I need some advice! My kitten is about 4 months old and I want to give her a bath(she has claws). A friend said put her in the sink with warm water and keep her head and ears out of the water. Can someone add to this? Thanks.
Advice for giving my kitten a bath
- Thread starter mdennison
- Start date
Mr.IncrediblyBored
Lifer
- Jun 18, 2000
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did the cat crap or piss on itself? otherwise cats clean themselves, they really dont need baths. and you better be prepared to ge the hell clawed out of ya
Mr.IncrediblyBored
Lifer
- Jun 18, 2000
- 11,195
- 769
- 126
Be very fast, wear protective garments and prepare to have your entire house soaked.
Seriously, bathing a cat is no big deal. Keep the water warm (their body temp is around 104), the soap minimal and really, be fast. She's going to try to make a run for it as soon as she gets wet, and a squirming, clawed cat is no fun to hold onto for long. You really don't need to scrub her - just do a quick lather of her back, stomach, neck and legs (top of the head if she's dirty there) and then get rinsing. Cats aren't that dirty, unless you let her go outside and she rolls around in it.
I bathe mine in the kitchen sink so I can use the sprayer attachment. It's miles easier than using either a cup or trying to get her under the faucet.
When you're done, just towel her off as best you can and let her loose. If your house or apartment is cool, you might want to consider keeping her in a small room that doesn't have any drafts until she's mostly dry. My cat lets me chase her around with a hair dryer once in a while, but most really hate it.
BTW - I have an all white cat, and I don't bathe her more than once every few months, per my vet's advice. She doesn't get that messy and it dries her skin if you wash her too much.
Seriously, bathing a cat is no big deal. Keep the water warm (their body temp is around 104), the soap minimal and really, be fast. She's going to try to make a run for it as soon as she gets wet, and a squirming, clawed cat is no fun to hold onto for long. You really don't need to scrub her - just do a quick lather of her back, stomach, neck and legs (top of the head if she's dirty there) and then get rinsing. Cats aren't that dirty, unless you let her go outside and she rolls around in it.
I bathe mine in the kitchen sink so I can use the sprayer attachment. It's miles easier than using either a cup or trying to get her under the faucet.
When you're done, just towel her off as best you can and let her loose. If your house or apartment is cool, you might want to consider keeping her in a small room that doesn't have any drafts until she's mostly dry. My cat lets me chase her around with a hair dryer once in a while, but most really hate it.
BTW - I have an all white cat, and I don't bathe her more than once every few months, per my vet's advice. She doesn't get that messy and it dries her skin if you wash her too much.
Make sure to use a mild soap. Also, I don't know if you will be able to find one, but as I understand it, vets use a mesh bag to bath cats in. They put them in the bag with their head sticking out so that they can't claw them. Be sure to get a soap made specifically for kittens.
Ryan
Ryan
dont squeeze the kitty or it will leak.
Thats better than the "put it in the shower with you" advice from my sister...
she obviously has no nuts, this is a bad idea with kitties and guys.
Thats better than the "put it in the shower with you" advice from my sister...
she obviously has no nuts, this is a bad idea with kitties and guys.
<< Be sure to set the washing machine on "Delicates." >>
Don't joke about this...
I had a cat many years ago who jumped in the dryer when I wasn't looking...
I had dried a bunch of clothes almost to the dry point, took out a shirt, put it on (come on, how many of you single guys have never done that), and he jumped in when I wasn't looking. I closed the door and turned it on... the noise was impressive... I opened the door within a second or three... I've never seen a cat jump so fast in all my life...
he never tried it again either...
He was ok...
Jason
The easiest way is with two people. I usually hold the cat/kitty by the scruff of the neck, like it's mother would, and the other hand if front for support. We bath our cat in the kitchen sink. Put a towel down so it's half in the sink, and half out. That gives the kitten something you grab on to instead of just tile. As I hold the cat, my wife first uses the "hose" portion of the faucet to wet the cat. Be sure you move up and down gently on the fur so the water penetrates. Then soap them up, but be careful around the head/ears. Then gently wash the soap away and take a big towel to wrap the kitty up in and hold for a while. Also, you don't want it to be drafty in there because the kitten might get cold.
-Pak
-Pak
Bathing them young is important. Trim her claws before you start (you can buy a claw trimmer at Petsmart, the key is to stay away from the pink meat in the claw, for hopefully obvious reasons, if you aren't super comfortable just nip the tips of the claws off so they aren't needle sharp). Use nice and warm water and keep a hand on her the entire time. DO NOT get her head near the water. It is always best to have 2 people to do a cat, one to holdl the other to lather.
I fill one side of my clean kitchen sink about up to shoulder blade level for a sitting cat. Then I pick her up, take her in and set her in the water. If you start early enough age wise they will get used to it pretty quick and it won't bother them too much. Keep in mind they will be angry with you for a couple hours afterwards. Make sure and towel them off real good if you are just gonna let them run around.
