How to Bathe Your Cat

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

If you've ever tried to bathe your cat in the tub, you've most likely found him sprinting for the door instead.

While cats are naturally good at cleaning themselves, there are times when it's necessary to give your cat a helping hand.  These steps will help make the process a little easier and keep your cat from jumping out of the bath and bolting for the door.

Why should you bother?
You might wonder why you need to bother bathing your cat.  While cats are diligent groomers by nature, there are times when they may groom less than they should.  If your cat is overweight, is sick, or is suffering from osteoarthritis, it might find that grooming is too painful.  This is where you can step in as a pet parent and help you cat stay clean and healthy.

How to Bathe Your Cat:

1. First, trim your cat's toenails.  This step is a precaution for yourself.  If your cat does scratch you, at least their nails will be nice and short.  If you're not sure how to properly care for your cat's nails. Check out this article or visit our practice and we can help!

2. Put a non-slip mat in your bathtub.  If you plan on bathing your cat in the sink, a wet towel will also do the trick.

3. Run the tap water so that it as time to get warm before you place your cat in the tub or sink.  Have pet shampoo, a helper and a large cup or pitcher nearby.

4.  Carefully put your cat into the tub or sink.  Then slowly wet your cat down.  Avoid getting your cat's head wet.

5.  Rub your cat with diluted pet shampoo.  Shampoo their belly, legs, and body, but skip your cat's face and head.

6.  Rinse off the shampoo very gently, but be thorough.  Remaining shampoo can irritate your pet's skin (even whn it's diluted).  Use a wet wash cloth to wipe your cat's face and chin.

7.  Wipe down your pet to dry the body by gently squeezing and wiping the body, tail and legs.  You can them grab a towel and dry your cat off.

After you have completed these steps, you have successfully mad it through the process of bathing your cat.  If you have trouble, give us a call and we can help you get your cat feeling fresh and clean.

Take a look at this article for more information on why and how you should bathe your cat.  You should also contact our office if you have any questions about how to better your cat's health and hygiene.  Our cat-friendly hospital provide a more relaxing experience for your cat while we care for their health.

Visit one of our veterinary practices below and we can help you figure out how to get your pet to smell their best (and stay healthy in the process):

Reunion Veterinary Hospital
(863)588-4200

Veterinary Hospital of Celebration
(407)545-7789

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