How to teach a cat to bathe in a bathtub

Make sure the water temperature is as comfortable as possible for the cat – about 30-35 degrees. You don't need to fill the tub completely – just fill it up so much that it only covers the cat's feet.

How to teach a cat to bathe in a bathtub

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When should I accustom my cat to water bathing?

How to bathe a cat? It is extremely important to "introduce" a cat to the bath at a young age. There is an opinion that if the kitten is not accustomed to regular washing in time, you will not be able to do it later. Representatives of the feline breed are very anxious about their habits, so you need to take care that they are formed in advance. A small kitten will be looking for your protection, and washing will most likely be perceived as something unavoidable. An adult cat will unleash its claws in case of such an unforeseen event, and may inadvertently cause deep scratches to the owner.

Try to calm the pet down before bathing him. Gently speak to it (cats sense human intonation and feel its mood), pet it and tell it that this is necessary because it's soiled. It would be a misconception to think that cats are incapable of deep feelings for their owner. Almost always these cute fluffers are attuned to humans to the extent that they are able to have a beneficial effect on them.

During the process itself, firmly, but not strongly hold the animal with one hand, and with the other directly carry out the washing procedure. How to bathe a cat without consequences? First of all you should be confident in yourself. Reassure the cat if you have to and try to do everything as quickly as possible. No cat will tolerate such "abuse" for a long time. It is better to give it only 5-10 minutes, you won't need to wait for more.

Bathing accessories

Before washing do not forget to prepare everything you need so that your cat will not be frightened. Remember: he will not stand in water for a long time, so it is extremely important that you have everything at hand. How to bathe a cat and what to prepare? Shampoo (it should already stand on the table next to the tub), a non-rigid brush for brushing hair, a special towel for wiping, perhaps a small basin or a tub.

Many cat owners prefer to wash their pets in small containers, thinking that this way they will feel less stress. In fact, much depends on your attitude. Buy a baby bath is not necessary. How to bathe the cat, if he stubbornly refuses to get into a prepared container for him? Act gently, with patience and tenderness.

How to accustom a cat to water

Almost all cat breeds are terrified of bathing. The exceptions are Mei-coons and Chowsies. But many have noticed that quite often cats are fascinated by water in a full bath. Curious by nature, they scrutinize the unfamiliar space. Sometimes animals touch the water with their paws or even jump, if there is not much water. It is at times like these that you should consider how to get your cat accustomed to water.

It is important to introduce your pet to bathing as early as possible, but not from infancy. Then the pet will not be afraid of this necessary procedure.

Important: Veterinarians strongly recommend not to bathe kittens younger than three months. A pet may not tolerate a lot of stress or become seriously ill.

In the bathtub, the cat must stand firmly on its feet, not slip, then it will feel confident. Put a rubber mat on the bottom. Pour a little water in it and try to let the cat go into the "pond". Try not to frighten the cat: soothe it by playing and talking, distract it with toys.

With each new bathing you can increase the water level. Think of a code word (e.g., "bathe!") so your pet knows what to expect. If the pet continues to be nervous, give him some sedatives.

If your cat has courageously endured an unpleasant procedure, don't ruin the situation by drying him. Let him lick or shake himself first, then towel him off.

Important: Don't try drying your pet with a hair dryer. Cats cannot tolerate this sound. It will be another stress for them. And then it will be harder to accustom the cat to bathing.

Be sure to put the cat in a warm, draught-free place after bathing. A wet cat can catch cold.

Where to begin

So, bathing. It is better to do it in a bathtub, but a large basin will do. You'll also need your favorite toys to create a comfortable atmosphere. Fill the tub with water so that the farthest part of it remains dry, so that the cat will find a support and a safe place in case of panic. The water should definitely be warm. If there is a rubber mat, lay it down. To lure the cat to a dry place, use its favorite treat. It is important that she moves to a dry place on her own. If you pick it up and move it, your first instinct will be to run away, wanting to jump back out. Then you can try the same way, using a treat or a favorite toy to lure the cat into the water. It does not work, that's okay.

How to bathe

Very slowly begin to wet the fur with a wet hand, apply a few drops on the back and paws. Increase the amount of water gradually, bringing the volume of water to 250 ml. Make sure that water does not get on your head, eyes and ears. You can wipe them with a wet cloth afterwards.

