One of the many things that we love about cats is the fact that they are so clean. Fluffy will carefully groom herself every day. However, some people do like to bathe their cats. In this article, a Washington DC vet offers some tips for bathing your feline friend.

Check With Your Vet

First things first. Make sure your vet doesn’t have any objections to bathing Fluffy. While most cats can safely be bathed, it’s always best to be sure.

Brush First

Brush Fluffy thoroughly before bathing her. This will remove dead fur and dander from her coat, making bathtime both easier and more effective.

Products

Always use products made specifically for kitties. Shampoos that are meant for people may be too strong for your feline buddy, and could strip the oils from her fur. This could leave your cute pet looking more frizzy than fluffy!

Preparation

Before bringing Fluffy into the bath, put a rubber mat down in the tub or sink. You may want to invest in a sprayer, if you don’t have one. Fill the tub with a few inches of warm (not hot) water. The water should be no deeper than your kitty’s chest. You may also want to don full body armor, or at least thick jeans and a long-sleeved sweatshirt.

Bathtime

When you are ready, get your kitty and put her into the sink. Talk to your furball in a soothing voice as you gently lather her. Use a teapot, pitcher, or sprayer to rinse. Avoid getting soap in your cat’s eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. Actually, it’s best to just use a washcloth on Fluffy’s face.

Drying

Once you’ve rinsed your feline pal off, wrap her in a soft towel. Gently pat her dry to get the water out of her fur. If your furry little diva doesn’t mind being blow-dried, you can use a blow dryer on her. Use a medium or cool setting, not the hot one. Don’t force your pet to submit to being blow-dried, however. When Fluffy is mostly dry, just let her go. She’ll likely spend the next hour or so glaring at you and grooming herself to get her fur back in place. (Tip: we suggest a new toy for purr reactivation.)

As your Washington DC vet clinic, we are dedicated to offering great veterinary care. Please feel free to contact us anytime!