How to bathe a cat?

Bathing a representative of the cat family of any age is a situation that most often causes stress in both the animal and its owner. A rare cat owner boasts an inexplicable love of his pet for water procedures.

In most cases, birch breeder breeders have to go to all kinds of tricks and tricks to simplify and facilitate the notorious bathing.

What recommendations should be used to make this procedure minimally problematic? What nuances in it are very important to consider? Let's try to figure it out.

Some owners of cats and cats think that these clean animals are able to independently maintain the cleanliness of their coat and body. Considering this belief to be an indisputable argument, careless cat owners try to wash their pets as little as possible, bringing the frequency of this procedure to 1-2 times a couple of years.

However, professional breeders are convinced that such an attitude to animal hygiene by their owners is unacceptable. Representatives of the cat family, like most living creatures, over time, the skin becomes covered with a layer of dirt, dust, secretion of the sebaceous glands and other pollution.

In the absence of timely washing, the layer of dirt and sebum becomes thicker and denser. This not only leads to the fact that the animal begins to look untidy, but also inevitably becomes the cause of itching, the development of infectious skin diseases.

In addition, a layer of sebum and dirt, as well as wool that has gotten into tangles and lumps, are ideal conditions for the propagation of parasites and pathogens of dangerous diseases.

The main reasons why an animal needs a bath:

• wool and skin contamination;
• molting;
• the appearance of parasites and fleas;
• preparation for the exhibition.

Bathing is also required for animals brought home from the street.

The ears, neck, stomach, axillary and inguinal folds are subjected to a particularly careful examination.

It is important to remember that bathing an animal brought from the street is an extremely difficult, unpredictable and laborious job.

There is an opinion that bathing is necessary for cats during estrus. According to observant breeders, this procedure at this stage in the life of the pet does not play a special role. However, in some cases, bathing may really be needed - for example, when a cat during the oestrus period gets very dirty, rolling on the floor in the most unexpected corners of the apartment.

In addition, some cat owners claim that in some cases, bathing slightly alleviates the condition of their pets during estrus. According to experienced breeders, in this difficult period for a cat, bathing acts as a distraction.

The washed-up animal “switches” to putting itself in order, ceases to meow for a while plaintively and wander around the house in search of a partner.

The frequency of bathing kittens, cats and cats is a very conditional indicator, depending on many factors.

First of all, it is determined in accordance with the individual characteristics of the pet - its breed, length and color of the coat, skin type, habits and lifestyle. Not the least role in the frequency of the procedure is played by where and in what conditions the animal is kept - in a house, city apartment or on the street.

For animals with medium-length hair, bathing is required, on average, every 3-4 months, and for long-haired pets - once every 2-3 months.

Cats and cats of light color are bathed more often than their counterparts with dark hair - about 4 times a year. In general, breeders remind, animals with half-long and long hair are not recommended to be washed more than 6 times a year.

The situation is more complicated with the sphinxes, the bathing of which should be approached with special attention. Some breeders of this breed wash their pets about 2 times a month, others prefer to alternate bathing with rubbing the pet with a damp cloth.

And in that, and in another case, you should focus on the individual characteristics of the pet (for example, some sphinxes just love to swim and swim). Consultation of the veterinarian on the most acceptable frequency of bathing the sphinx will not be superfluous.

After water procedures, it is necessary to place the pet in a dry and warm room without drafts. Leaving the animal after swimming in a cold room with drafts is strictly not allowed.

It is also forbidden to bathe kittens, cats and cats during the illness, in the postoperative period and for two weeks after vaccination (vaccination). It is not allowed to bathe kittens in the first months of life, as well as lactating cats and cats in the final stages of pregnancy.

Bathing is better to postpone for a while if the animal has recently eaten. In this situation, water procedures can provoke vomiting. Also, you should not bathe a pet that has suffered stress or is in the stage of severe fright, excitement, anxiety.

Problems with bathing throughout the life of the pet will be much less if you teach him to this procedure from a young age. Experienced cat owners claim that getting a kitten to the bath is not as difficult as it sounds.

However, at this stage it is very important to adhere to a clear strategy, controlling not only the baby’s behavior, but also their own actions.

Very small kittens born and growing at home until this age are usually not bathed. The exception is only babies picked up on the street. With their bathing and antiparasitic treatment is strongly recommended not to hesitate.

If necessary (for example, upon detection of fleas or other parasites) it is allowed to bathe kittens whose age has not yet reached 4 months. According to experienced breeders, most babies quite safely tolerate washing from the age of 2-2.5 months.

It is preliminary recommended to protect the animal’s ears from water by using cotton swabs slightly moistened with vegetable oil. They don’t wash the kitten’s head while bathing, but simply wipe it with a wet palm. The ears of the pet are cleaned after water procedures.

Bathing small kittens under 4 months of age without preliminary preparation should be done only in cases of emergency. In the absence of indications for emergency bathing, it is advisable to pre-teach and prepare the baby for the upcoming water procedures.

It is necessary to do these manipulations so that the kitten is not afraid of the noise of water and the situation in the bathroom. During your stay in the bathroom, you should talk to the animal in a calm and gentle voice.