Rub your cat with your hands as if you were shampooing, this will make it easier for your cat to take the real product. It will only be enough to drop the shampoo, it should be thoroughly rinsed to avoid skin irritation. Shampoo is better to choose hypoallergenic. In the same way, apply the conditioner and rinse.

How to accustom the cat to bathing without unnecessary stress

• One of the basins is filled completely, the other so that the water barely covers the bottom. The water temperature is 38.5-39 degrees.

• You and the helper are dressed in ammunition and gloves. The floor of the bathroom is completely covered. Any "force majeure" will be accompanied by turmoil in which it is easy to slip.

• Gently and slowly, holding the animal from above, lower the cat's paws into the basin without water. The animal will tense up and pawing – soothe, pet, hold (there will be attempts to escape), do not try to sit or lay down.

• After wetting the sponge with water, run it over the pet's fur and soothe the pet again.

• In the end, the entire coat should be wet. The exceptions are muzzle and ears. The second step is to soap the coat, if necessary.

• Comb the "coat" with a comb. In general, combing is necessary to remove the foam if you use shampoo, but if you practice, do not deviate from the algorithm.

• We douse the cat several times from a small container.

• We blot the hair with thin towels and wrap it in a bath towel.

• Don't hurry, but don't drag it out either, the procedure is not pleasant and the sooner it is over the better.

• Repeat the procedure not more than once a month, even bathing with clean water will partly wash away the protective layer of fat from the pet's skin.

Please note! The smell of catnip helps the pet to relax, but don't get carried away! The rush of tenderness and calm is associated with intoxication in the literal sense of the word.

A few words about exactly how to hold your cat. Your grip must be strong, because you will have to hold your pet with one hand. Grip the skin fold on the animal's withers, instinctively, the cat will calm down a little. Try to avoid the area under the belly – a convenient position to attack with your hind paws.

Reasons why cats are afraid of water

Why cats are afraid of water, tried to understand even the ancient Greeks, who revered cats as sacred animals. The desire to answer such a sacramental question is evidenced by the existence of legends in the Holy Scriptures.

One myth tells how Noah's ark began to be overrun by hordes of rats. Noah instructed the king of beasts to deal with the pests, but the lion was too big and clumsy. Then the predator sneezed, and the result was the first cat to destroy the rats. Cats are afraid of water because they have had a complicated relationship with it since the Flood.

There is another legend-explaining why cats don't like water. An evil force turned into a rat started gnawing through the bottom of the ark, but the cat skillfully caught it. Noah did not know that it was the devil's machinations and blamed the cat for its aggressive behavior. As punishment, he threw it overboard. Since then, water is the only thing cats are afraid of. All these myths confirm the fact that people have been looking for an answer to the question of why cats do not like water since ancient times.

It is believed that cats have no fear of water. Many of them enjoy drinking tap water, watching their owners take showers, and even trying to soak their paw in a bowl of water out of interest. They have a fear of getting wet and getting their fur wet. However, even this fear is not inherent in all pets.

What cat breeds are not afraid of water? Julia Ivanova in her book "How to Live with a Cat? Simple Solutions for Tough Problems" tells that Turkish Van, Maine Coon, Abyssinian and Norwegian Forest Cats, Japanese, American, Kuril Bobtail, Sphynx, Savannah cats will give themselves easy and joyful baths.

If water treatments can be done with these four-legged friends, things are much more difficult with the rest of the cats. Why are cats afraid of water? Here are the most common reasons:

• Risk of hypothermia. The coat, skin and undercoat are known to play an important role in the thermoregulation of the animal's body. When the coat together with the undercoat gets wet, the air layer, which stores heat, disappears. The cat feels discomfort and can catch a cold. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly dry your pet after bathing procedures.
• The discomfort of the procedure. First, washing involves a sudden change of familiar surroundings. Secondly, people often use synthetic detergents for washing, which is very disliked by animals.
• A change in the smell of the coat can prevent him from tracking prey, hunting. Wet coat of the predator has a more intense smell, and it is detrimental to the results of the hunt. A strongly smelling cat will become an easy target for a predator.
• Threat of infestation. The cat's bathing in its natural habitat is done solely with its tongue. Like other wild animals, cats know on an intuitive level what in their environment poses a danger to them. Dust and dirt accumulate on wet fur and pathogens may be present in the water. The need to lick them off their fur makes cats wary of bathing.