The three biggest suggestions I can make.
1. Trim their claws front and back before you start, at a min nip the tips off the claws.
2. Two people is always better than one.
3. Do NOT get their head wet and DO NOT get water in their ears. Water in a cats ear will cause an ear infection and make for an expensive vet visit and a very upleasant kitty.
I fill one side of my clean kitchen sink about up to shoulder blade level for a sitting cat. Then I pick her up, take her in and set her in the water. If you start early enough age wise they will get used to it pretty quick and it won't bother them too much. Keep in mind they will be angry with you for a couple hours afterwards. Make sure and towel them off real good if you are just gonna let them run around.
The three biggest suggestions I can make.
1. Trim their claws front and back before you start, at a min nip the tips off the claws.
2. Two people is always better than one.
3. Do NOT get their head wet and DO NOT get water in their ears. Water in a cats ear will cause an ear infection and make for an expensive vet visit and a very upleasant kitty.
To make up for my earlier post.
They make a powder that you can use to Dry bathe your pet. You may wanna try that first.
They make a powder that you can use to Dry bathe your pet. You may wanna try that first.
glenn1
Lifer
- Sep 6, 2000
- 25,383
- 1,013
- 126
How to Give a Cat A Bath:
Some people have the misconception that cats never have to be bathed. That somehow they "lick" themselves clean. Well contrary to this popular belief, cats do NOT have some enzyme in their saliva that resembles Tide (with or without bleach). Cats, like their nemesis, the dog .... do get dirty and have a variety of odors... from smelling like the outhouse where you camped last year to the same odor as your dog's breath. (Remember... your dog will try to eat anything.)
Now we all know that cats HATE water. And we know that giving the cat a sedative to ease this process of a bath is out of the question. So, the best approach is both sneaky and direct. Remember now, this is not the dumb dog who can be led to tub with lies and a trail of Kibbles and Bits.
Although your cat has the advantage of smarts, quickness and total lack of concern for you .... you have the advantage of size, strength, and the ability to wear protective garments.
1. First .... dress for the occasion. A 4-ply rubber wet suit is suggested, along with a helmet, face mask and welders gloves.
2. A Bathtub with a glass enclosure is preferred to the one with a shower curtain. A frenzied cat can shred one of these in about 3.5 seconds.
3. Have the Kitty Bubbles and towel in the enclosed bathtub area before hand. No ... blow drying the cat after the bath is not suggested.
4. Draw the water, making it a little warmer than needed as you still need to find the cat. Position everything strategically in the shower, so you can reach it even if you are face down or prone in the tub.
5. Find your cat. Use the element of surprise. Pick the cat up, nonchalantly as if you were simply carrying him/her to the supper dish. No need to worry about the cat noticing your strange attire, the cat barely notices you anyway.
6. Once you and the cat are inside the bathroom ....speed is essential. In one single liquid motion .shut the door to the bathroom, step into the shower, close the sliding doors, and drop the cat into the water. While the cat is still in a state of shock . locate the Kitty Bubbles and squirt whatever part of him is above the water line. You have just begun the wildest 45 seconds of your life. Remember that cats have no handles and add the fact that he now has soapy fur. His state of shock has worn off and he's madder than hell.
7. As best, you can, wearing welder's gloves, try to field his body as he catapults through the air toward the ceiling. If possible, give another squirt of Kitty Bubbles with his body now fully exposed.
8. During the 5 seconds you are able to hold onto him, rub vigorously. No need to worry about rinsing. As he slides down the glass enclosure into the tub, he will fall back into the water, rinsing himself in the process.
9. Only attempt the lather and rinse process about 3 times. The cat will realize the lack of traction on the glass by then and will use the next attempt on the first available part of you.
10. Next, the cat must be dried. No...this is NOT the easiest part. By this stage, you are worn out and the cat has just become semi-permanently affixed to your right leg. We suggest here that you drain the tub and in full view of your cat, reach for the bottle of Kitty Bubbles.
11. If you have done step 10 correctly, the cat will be off your leg and hanging precariously from your helmet. Although this view of the cat is most disgusting, he will be in a much better position for wrapping the towel around him.
12. Be sure cat is firmly wrapped in towel before opening tub enclosure. Open bathroom door .... put towel wrapped cat on floor and step back quickly. Into tub, if possible, and do not open enclosure until all you can see is the shredded towel.
13. In about 2 hours .... it will be safe to exit the bathroom. Your cat will be sitting out there somewhere looking like a small hedgehog while plotting revenge.
Some people have the misconception that cats never have to be bathed. That somehow they "lick" themselves clean. Well contrary to this popular belief, cats do NOT have some enzyme in their saliva that resembles Tide (with or without bleach). Cats, like their nemesis, the dog .... do get dirty and have a variety of odors... from smelling like the outhouse where you camped last year to the same odor as your dog's breath. (Remember... your dog will try to eat anything.)
