Compared to humans, most cat breeds do not require regular baths. This is mainly due to the fact that cats are excellent groomers. Their rough tongues are covered with tiny barbs called “papillae” that send saliva across their fur. Every lap of their tongue transfers healthy natural oils across their skin and coat. Hence, when cats lick their fur, they’re actually cleaning themselves.

Even though they do not usually require baths, there are some exceptional circumstances when your cat would need proper bathing. If your cat has rolled in something that it cannot wash, or if it has long hair that has become matted, giving it a thorough bath might be a good idea. However, bathing cats can be challenging since most dislike baths. To help you, here is a quick guide on how you can give your cat a lovely and comfortable bath.

Essential Items You Need On Hand

Preparing everything you need on hand before the bath begins is vital to ensure that it goes smoothly and faster. Additionally, this helps to prevent the unpleasant situation of desperately calling out for a towel while keeping your feline still and calm. What’s great is that these cleaning items can often be found easily in many pet stores.

Here are some of the essential things you need for the bath:

• A tub or pitcher for rinsing
• Shampoo made particularly for cats
• Rubber gloves to avoid scratches
• Cotton balls for cleaning your cat’s ears
• A soft cloth for washing your cat’s face
• A large towel for drying your cat off

6 Simple Steps in Bathing Your Cat

1. Prepare your cat

As mentioned earlier, most cats do not like bathing, so it is highly recommended that you first get your cat used to being in the tub before doing so. Try putting it in without water and give it a couple of treats. If possible, do this multiple times in a day before you proceed to bathe your cat.

2. Place your cat in the water

If you think your cat has already become accustomed to being in the tub, fill it with a few inches of lukewarm water and slowly place your cat inside. Keep your cat as calm as possible by talking gently to it and praising it for not misbehaving.

3. Wet your cat

One of the first things you should do when bathing your cat is gently wet its body and tail. As most cats do not like getting water on their faces, it is best to avoid upsetting your soaked feline by wetting its face immediately.

4. Shampoo and rinse

Shampooing will help clean your cat thoroughly and maintain the quality of its skin and coat. However, choosing a shampoo made specifically for cats is necessary to avoid irritating your cat’s skin. Add the shampoo, lather, and rinse your feline. As much as possible, avoid leaving any shampoo residue behind, as it can also cause irritation.

5. Clean the face

When cleaning your cat’s whiskered face, it is advisable to use only a soft cloth because, as mentioned earlier, cats do not usually like getting their face wet. You can also clean the outside of your cat’s ears using a cotton ball. Avoid using a Q-tip or any other tool to clean the inside of its ears, as this can result in injury.

6. Dry with a towel

After everything is done, carefully wrap the large towel around your pet and lift it out of the tub. Drying off your cat with a towel is essential to avoid making it feel uncomfortable or cold. Usually, cats and hair dryers do not make a good pair, but if you have a longhaired breed, you can try using one to dry it off.

Conclusion

Bathing a cat is not a walk in the park, especially since these felines are known for disliking baths. Nonetheless, if you follow the tips shared in this article, their bath sessions will surely go a lot easier and smoother. If you still quiver at the thought of bathing your cat despite all these tips, you can always seek a professional groomer’s assistance to ensure your cat gets thoroughly and comfortably cleaned.

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