Cats are very clean, which is one of the many reasons they make such great pets. Fluffy will carefully groom herself every day to make sure her pretty fur stays soft and clean. While you don’t have to bathe your feline pal, some people like to. Read on as a Clermont County vet discusses bathing kitties.
Before giving Fluffy a bath, check with your vet to be sure they don’t have any objections. If your kitty is sick, or has recently been injured or had surgery, bathing may not be safe for her.
Only use shampoos made specifically for cats. Products made for humans are too harsh for Fluffy. These may strip the oils from your pet’s fur, which would dry it out and possibly leave her looking frizzy.
Before bringing Fluffy into the bathroom, set a rubber mat down in the tub or sink, so it doesn’t get scratched. You’ll also want to have some towels ready. As for you, well, full body armor is optional, but we do at least recommend wearing thick jeans and long sleeves.
When you’re ready, fill the sink or tub with a few inches of lukewarm water. Don’t use hot water: that could scald your feline friend. Gently lather Fluffy up. Be careful not to get suds in her eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. You may want to use a facecloth for her head. Finally, rinse your furry pal off gently. If you don’t have a gentle sprayer, use a pitcher or teapot.
Once you’ve finished bathing Fluffy, wrap her in a towel and gently pat her dry to get the water out of her fur. Some furry little divas enjoy being blow-dried. If Fluffy doesn’t mind, you can blow-dry her. Just use a low setting. Don’t force her to submit, however. That’s a good way to get scratched! It’s also not really necessary. As soon as you let your furball go, she’ll start grooming herself and getting her fur back in place.
Once your kitty is dry, she’ll quickly resume her usual schedule of napping and being adorable. Give Fluffy a treat or a new toy to get her motor going again.
Please contact us, your Clermont County vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
