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| English: Tuxedo cat unhappy about his flea bath. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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| English: Orange tabby cat giving himself a bath (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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| Trillium, a 10 year-old wet tabby cat immediately after being given a bath. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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| English: My cat in the bath room (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
There are many cat owners who never bath their cats because
we assume cats are well self bathing. If your cat however, gets into weeds, acquires
fleas, or demonstrates a skin condition then you will want to bath your cat. It
also helps to bath the cat regularly in a household where someone has sensitivity
to their dander.
When bathing a cat use products made specifically for cat
fur. If you have a long haired cat that is matted; use a conditioner or
detangler made for long hair cat breeds. You will want to use an oatmeal based
product if you are treating minor irritation on the cat’s skin. You may want to
treat the irritation with anti itch cream or cortisone after you bath and dry
the cat. You can use creams made for people. Any serious skin condition should
be examined by the veterinarian before you irritate it by bathing the cat.
Fleas are a common problem. If you are treating for the first
time, read the flea shampoo. Make sure that your cat is within the weight and
age limits to use the product. Don't sicken your cat by using multiple flea
products on your cat. Only use flea shampoos and dips when peccary. Does not
flea dip your cat and then apply more flea medication. Read the directions and
use only with other flea products that the instructions say are safe to use
with the shampoo.
Remember flea shampoo
is a pesticide. If you use over the counter flea drops for your cats consider
using an organic flea shampoo, then treating the cat with the drops. If this
does not work consult a vet or groomer. Many times having the flea situation
addressed by the professionals, will bring the situation under control so that
you will never have to flea shampoo or dip again. Do not use products for dogs
on cats, you risk poisoning your cat
Other things you will need are mitt or brush appropriate to
your cat’s fur. Long haired cats should be brushed daily and short haired cats
a least twice a week. You can comb out a
long haired cat after washing them. Use a detangler made for long haired
breeds. Do not brush your long haired cat until they are completely dry. Many
long haired cats that are bathed often will adjust to being blowed dried. Short haired cats can be toweled dried for as
long as they stay around. Provide a warm place for your cat after the bath.
Trimming nails, cleaning teeth, and applying skin medications
can all occur after bath time? It is a good way to remember to do these routine
maintenance things. If your cat does not tolerate it then don’t push it. If
your cat totally freaks at any kind of human grooming, then get a kitty happy
pill from the veterinarian and use the groomer.
If you start a
grooming routine with a kitten at about three months of age then you can avoid
a neurotic reaction to human cat grooming in fluffy. You can do teeth maintained
by using a wet cotton swab (no tooth paste) a couple times a week. You can
clean excessive wax in the ear with a dry cotton ball; do not insert anything
into your cat’s ear. It is a good time to check for cat ear mites, and apply
ear mite medicine. Again serious oral or ear conditions in your cat should be
addressed by the veterinarian.
If you have not started a grooming routine with your cat as a
kitten, you might try introducing a small amount of grooming acts like ear
cleaning or tooth cleaning before you try bathing. Do the bathing when the cat
is not stressed by some other action. The best way to groom your own cat is to
start young. Giving it a try can not hurt just is aware you may end up using
the groomer anyway.