How to teach your cat to be afraid of water

Proceed gradually so that a routine ritual ceases to be an ordeal for both animal and human. How do you make a cat accustomed to water? Follow simple rules:

• Install a large container of water in the pet's favorite room. Moisten his paws and run your wet hands over his coat. If he begins to resist and run away, do not scold the cat and do not continue the manipulation. Sooner or later the cat will become interested in the pail of water on its own. Place toys in the water to stimulate the cat.
• Open the faucet in the kitchen or bathroom. Running water attracts cats. Over time, it will get used to it and begin to play with the jet, wetting its paws.
• Show your pet that bathing is not scary. Cats bathe on their own, and the bathtub is a foreign and strange object for them. Pick it up and put it in an empty tub or shower. When the cat gets the hang of it, gradually start filling the tub with warm water. Most cats will start to panic, so stop the procedure and try again after a while.
• Engage the cat with treats. If he refuses to be in the tub or shower, give him a favorite treat.
• Praise and pet the cat after his visit to the bathroom.
• Be calm and don't yell if the cat breaks out. The procedure will be associated with stress later on.

Once you have accustomed your pet to water, proceed with the water procedures. How to bathe a cat? Here are the main nuances of bathing:

1. Pre-brush the pet's fur. This way the process of soaping and the subsequent drying will go much faster.
2. Place a plastic or wooden board on the bottom of the tub. Draw in no more than 5-7 cm of water and throw in a couple of your pet's favorite waterproof toys. Remember that the kitty has to feel the bottom. Only rare specimens are happy to swim in the bathtub.
3. Stroke the cat with one hand and pour water over its fur with the other. Strictly control the temperature of the water, it must not exceed 38-40 ° C.
4. Soap the cat with a special shampoo and lather it up.
5. Rinse thoroughly. Sometimes you may need to rinse your pet 2-3 times. Dr. of Veterinary Medicine Amy Flowers notes: it's important to make sure you rinse all the shampoo off. Otherwise, the cat will lick off the residue when it starts washing, which can be detrimental to its health.
6. Wipe the cat with a towel. If the cat is not afraid of the hair dryer, use it. Remember, however, that you may only use a device that allows you to regulate the temperature of the air flow. In any case do not turn on the hot mode, because you risk burning the sensitive skin of the cat.

It's a matter of not knowing.

A cat, like any other living creature, is afraid of everything unknown. Just imagine what your reaction would be if a huge creature grabbed you by the arms and legs and then tried to submerge you in a bowl full of water. I don't think you would react calmly to that, even knowing you could swim.

Personally, I was able to get my cat used to bathing very easily and, moreover, get him to like water procedures. Only to do this, I had to learn to negotiate with my pet and get him to trust me. Now I will tell you exactly how I was able to achieve this.

What I did

The first thing that scares the cat sitting in the bathtub is the sliding of his paws on the bottom, which he feels during every bath. To avoid this, create comfort for the pet – put a small mat on the bottom of the container. It can be anything – cloth, rubber, whatever.

To make bathing only fun for the cat, you can throw in a couple of your cat's favorite toys.

As soon as everything is ready, you should put the cat in the bathtub and only then begin to pour water into it. The cat should see that this process takes place in front of him and very slowly.

This approach to bathing the cat will provide peace of mind not only for the cat, but also for you. However, note that not only the right approach to the process of bathing is very important for the animal, but also the presence of all the comfortable conditions.

How to bathe a kitten so that he was not afraid?

To get the pet accustomed to bathing, it is better to start procedures at an early age. At 2 months the baby can be bathed for the first time (without using shampoo), but veterinarians advise to postpone this manipulation until 4 months of age. Bathing a very tiny baby will wipe away the postnatal lubricant that protects them from infections. It may also interfere with the kitten's natural scent, and the cat will give it up.

