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Petalia Resident Vet
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Cats are usually fastidious creatures, constantly licking and grooming themselves. However, there are times when you may need to wash your cat. Longhaired cats may benefit from a bath to prevent tangling and matting, or you may wish to wash your cat with a flea preparation. Some cats with skin problems may require bathing with a medicated shampoo prescribed by your vet.
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Preparing for the bath
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Giving your cat a bath isn’t as easy as bathing dogs, but can be achieved by being prepared and having some assistance on hand. Longhaired cats should be groomed first by brushing or combing to remove any tangles. Separate any mats gently with your fingers; severe matting is best attended to by your vet or a professional groomer.
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Tips for successful bathing
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Now for the bath! Here are some steps to follow to make bathing your cat as painless as possible:
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- Prepare yourself by having ready towels, a plastic jug, warm water, shampoo, a hair dryer, a cat cage or carrier, and a rubber mat in the sink to prevent slippage
- Place your cat in the sink, keeping a firm grip on the scruff of the neck
- Have someone else wet the cat while you keep a firm grip on the cat for the best results
- Wet the coat with warm water, being careful to keep the head and ears dry. Some cats will tolerate spraying gently with a shower nozzle, but turn it on first away from the cat so as not to frighten it
- Use a shampoo that is clearly marked as safe for cats or recommended by your vet, and shampoo from the neck towards the back. Medicated and flea shampoos may need to be left on for a few minutes before rinsing. Check the instructions on the label first
- After rinsing you can remove your cat from the sink and wrap it in a towel
- Shorthaired cats can be left to dry naturally if the temperature is warm
- Longhaired cats may be dried using a hair dryer on a low setting (away from its face), and fluffing the hair with a brush will help it to dry and remove any loose hair
- Alternatively, you can place your cat in a wire cat cage in the sun or near a heater, taking care not to overheat
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Petalia Resident Vet: Dr Julia Adams BVSc
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