How to Successfully Introduce Your Cat to Bathing

Cats and water. The two just don’t seem to mesh. But there may be a way to bring the two together. There are many circumstances when your kitty-cat needs some help bathing itself. This may be because he or she got into a sticky situation or has met pesky fleas along the way. Greasy fur, fleas, muck, and anything that your cat can’t clean themselves is a problem that can be solved with a bath.

How in the world do you get your cat to  take a bath?

The first tip is simply not to force it. If your cat or kitten doesn’t need a bath, don’t give them one. Cats can clean themselves, but in special cases they may need some help. If your cat seems stressed or is exhibiting anxiety and scared behavior, don’t bathe them. A damp washcloth and a comb may do the trick. For the damp washcloth comb method, I suggest using a warm damp wash cloth and trying to get the dirt off that way by gently rubbing your cat or kitten with the wash cloth. Frequently rinse the washcloth so that each rub-down makes your cat’s fur cleaner. A flea comb can be used to get pests off.

However, some cats are naturally inclined or curious about water.

I have had multiple cats who have sat in their dish of water or climbed into the bath tub, but nothing compares to a very special semi-aquatic kitty in my life, Nizmo. He is a cat who takes bath time very seriously. Nizmo was adopted by his owner at just a few weeks old. He was not in the best condition and needed to be bottle fed and have a bath. The little guy was stinky and had greasy fur from mama kitty not being able to take care of him. So, Nizmo’s adoptive dad took on the daunting task of taking care of the purr-baby. After much research, Nizmo was slowly introduced to the idea of taking baths. His owner didn’t just throw him in the deep end. It started out with a shallow warm water bath in the sink and then moved to shallow water baths in the bathtub. Nizmo only gets a bath a couple times a year or when he gets into something especially messy! But when Nizmo hears the bath water turn on, he starts running around his home and pawing at the bathroom door. Nizmo’s owner thinks this is because he introduced Nizmo to bathing as soon as he was old enough. All cats are different, but introducing kitty to the concept of getting a bath early on may be helpful for when your cat needs a little help getting the gunk and pests out of his or her coat.

What kind of shampoo should I use?

The problem, whether it is fleas, dirt, or grease, should give you an indication on what product to use. Nizmo’s owner swears by John Paul Pet Oatmeal Shampoo for dogs and cats to remove dirt and grease from Nizmo’s thick coat. If your kitty has fleas, there are shampoos made specifically to remove and prevent flea and flea eggs. Make sure you read all product recommendations, instructions, and use products specifically for cats. Look out for age warnings on the label as well. Kittens need special care!  A pea sized dollop of the shampoo of choice and a plastic cup are what Nizmo’s dad uses. He fills up the bath with about two and a half inches of warm water and then Nizmo jumps right in. He then takes special care to wet Nizmo from the neck down, gently pouring water from the plastic cup. Dad then massages Nizmo’s fur with his favorite shampoo and then rinses thoroughly. He then uses a fluffy towel to dry his purr-babies coat.

Making sure that your kitten or cat can stand in the water is crucial.

Use the belly test. The water should just touch your cats belly when it stands up. The water should also be a little warmer than lukewarm, so that your cat or kitten doesn’t get cold. Also, when bathing your kitty, never get anything above the cat’s neck wet. Just like human babies, cats and kittens are susceptible to infections and baths should be exclusively for the fur from the neck down. If your kitty has dirt, debris, or fleas on its face or head, use a damp towel and comb. Never shampoo or fully wet a cat or kittens head. For cats and kittens who don’t just jump into water like Nizmo, supporting your cat is mandatory. Baths can be scary! Slowly lower your kitty into the water. No fast movements. Dunking is prohibited! Support you kitty with a hand below the tummy and wash and rinse with the free hand. If your cat or kitten is struggling, do not hold the cat in the water. Take them out, calm them down, try again or use the damp wash cloth / comb method.

Have you ever tried to introduce your cat to taking baths? How did it go? Leave a comment and let us know!