A little later, when the kitten gets used to this procedure, you can proceed to the stage of his accustoming to the pelvis. At this stage, the baby is planted in an empty dry basin and, stroking, hold it in it for several minutes.

The main task at this stage of training is to introduce the kitten to the pelvis, as well as to develop and consolidate a calm and indifferent attitude to capacity in the animal.

Next, go to the next stage of training based on the reaction and behavior of the pet. If the baby normally perceives the situation in the bathroom and does not show fear at the sight of the pelvis, you can proceed directly to the first bathing procedure.

Carry it out as follows:

• they collect a small amount of water in the basin (the recommended water level is a few centimeters from the bottom);
• cover the bottom with a rag or waffle towel, which will provide stability to the baby;
• gently lower the kitten into the pelvis;
• they wipe the head of the animal with quick and confident movements, after which they wash the body, legs and tail.

In the case when the baby needs a full bath, you should use only specialized zoo shampoos designed for kittens.

During washing, it is important to firmly fix the animal, while not causing him pain. It is necessary to act quickly, trying to reduce the time of swimming to a minimum. If shampoo was used when bathing, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse off its remains at the end of the procedure.

Some young animals love to swim, and this feature is preserved in them even to an adult and even to an advanced age. Despite the fact that there are no special problems with washing such pets, they should not be bathed for longer than the recommended 15-30 minutes.

Adult animals are taught to bath and water procedures in much the same way as presented above. In both cases (both small and adult pets) it is important to develop and consolidate a calm attitude to the situation in the bathroom, to the water and its noise, to bathing itself.

According to some cat owners, most pets are not afraid of the water procedures themselves, but of those unfamiliar and frightening details that are associated with them. Such details usually include dim bathroom lighting, the noise of pouring water, increased humidity in the room, and the abundance of sharp and unpleasant odors of detergents.

The negative impact of most of these factors, the owner of the cat or cat can minimize without much difficulty (for example, make the lighting brighter, refuse to use shampoos and gels with a sharp aroma).

In each case, the process of accustoming a kitten or adult animal to the bath should be carried out taking into account its individual characteristics. Regardless of how fast the educational process is moving forward and what difficulties it is accompanied by, the cat-owner is obliged to remain patient.

It is strictly forbidden to yell at the pet in the process of accustoming it to the bathroom, and even more so use brute physical force in relation to it.

Before you start bathing your pet, you need to prepare a set of accessories and equipment. Typically, this list includes such accessories and tools as:

• zoo shampoo and (if necessary) conditioner;
• bath basin;
• a basin with clean water for washing off shampoo and a bucket (necessary if the animal is afraid of the shower and the tap turned on);
• a rag, rubber mat or towel (for laying on the bottom of the pelvis);
• 2 large clean towels (one is required for pre-wiping the pet, the second for final drying).

Other accessories that are often used for bathing cats:

• special mesh for swimming;
• massage mitt;
• fixing collar with suction cup.

Grid for swimming - an auxiliary accessory used for washing aggressive and restless cats and cats. The grid reliably fixes the animal, depriving it of mobility and the ability to show aggression towards the owner. This accessory is advisable to use only in the most extreme cases.

Massage mitt is a practical and functional accessory for bathing animals. With the help of such mittens, quick, easy and even soaping of the coat is provided, and a soothing or tonic massage effect is achieved.

Fixing collar with suction cup - an accessory used to fix aggressive and restless animals. The suction cup is attached to the wall of the bathtub, restricting the mobility of the cat or cat. This accessory is characterized by mixed reviews from breeders and veterinarians. Some argue that the use of such a collar is advisable in relation to very shy and aggressive animals, while others believe that its use is at least inhuman and can only aggravate stress.

Another accessory that greatly facilitates swimming is a special shower head with a button that controls the intensity of the water flow.

Some of these nozzles are equipped with a latch button that turns water on and off as needed.

One of the common mistakes that can permanently fix the panic fear of swimming in the animal’s memory is incorrectly selected water temperature. Most members of the cat family are very sensitive to changes in ambient temperature, which cause them great concern.

You can determine the desired temperature level in the preparation process using a special thermometer for water. If such a device is not at hand, you can try to estimate the temperature of the water "empirically." For this, an elbow or wrist is immersed in a basin with water. The temperature of the water should not cause uncomfortable sensations, greatly cooling or, conversely, burning the skin.

During washing, the condition of the animal should be monitored. If it trembles, feverishly paws, trying to break out, you can pour a little hot water into the basin, bringing its temperature to 40 °, but not higher.

In some cases, warm water helps to relax the muscles and, as a result, slightly calms the pet.

As a pet grows up, its owner develops its own tactics and bathing technique. Some cat owners manage this task alone, others only with the assistance of an assistant.

When bathing a cat, someone does not need any auxiliary accessories, someone necessarily needs nets, fixing collars or special bags.

If the animal is afraid of the noise of pouring water, then two basins should be prepared first for his bathing. One will be used to wash the animal, the other (with clean warm water) - to rinse the hair from the remnants of shampoo.

