Bath and Cleaning at Home for Cats
Cats are meticulous animals by nature and mostly perform their own cleaning. However, in some special cases (excessive dirt, oiliness, medical necessity, parasite treatment, etc.), a bath at home may be necessary. Also, regular cleaning and care increase your cat's health and quality of life.
When is a Bath Necessary in Cats?
- When your cat's hair is excessively dirty or oily
- When there is a parasite treatment or a medical necessity
- When there is bad odor or a sticky substance on it
Steps for Cat Bath at Home
1. Preparation: Prepare lukewarm water, cat-specific shampoo, towel, and a non-slip floor. It may be beneficial to shorten your cat's nails beforehand. 2. Calming: Calm your cat by stroking it before the bath. If necessary, get support from a helper. 3. Wetting: Gently wet your cat's body, keeping its head dry. 4. Shampooing: Use a cat-specific, fragrance-free, and non-stinging shampoo. Apply gently to the whole body. 5. Rinsing: Rinse with plenty of water so that no shampoo residue remains. 6. Drying: Dry thoroughly with a towel. If necessary, you can use a hair dryer on low heat (watch out for the noise!).
Things to Consider in Cleaning
- Avoid frequent bathing (once or twice a year is enough, if there is no medical necessity).
- Perform ear, eye, and nail care regularly. Wipe the inside of the ear with damp cotton and around the eyes with a clean cloth.
- You can reduce both cleaning and shedding by regularly brushing the hair.
- Provide short and positive experiences as a kitten to get your cat used to the bath.
> Note: If your cat is very stressed by the bath, you can also use alternatives such as dry shampoo or wet wipes. Get professional support if necessary.