How to wash a cat if he is afraid of water: useful tips

Despite the fact that the cat is a clean animal and cleans its coat on its own, sometimes the pet still needs to take a bath. This happens after a walk on a rainy day - when all the skin and paws become dirty, wet. In general, the cat needs to be washed regularly - about once a month. If this is not done at all, over time, the wool may begin to emit an unpleasant odor.

To begin with, I would like to note that all cats are afraid of water and are frenziedly trying to get out of the bath when they are placed there. When planning to bathe a cat, be prepared for resistance on his part, especially if the action is taking place for the first time. No cat would happily enter the water to enjoy bathing procedures.

How to prepare for washing a cat

Before bathing, prepare all the items that may be useful to you in the process. As a soap, you need to use special shampoos for cats. Ordinary human shampoos will not work, because their composition can ruin the soft cat hair and make it stiff. In addition, the shampoo for humans has a powerful fragrance that stays on the hair or hair for a long time. If the cat smells of something foreign for a long time - this will affect its scent, the animal may lose the sharpness of smell. Therefore, it is better to buy a special shampoo at a veterinary pharmacy, but not for dogs, namely for cats. Some manufacturers add special ingredients to the shampoo that protect the animal’s hair from insects.

Many people wonder how to bathe a cat - in a basin or in an open bath. In fact, the cat experiences much greater fear with large volumes - in a spacious smooth bath, where there is nothing to cling to with its claws. Therefore, a cat is best to bathe in a basin. In addition, if you have an acrylic bathtub, the animal may scratch and damage the surface.

So, fill the two basins with warm water. Water should be really warm and even a little cool. Remember that hot water is one of the main factors that can scare your pet. Pour some water, 5-10 cm, into one basin to lower the animal there. No need to draw a lot of water, so as not to bring the cat to stress. The second basin (or bucket) should be completely filled with water, from there we will draw water using a mug. You can not wash the cat under direct streams of water from the shower. A watering can of a soul that hisses, makes noise and gives out jets of water with pressure can be perceived by the cat as a living creature - an enemy.

For bathing a cat, it is best to wear long-sleeve clothing so that the animal does not scratch. Be sure to prepare an old towel, or rather a few. Leave the shampoo on the edge of the bathtub open to make it easier to use. Remove all unnecessary from the sides of the bath - shampoos, soap, razors, hair balms, washcloths. In the process, the cat may tip over the cleaning supplies.

How to wash a cat

1. If you can call an assistant - do it. Washing the cat together is much easier - one holds, the other washes.
2. After you have poured a little water into one basin, it is best to drop a small towel in advance. This is done so that the cat can cling to something and feel more comfortable than on a smooth surface.
3. Dip the cat in a bowl of water. Give him a few seconds to get comfortable. In every possible way calm the animal with gentle words and calm intonation. He must understand that the current situation is not a punishment.
4. After that, carefully begin to water it with your hand - first paws, then the body.
5. Never wash the animal’s head! Water can get into his ears, which is very dangerous for cats. Some owners claim that while bathing you need to put cotton swabs in your cat's ears. But we do not advise you to do this, because, firstly, you can insert a too small piece of cotton wool that simply "goes" inside. Then you cannot do without the help of a veterinarian. And secondly, the cat is in a stressful situation, and cotton wool in the ears will aggravate the situation.
6. When the animal’s hair is wet, you can put a little shampoo on your palm and soap the cat. Rinse thoroughly with your hands the animal’s paws, its belly, back, tail. You need to touch your head very carefully - gently brush your hair and ears with a soapy hand, and then wipe it off with a clean hand to remove the soap.
7. After that, use a mug to pour the cat with warm water and rinse off all the soap. If necessary, the cat can be washed twice.
8. After your pet is clean, you need to run the edge of the palm of his hand on his fur so that the water comes out. Then wrap it in a towel and pull it out of the bath.

How to dry a cat after bathing

After you pull the animal out, you need to walk it thoroughly with dry towels. Change towels several times to absorb as much moisture as possible from the animal’s hair.

After the cat has dried, it should be combed out. This is the final stage of a grandiose water treatment.

If your pet has a strong temper, and he does not allow himself to be bathed, you can use a special bag that is sold at a pet store or veterinary pharmacy. She puts on the animal like a bag, fixing itself on the neck and leaving only the head outside. If this does not help you, send the cat to a special hairdresser for animals. Specialists know exactly how to clean your cat's fur with less nervous shocks.

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