In this case, the step-by-step instructions for washing the cat will include the following items:

• prepare two basins - one empty, the second - with water;
• pour warm water into the basin about 5-7 centimeters from the bottom of the tank;
• dilute and foam a small amount of zooshampoo in water;
• make a towel;
• lower the animal into the pelvis, holding it tightly under the ribs (it is important to control efforts so as not to hurt the pet);
• rinse the back and neck of the animal with soapy water with your free hand;
• if necessary, apply an additional amount of zooshampoo on the back and neck;
• lather the hair of the pet, trying not to touch the area of ​​the head and ears;
• wash off shampoo residues with clean water with quick and confident movements;
• remove the animal from the pelvis and wrap it in a towel.

Next, you need to thoroughly get wet and pat dry with a pet towel, then wrap it in another towel for drying out.

During this time, the remaining water will have time to soak into the terry cloth. After this washed cat can be released, giving him the opportunity to finally dry in a dry and warm room without drafts.

Approximately the same actions are provided for by the technique of bathing animals that calmly relate to the sound of water. In this case, you can do just one wash basin, using tap water to rinse.

In this case, one person will hold the animal, and the other will bathe. During washing, it is extremely important to prevent water from entering the head, ears and eyes, otherwise the pet will make every effort to break free.

Cats and cats that can show aggression and even bite while swimming are safer to undergo a procedure using a net. This accessory will not allow the animal to break out or bite (scratch) the owner.

The technique of swimming using the net is as follows:

• prepare bathing equipment (basin with water, animal shampoo, towels);
• the animal is placed in a net, fastens the locks, adjust the level of fixation of belts and Velcro;
• immerse the pet in a basin with water or a bath and start washing.

The cells of this mesh are large enough so that the zoo shampoo can penetrate to each hair and remove dirt from the skin. After soaping, they proceed to rinsing, which is also carried out without removing the mesh.

Despite the convenience of using the nets for bathing cats and cats, this accessory has one significant drawback. It lies in the fact that animals very quickly remember this subject, as well as the unpleasant sensations associated with it. This usually leads to the fact that in the future, the pets try to hide, barely seeing the net in the hands of the owner.

It is very important to dry the coat of the animal thoroughly after it has been bathed.

Some caring owners, trying to help the animal quickly put themselves in order, try to blow dry their pets. The use of this appliance is not forbidden only if the cat or cat is well-known for drying the hair dryer and does not cause panic.

In other cases, the use of a hairdryer is strongly discouraged. The fact is that the animal experiences stress after bathing, and the noise of a working hair dryer can aggravate the pet’s condition at that moment.

For this reason, after bathing, the animal should be given the opportunity to calm down and put himself in order in a secluded, warm and dry corner.

An alternative to traditional water treatments is the use of special dry shampoos. They are used in cases where the animal’s hair needs to be cleaned of impurities, but this cannot be done by bathing for any reason.

The principle of using dry shampoos is quite simple. It provides for the application of these funds, having a powdery appearance, directly on the pet's hair. After a certain amount of time, determined by the instructions, the tool is combed out. During contact with the wool, particles of dry shampoo absorb impurities and fragments of sebum, thereby cleaning the animal’s fur coat.

Shampoo towels are another good alternative to bathing. For this procedure, special towels soaked in a special organic composition are used. To achieve the desired effect, it is enough to carefully wipe the animal with a similar accessory. It is noteworthy that, along with soiling, such towels eliminate unpleasant odors coming from wool.

For cats and cats with short or half-long hair, you can use this method of cleaning:

• heat 0.5 kg of bran in the oven or in a dry frying pan;
• slightly grind warm bran, rubbing them with your fingers;
• rub them into the pet’s hair with light massage movements.

Usually cats take cats very calmly.

Warm bran, having good absorbent properties, while rubbing into the wool absorb dirt and particles of sebum. At the end of the procedure, the pet is thoroughly combed out.

For bathing cats and cats it is necessary to use only special zoo shampoos with the appropriate composition. The product lines of modern manufacturers are represented by soft hypoallergenic products with a good cleansing effect.

In modern sales you can find such shampoos for cats and cats as:

• insecticidal (against fleas and parasites);
• therapeutic (improving the condition for infectious skin lesions);
• facilitating combing (used mainly for exhibition long-haired breeds);
• possessing a brightening effect (for animals of white color);
• regulating the sebaceous glands (anti-seborrheic);
• dry (for cleaning wool without the use of water).

In choosing the appropriate shampoo for a cat or cat, one should focus on such parameters of the product as hypoallergenicity, the absence of perfumed fragrances and aggressive chemical components.

It is not allowed to wash cats and cats with the use of laundry soap. This tool has an aggressive effect on the acid-base balance of the skin of animals, which can cause severe dryness of the skin, the appearance of dandruff and itching.

In the case of detection of exo- and endoparasites in a pet, bathing with tar soap is not prohibited.

The use of this tool allows you to destroy parasites and reduce itching that occurs as a result of scratching. Tar tar also helps to heal small wounds, inflammations, abrasions, and other injuries that often appear on the background of most skin diseases.

How to bathe a cat, see the video below.