Bathing a cat is difficult enough, but when you've got a rambunctious kitten on your hands, it's even harder! Even the dirtiest kittens get clean after a few of days of moist wiping. If you have A kitten that is used to bathing, it's as easy as pie! Your kitten's well being takes priority over stained shirts or an offended nose. Warmth and affection is first priority, even if your kitty looks and smells like it just got dragged out of a skunk's dustbin. Here are some ways to make the whole process easier and more enjoyable for both you and your precious kitten.
Steps
- 1Make sure you have the appropriate shampoo for your cat. Kittens need a special baby shampoo, and cats with fleas need one formulated to kill fleas, flea eggs, etc. Cats without fleas can use general cat shampoo. Go to a pet store, or shop at an online retailer. If you are in doubt, ask a sales associate for information on the best shampoo. An even better idea is to ask people who have cats how they deal with this problem and what they prefer.
- 2Buy medium or large latex gloves, depending on the size of your cat's feet and the "wrists" of said feet. If your cat's feet are particularly small and thin, think about using latex finger sheathes. Powdered gloves tend to work better for this as they compress the claw more.
- 3Take out one glove and cut off the fingers, making small mittens out of each finger.
- 4Roll the "mitten" up each of your cat's feet. They should compress the paw slightly without being so tight as to cut off circulation.
- 5When you are ready to bathe the cat, get a cup for pouring water and a towel to dry the cat with. Get the shampoo ready. If you have an extra person to help you, that's great, too!
- 6Use the kitchen sink, it's easier to maneuver the cat. Do not fill with water. Use a rubber dish mat to prevent cat from slipping. Use a very gentle stream of lukewarm water when the faucet is running. Make sure it isn't scalding hot or cold enough to freeze the cat. If you dip your finger in and all you feel is water that is only slightly warm, you'll know you've reached lukewarm. Turn faucet off before the cat comes in (otherwise it might be scared).
- 7The cat will most likely cling to everything in an attempt to avoid the bathtub. Justtake him down gently, one paw, then the other. Put him back in the sink. You might try gently holding the front shoulder section in front of his chest downward and using the other hand to shampoo the back of the cat while you keep his lower part down.
- 8While the cat is in the kitchen sink, start using the cup to pour lukewarm water on the cat until it is completely wet. Alternatively, you can fill the sink partway and dip the kitten in the water.
- 9Use a small amount of shampoo, rub it together, and start on the cat's back. Work through the tail, hind legs, front legs, and neck. Be sure to get the tummy as well.
- 10At this point the cat will be howling, and trying to get out. Be patient and calm,gently reassuring the kitten.
- 11Be sure not to get any soap in the cat's eyes!
- 12Rinse the cat off with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. At this point, the cat will try to claw his way out of the sink, loudly howling. But, you just be patient, calm and gently talk to the cat telling him "It's all right, almost over," as you rinse him off using large plastic cup or the gentle stream from faucet.
- 13Wrap the cat in a big fluffy towel, (like a baby) and quickly dry the cat to get most of the dampness off. Be aware that small animals can lose a great deal of body temperature through damp fur so dry the kitten as much as possible, before providing a heat source for him/her to dry in front of.
- 14Afterwards, offer treats, cuddles, hugs, and kisses. Your poor baby has just experienced one of the worst things it can. Most cats hate water! (However, two exceptions are the Turkish Van, and Bengal breeds.)
