How to Bath a Cat at Home

There is a widespread idea that says that cats are not fond of water.  This belief is true…halfway: If you get the cat used to water while it’s little, the cat will much more enjoy bathing and water. The cat can learn to bathe (like other activities) but this learning should be carried out in the socializing stage of kittens, that is, between the first and second month of life.

In these months the cat is receptive to all instructions for social management that you want to give it.  In fact, it tolerates more than just water if it has learned from a young age; also, it is an activity that reinforces the social relationship between kitten and owner, along with brushing, petting, and playing.

How to Give a Bath a Cat

Before starting, it is important to understand the importance of having extra time, at least 1 hour to be able to enjoy the bath with your cat.  It is also good to talk to your cat and pet it during the process to calm the cat’s anxiety.  The atmosphere should be calm and, if possible, it should always be the same person who bathes the cat.

The bath can be given in any basin in the house.  The only important thing is that the cat fits and the water is warm. You should have everything prepared and ready in the place where you are going to give the bath beforehand.  We are talking about shampoo, towels, dryers… You should use a special shampoo for cats, don’t use just any one of yours.

The water should be warm, not too cold or too hot, at a temperature of about 30 degrees.  It is good to let the water run for a while so that the animal will become accustomed to the noise. Begin wetting the cat little by little at the first with your hand or with the help of a soft sponge, but never directly in the shower stream.

Read More: How To Care For a Sick Cat

The bath should be given with caresses, softly petting it…remember that it should always be a relaxing and calm environment.  While petting, get the cat soapy and allow it to act on the coat for around 5 minutes.  Once the time has passed, rinse the animal’s body with a lot of water so that no soap remains.  If soap remains it can cause itching or discomfort.

Once you reach this phase, it is time to dry the cat.  It is very important to perfectly dry all the fur.  Never leave it damp unless it is summer and the temperature allows it. To dry the fur, it is good to start with one towel to remove the majority of the water and then follow with a hot air dryer.  Never use a hairdryer the first day that you bathe the cat as the noise will bother it a lot and it will never want another bath.  The use of a quiet hairdryer in later baths is recommended, turning it on a couple of minutes before using it so that the cat will become accustomed to the noise.

Bring it slowly closer to the cat so that it realizes the device is not harmful.  If, in spite of your precautions, it is impossible to dry the cat, don’t worry.  Be patient and little by little it will allow it.  In these cases, remove most of the water with one or two dry towels and at least allow the cat to finish drying in a warm, calm room.  Remember that you are never to leave a cat damp unless it is summer and the temperature allows.

It is not overly scared, once dry, comb it little by little. As you see, bathing your cat can be an enjoyable activity for both of you, you only need to get your feline used to the process and follow these simple steps we’ve given you.