Morgan Bell
do cats really need baths?
May 14th 2008 15:36
cats generally just wash themselves with their tongues, they are little self-cleansing units who i would never in a million years stick in a bath and pour water on . . . they HATE water, they would claw your eyes out to stay away from water . . . well all of the ones ive met anyway!
i was recently sent a forwarded email containing ten pics of people trying to bathe their cats . . . the poor little creatures all have these terrified expressions on their faces, some of them desperately clinging on to the taps to try and save themselves . . . they all generally look pissed off or frightened . . . so i thought, why would anyone do this to their cat?
other than to take funny photos for joke email circulation . . .
REASONS TO BATHE A CAT
- if the cat is infested with fleas, medicated shampoos can help repel fleas
- if the cat has been bombarded with ticks
- if the cat is especially dirty or has been exposed to toxic or hamful substances
- if the cat has miliary dermatitis, seborrhea, etc.
- if the cat needs a special shampoo treatment from the vet
- to reduce parasite infections and increase general cleanliness of the coat
- to make life easier on those who are allergic to cats
- to make your cat familiar and comfortable with being bathed from a young age should they require it later in life
- to make your cat presentable for a cat show
HOW TO BATHE A CAT
- brush the cats fur with a comb to remove knots and matting and debris
- clip the cats claws to avoid being scratched
- place cotton balls in the cats ears
- apply ophthalmic ointment to protect the cats eyes eg: eye drops from vet, baby oil, olive oil
- place a towel or rubber mat in the bottom of the bath to prevent the cat slipping
- make sure the air-temperature in the bathroom is warm (bathed cats can, and will, contract pneumonia, as they are easily chilled, keep them indoors in the warm family for 12 hours after bath)
- pour luke warm water just deep enough to cover the cats paws (4-5 inches)
- once the cat is placed in the bath keep the door closed until finished
- you may want to apply a non-toxic "wetting agent" like Shaklee's Basic H to reduce surface tension making it easier to soak the coat
- avoid wetting the cats head or using sprays around their face
- gentle pour water over cats body with a cup
- if your can has a greasy coat use a de-greaser like Fast Orange
- if you need to wash the head use a "tear-free" shampoo and apply careful with a washcloth, no pouring water on the face
- dilute all shampoos before use
- rinse thoroughly to remove all chemicals
- blot dry with a towl, dont rub
- use a hairdryer on a cool setting for long-haired cats that dont mind the sound
If your cat absolutely cannot tolerate being wet, try using a waterless or powder shampoo, pre-moistened bath towelettes for pets, which have recently become available, or give your cat a 'sponge bath' with a damp towel.
Do not bathe your cat too often; it dries out the special oils in its skin that keeps its fur nice and shiny/healthy.
and as a basic rule of thumb if your cat is freaking out and not enjoying it STOP!
dont be a meanie . . . only bathe a cat if it is relaxed and comfortable!
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