One of the best things about our feline pals is the fact that they are naturally very clean. Fluffy will carefully groom herself every day. While you don’t have to give your kitty a bath, some people do like to do so. A Forest Hill, MD vet offers some tips on this below.

To Bathe Or Not To Bathe

As mentioned above, you don’t have to bathe Fluffy. However, if you have a kitten, you may want to give her a few baths, just to familiarize her with the process. (This will make things a little easier on you if you ever have to bathe her in the future.) Do not bathe cats that are sick, elderly, or recovering from surgery, such as spay/neuter procedures, without consulting your vet.

Water

Cats have quite sensitive skin, which can get scalded at temperatures that feel comfortable to us. Fluffy’s bathwater should be warm, but not hot.

Prep Work

Being properly prepared will make things go both more quickly and (hopefully) more smoothly. Brush Fluffy beforehand to remove dead fur and dander from her coat. You may also want to put a rubber mat down in the tub or sink to protect it from scratches.

Cattitude

Most cats are definitely not fans of water. Fluffy may protest, to put it mildly. Be gentle, and talk to her in a soothing tone. Wearing a long-sleeved shirt and jeans can help protect you from scratches. Those tiny claws are sharp!

Shampoo

Only use shampoos that are made specifically for cats. Products made for humans may strip the oils from Fluffy’s coat, leaving her looking dry or even frizzy.

Rinsing

Try using a cup or pitcher for rinsing. You can also use a sink or shower sprayer, as long as the pressure isn’t too high.

Face

Take care not to get suds in Fluffy’s eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. It’s probably best to just use a washcloth for her head.

Drying

When bathtime is over, wrap Fluffy in a towel and gently pat her dry to get as much water out of her fur as possible. When you let her go, she’ll probably immediately start grooming herself, to get her hairstyle sorted out. A new toy or treat will get that motor going again!

Please feel free to contact us, your Forest Hill, MD animal clinic, anytime. We’re always here to help!