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 Cats generally do a good job of keeping themselves clean, but
for various reasons, there will be occasions you'll need to bathe your
kitty. It's not as hard as you may think, once you both know the
routine, so practice when your cat is young.
- Assemble your "tools" next to the kitchen sink: Two thick
towels, cat shampoo, conditioner, (for longhaired cats), two large cups
or mugs, clean sponge.
- Put a rubber shower mat in the bottom of the sink so kitty
will not slip and slide.
- Run about two to three inches of body temperature water
into the sink-- just enough to come up to kitty's belly. Test the water
on your wrist, much as you'd test a baby bottle. You should not be able
to discern heat or cold.
- Place a capful of the cat shampoo in a mug of warm water
and mix well, to keep from shocking warm cat flesh with cold shampoo.
- Pick up your kitty and lower her gently but quickly into
the water, talking calmly to her all the while. Another human helper is
optional at this step.
- Give her a few minutes to relax to the idea that you aren't
going to kill her, all the while talking to her and petting her.
- Turn on and test the temperature of the shower spray and
holding it right up against the cat's skin, wet her body, taking care
not to splash in her face.
- When she is well soaked, pour the diluted shampoo evenly
over her entire body, again staying away from the head.
- Massage the shampoo gently into her fur for several
minutes. Now is your chance to give her a full body massage. You may
even find that she enjoys it.
- Rinse well, using body temperature water and the shower
nozzle, stroking it the way you would a brush, in long strokes from the
base of her neck down over her tail. You can gently pat some water on
her tummy at this time, with your other hand.
- Give her several long petting strokes with your hand to
slick away excess water, and to test for any remaining soapiness.
- Repeat steps 11 and 12 until all evidence of soap is gone.
This is the most important process, as soap residue can dry her skin,
leaving it vulnerable to rashes and infection.
- With a clean, moist sponge, wipe down the back of her head
and her muzzle, again being careful to avoid her eyes, ears and mouth.
- Using a large bath towel, lift kitty out of the sink and
pat her down, using the towel to blot up as much water as possible.
- Repeat step 13, using another clean towel, then leave her
alone to continue the drying process by herself. Don't forget the
praise!
Tips
- If your cat won't tolerate the shower spray, use a large
measuring cup to pour the water over her in steps 7 and 11, taking care
not to splash.
- If your cat is cool with it, you can use a hair dryer set
on low to speed up the drying process. This is helpful with longhairs,
but don't brush until completely dry.
- Although not necessary, diluted cream rinse may be applied
after the first rinsing, then thoroughly rinsed out.
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