How To Bathe Your Cat At Home

Cats aren't exactly known for their love of swimming or water, or playing in the sprinkler, that's usually more of a dog trait. Although some cats may love water and getting a bath, some cats may need some coaxing (possibly a lot). Giving your cat a bath is a necessary part of grooming your cat. Usually cats give themselves their own cleaning, but a bath is still necessary from time to time. Read on for tips to give your cat a bath.

Clip Your Cat's Nails

The day before you plan on giving your cat a bath, is a good time to clip your cat's nails (if your cat still has them) using clippers that can be purchased from your local pet store. This will help prevent any unnecessary scratching and scarring from those sharp claws. Doing this job the day before will ensure the nails are filed down a bit to prevent scratches and injury.

Have Your Tools Ready

Before you attempt to put your cat into the water, make sure you have everything you're going to need out and ready. You'll need a sink or tub filled about 4 inches deep with warm water. Not too hot and not too cold. Also make sure to have the shampoo, a brush or glove brush (a glove brush can also be used in the bathing process), towel for drying and a helper if your cat is terrified of water.

Brush Your Cat Beforehand

Before bathing your cat, give him a good brushing to get rid of loose fur and also to help relax your cat. Don't get your cat too riled up with the brushing, you're trying to get him to relax. Once your finished with the brushing, you can put him directly into the tub/sink.

Start Bathing

Place your cat into the tub or sink carefully. If your cat is fighting you, try to stay calm and this is when a helper will come in handy. The other person can hold the cat while you give hi the actual bath. Use the sink sprayer to gently spray your cat with water soaking his fur from his head to his tail. Next, add shampoo to your hands and lather it into his fur. Don't add too much or it could be difficult to get it out of his fur. Add just enough that it creates a lather. Lather his fur from head to tail and get beneath the belly and his legs and paws. 

When finished with the shampoo, use the sink sprayer to rinse your cat thoroughly.

Dry Your Cat

After the bath, immediately wrap your cat into the towel to dry his fur. Use a towel made for pets that helps soak up water. After drying, use a brush or glove brush to brush your cat and to remove any more loose fur.

Your cat bathes itself throughout the day, but his fur can begin to smell, can be loaded with bacteria and parasites and could get matted down over time. Give your cat a bath to keep his coat clean and his skin healthy. If your cat is terrified of water, talk to your veterinarian about having your cat bathed in the office instead.