February 28, 2012
Posted in How to, Pet Supplies

Cats are known for their aversion to water. However, wild cats like tigers and lions have no problem with water, choosing not only to bathe but to play in ponds and streams. Your cat may not be so opposed to H2O either. Cats generally do a good job of bathing themselves with licking, but it is a good idea to get your cat used to water at a young age, because certain conditions may require you to bathe it with specific pet shampoo later on.

If your cat has fleas, it may suffer an allergic reaction on its skin that can be treated with moisturizing shampoo like Oatmeal & Aloe Vera Shampoo or Epi-Soothe Shampoo. You should also make sure your cat is on flea and tick preventative pet drugs like Frontline Plus, Pet Armor or Revolution to address the problem and prevent it in the future. Remember to wait at least 24 hours after bathing your pet to apply topical flea preventatives. There are other times cats need to be bathed, too, such as during fungal, bacterial or yeast infections of the skin.

To bathe your cat, first gather all of the pet products you will need during the process so they are handy. If your cat has anxiety about the bathing process or water in general, try giving it medication like Composure Bite-Sized Chews beforehand.

Start slow when introducing your cat to water. You can even use a washcloth to sponge-bathe the animal if it really cannot handle having water poured on it. You should dilute the shampoo with water, with a 1:10 ratio, to decrease the product's comcentration and make it easier to distribute throughout the coat. Leave the shampoo on for about 10 minutes for maximum efficacy, then rinse thoroughly and follow up with a conditioner if necessary.

When washing the cat's face and ears, put the diluted shampoo on a washcloth, since most animals will find this to be the most irritating place to be washed.

It is best to have a partner when bathing a cat. It may be helpful to have one person hold the cat still while the other applies the shampoo and conditioner, and to have one person prepare supplies like towels and treats like Feline Greenies Dental Treats once the bath is over. 

Related posts:

1. How to give your cat a bath
2. How to give your dog a bath outside
3. Caring for a white cat
4. Introducing your kitten to water
5. The best way to remove skunk odor