Handle with Care - Tips for the Dreaded Cat Bath!

 

The tales and jokes told about someone trying to give a cat a bath are legendary.  We've all heard about the trauma for both cats and owners when an actual bath is called for.  Cats are really good at staying clean all by themselves and usually don't need baths, which is great, but sometimes, an actual bath in a sink or small tub with water and soap is necessary.  Knowing how they generally dislike baths, when does a cat need a bath?

There are lots of tools available to help you figure this out, even though your eyes and nose will let you know if your cat needs a real bath.  First and foremost, be aware of your cat's general bathing habits - how often do they give themselves baths and are they really thorough about it?  If you see a change in what you know is normal for them, something is probably going on.

A pet parent might notice older cats having more trouble bathing themselves due to obesity, arthritis or illness.  Along with age might also come changes in litter box habits that could leave urine or feces in some fur.  Both of these could warrant a bath as could skin conditions, allergies or infections.  If you're facing one of these situations, check first with your veterinarian to make sure there's no medical reason with your cat not to do it.  If it's ok, there are some steps you can take to prepare things so it's less traumatic for you and your cat!

If you search online, you'll find lots of helpful hints for giving a cat a bath - even Martha Stewart has some suggestions!   Relying first on your vet's advice for your particular cat is the best way to start.  Petplace.com has put some very good cat-bathing tips together into a list:

    •    "Introduce your cat to water gradually. Start by filling a small bowl with water and placing your cat in it. Gently pour water over their head and body, praising them when they remain calm. Once they are comfortable with this, you can move on to actual bathing.

    •    Be prepared. Have everything you need within reach before starting the bath so that you don’t have to leave your cat unattended. This includes a towel, shampoo, and any other products recommended by your vet.

    •    Make the environment as stress-free as possible. Choose a quiet room with little foot traffic and few distractions. Fill the tub before starting, as your cat may try to make a break for it if they see you running the water. And be sure the water is not too hot or cold – just warm enough to be comfortable.

    •    Use a pet-friendly shampoo. Avoid using human shampoo, as it can be drying and irritating to your cat’s skin. There are many different types of cat shampoo on the market, so talk to your veterinarian or groomer to find one that’s right for your cat.

    •    Rinse well. Be sure to rinse all the shampoo out of your cat’s fur with lukewarm water. If any is left behind, it can cause skin irritation.

    •    Gently towel dry. Gently pat your cat dry with a soft towel once they’re clean. If their fur is long, you may need to use a blow dryer set on the lowest setting to help them dry off. Just be sure not to hold the dryer too close to their skin, as this could burn them.

    •    Use positive reinforcement. Reward your cat with treats or toys after each bath to help them associate the experience with something positive. This can go a long way in making future baths less stressful."

Several BCR cats get regular baths, including Popcorn!  We made a video of exactly how this sweet girl gets her baths, which is actually more like spa time for her.  As you'll see, our staff is always gentle and watchful so Popcorn is relaxed!

So, if your cat does need you to give him or her a bath sometime, don't pay attention to the old tales and jokes.  It can be done safely for you and your cat!


CLICK HERE for some additional helpful tips on bathing your cat from pethepful.com.