In most cases, your cat does not need a bath. Your kitten has built-in tools designed just for grooming. However, there might be a time when your cat comes in from outdoors muddy or has spent an afternoon rolling around in a dusty closet. These are the times when a bath comes in handy. While it’s not one of the major safety topics for pet owners, bathing a cat is not really as easy as it sounds. Remember these tips when it comes time to give Fluffy a bath.

1. Consider Your Timing

There are plenty of inappropriate times to try to give your cat a bath — during playtime, after he or she has had a tough interaction with another cat, or when your cat just wants to run circles around you. Wait for a mellow time, perhaps after a long play session or a walk outside on a harness. Otherwise, you might find yourself injured or your cat stressed out beyond his means.

2. Brush It Out

Before giving your cat a bath, make sure to brush its hair first. This will eliminate loose hairs and take out any potential knots before they get worse. You won’t have to worry about pulling hair and causing injury to your cat.

3. Fill the Tub Safely

Your bathtub should only be filled up to about four inches of water. You do not want to overwhelm your cat or perhaps even cause him to drown or panic. Additionally, make sure that you are not scalding your kitty with hot water. Lukewarm water will do the trick.

Next, simply use a plastic cup or small hose to wet your cat. Make sure not to spray water directly in his face or you may risk getting clawed.

4. Get Soapy — But Never With Human Shampoo

Lather up your cat with a special cat shampoo. Never use human shampoo on a pet, and never shampoo your cat’s face and ears. Make sure to rinse the shampoo thoroughly with the cup or hose, ensuring that no residue remains to cause irritation.

5. Take Care After the Bath

Cats may try to run away as quickly as possible when you remove them from the tub, but it is better if you can wrap your kitty in a bath towel. Comb long-haired cats to ensure they do not get nasty tangles that might lead to pain.

Don’t hesitate to give your cat a bath, especially if he or she smells bad or is covered in dirt. Just make sure that you minimize stress as much as possible by providing a gentle, calming environment for the bath. Make sure to award plenty of treats for a job well done! Please contact us if you have additional questions about bathing your cat safely.