3 months of age at all. Their internal thermoregulation system does not work well. Because of a foreign smell, a cat may refuse a kitten.

Wash water temperature

To ensure proper care of the fur, you need to know what temperature is suitable for your cat when bathing. It is determined depending on the characteristics of the breed.

Many animals are thermophilic, so cold water can be dangerous to a cat’s health and immunity. Hot water can burn the skin, frightening your pet and leaving a burn. For simple breeds, an average temperature of 38-39°C is suitable; if the cat feels chills or tries to sneak away, you can increase the temperature to 40 degrees.

When bathing, you need to use special products that are designed specifically for animals. Some gels and shampoos for humans may not be suitable for cats, which can cause irritation, itching and redness of the skin. They also dry out the fur and take longer to wash off with water.