At 3-4 months of age, the baby is usually weaned, so it will take the stress of being submerged in water more easily. Not every animal is able to get used to washing, but the owner must be patient and follow the basic recommendations:

• Familiarize the kitten with the basin – it should not cause him fear. The baby should be put in the container before pouring water into it. Let the pet sit in it, smell it, get used to it.
• Animal removed from the basin, pour water temperature of 38-40 ° C to a depth of 5-7 cm. Put the kitten in the water, hold it firmly by hand and talk to it in a calm, even voice.
• The kitten's head is washed quickly, making sure that the liquid does not get into the ears and nose. The shampoo should be rinsed off thoroughly, as its residues on the coat can harm the animal. The time of the procedure should be kept to a minimum. In the process, the pet is stroked to soothe it.

Immediately after washing, the pet should be toweled off and encouraged with a treat. In extreme cases, if the baby is very afraid of water, before the procedure he can be given some sedative intended for kittens. You should consult your veterinarian before buying the product.

How do I teach an adult animal to bathe in a bath?

Sometimes it is necessary to teach the bath to an adult animal, for example, if a person has adopted a stray cat. This is a difficult process, since the new ward has already formed a character, and water procedures will be new to him. In this case you should try to divert the pet's attention from water to something interesting. You should gradually teach your pet to bathe without stressing him and the owner:

• If the cat does not want to be in the bathroom, he should be taught to willingly go in there with the help of treats and toys. Do the same when the cat doesn't like the sound of water running out of the faucet.
• The pet should also be taught to stay quietly in the tank for bathing, using toys and games. To begin with, it is better not to pour water into it or to fill it to the 1-2 cm level.
• Put a rubber mat or towel on the bottom of the tub or basin for stability and comfort of the cat.

Read also: Why do domestic cats and cats suddenly become aggressive, attack and bite their owners?

• It is important to make sure that the pet can freely leave the bathing container at will. This way he will become more confident and not feel trapped.
• It is necessary to observe which objects or activities accompanying the bathing cause the pet's aversion to it. They should be eliminated or the pet should gradually get used to them.
• He should be praised, stroked and encouraged for his interest in playing in the water or staying in the bath.
• An important factor in creating a favorable bathing environment is good light. Lack of light may cause another stress.

Cat bathing: step by step

If a pet is really afraid of water, it is important not only to prepare in advance everything necessary for its bathing, but also to organize the process correctly. A step-by-step instruction will help you with this task (this plan is suitable both for washing an adult pet and for accustoming a very small kitten to water procedures):

1. Fill a basin with some water of a comfortable temperature (37-40°C) so that the liquid does not reach the pet's belly. It is best to do this in the cat's absence.
2. Place the cat in the basin. Using a scoop or your palm, gently scoop water from the basin and wet its back and head thoroughly avoiding getting any liquid on the cat's ears or eyes.
3. Shampoo the whole cat (except for the muzzle) without prolonging the process. Gently run your fingers over the cat's back and belly, remembering to hold it tightly with your free hand.
4. Thoroughly rinse off all soapy foam with your hands or a ladle. Do not use a shower – its noise may frighten the cat.
5. Without making any sudden movements remove the animal from the basin and throw a large dry towel over it.

There is a high probability that even if you follow all these recommendations, the cat will be frightened by bathing. Panicking, it will scream and lash out. Do not raise your pet's voice or use physical force on her. This is not an act of disobedience! The poor cat is stressed, and there is no need to aggravate the condition of the animal by undermining its trust in the owner.

The cat is washed. What's next?

Bathe the pet is half the battle. You must properly dry him, without overcooling. To do this, you must go over the pet's fur with a towel, so that the cloth absorbs the maximum amount of moisture. The thicker and longer the hair of the pet, the more time this procedure will take. For example, it takes at least 10-15 minutes and a few dry towels to dry the Persian.

If the apartment is warm it is enough to prevent the cat from catching a cold. However, when there is a draft in the apartment and it is cold outside, it makes sense to dry the cat with a hair dryer. The procedure will cause extra stress for the cat, but it is better than hypothermia and its complications (pneumonia and the like).

You should not brush the cat after bathing until its hair is completely dry. Otherwise the procedure will cause discomfort and pain to the animal, as the brush will cling to the tangled wet hair.