Now we all know that cats HATE water. And we know that giving the cat a sedative to ease this process of a bath is out of the question. So, the best approach is both sneaky and direct. Remember now, this is not the dumb dog who can be led to tub with lies and a trail of Kibbles and Bits.
Although your cat has the advantage of smarts, quickness and total lack of concern for you .... you have the advantage of size, strength, and the ability to wear protective garments.
1. First .... dress for the occasion. A 4-ply rubber wet suit is suggested, along with a helmet, face mask and welders gloves.
2. A Bathtub with a glass enclosure is preferred to the one with a shower curtain. A frenzied cat can shred one of these in about 3.5 seconds.
3. Have the Kitty Bubbles and towel in the enclosed bathtub area before hand. No ... blow drying the cat after the bath is not suggested.
4. Draw the water, making it a little warmer than needed as you still need to find the cat. Position everything strategically in the shower, so you can reach it even if you are face down or prone in the tub.
5. Find your cat. Use the element of surprise. Pick the cat up, nonchalantly as if you were simply carrying him/her to the supper dish. No need to worry about the cat noticing your strange attire, the cat barely notices you anyway.
6. Once you and the cat are inside the bathroom ....speed is essential. In one single liquid motion .shut the door to the bathroom, step into the shower, close the sliding doors, and drop the cat into the water. While the cat is still in a state of shock . locate the Kitty Bubbles and squirt whatever part of him is above the water line. You have just begun the wildest 45 seconds of your life. Remember that cats have no handles and add the fact that he now has soapy fur. His state of shock has worn off and he's madder than hell.
7. As best, you can, wearing welder's gloves, try to field his body as he catapults through the air toward the ceiling. If possible, give another squirt of Kitty Bubbles with his body now fully exposed.
8. During the 5 seconds you are able to hold onto him, rub vigorously. No need to worry about rinsing. As he slides down the glass enclosure into the tub, he will fall back into the water, rinsing himself in the process.
9. Only attempt the lather and rinse process about 3 times. The cat will realize the lack of traction on the glass by then and will use the next attempt on the first available part of you.
10. Next, the cat must be dried. No...this is NOT the easiest part. By this stage, you are worn out and the cat has just become semi-permanently affixed to your right leg. We suggest here that you drain the tub and in full view of your cat, reach for the bottle of Kitty Bubbles.
11. If you have done step 10 correctly, the cat will be off your leg and hanging precariously from your helmet. Although this view of the cat is most disgusting, he will be in a much better position for wrapping the towel around him.
12. Be sure cat is firmly wrapped in towel before opening tub enclosure. Open bathroom door .... put towel wrapped cat on floor and step back quickly. Into tub, if possible, and do not open enclosure until all you can see is the shredded towel.
13. In about 2 hours .... it will be safe to exit the bathroom. Your cat will be sitting out there somewhere looking like a small hedgehog while plotting revenge.
How to give your cat a bath.
I've seen better versions of this, but, it's all I could find in my limited search. N-Joy!
[edit] Look like Glenn1 beat me. [/edit]
I've seen better versions of this, but, it's all I could find in my limited search. N-Joy!
[edit] Look like Glenn1 beat me. [/edit]
I used to wash my cat all the time in the shower. I had sliding glass shower doors so it couldn't escape. I also had a spray + hose which made cleaning the cat much easier. Trimming the claws is a good idea for your protection, but be careful not to trim too much because there are sensitive nerves inside the claws which you can see. The first shower experience wasn't too bad. He didn't try to attack me. All he wanted was to get out and away from the shower, but the doors kept him in. He meowed alot and he meowed very, very loud. Make sure the water temperature is right especially when it is a kitten because they have less body mass and can chill VERY easily. Be very quick when washing and immediately dry and cover with a dry towel when done. My cat didn't like the hair dryer at all so I don't recommend that. Every shower after the first was a cake.
The first time I tried to bath my cat, I ended up with a very scared kitty and a very wet apartment...
<< Advice for giving my kitten a bath >>
As long as you can keep the water out of her ears, take her into a room with no furnature or anything she can hide behind or crawl up, fill a super soaker with water and soap and have fun.
j/k, that's horrible.
Your friend's suggestion was good. Don't be a wuss. If you wear rubber gloves, make sure they're not new gloves. New rubber gloves smell strongly and can burn the cat's nose and make her flip out even worse. My suggestion to you would be not to wear gloves. Then she smells your hands -your smell being a familiar smell- and might help to calm her down, if need be. Talk to her softly the whole time, so even if she isn't looking at you, she is affirmed via other senses that you are there. This, of course, if she feels safe around you. If you regularly fling her around the room by her tail, she probably doesn't like you.
My parents have a cat, and they're able to bath her.
Pretty much my mom does it, and after a few threats, the cat listens to her.
Pretty much my mom does it, and after a few threats, the cat listens to her.
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