How to train a cat to bathe in the bathroom

What do you want to do? You don't like being dragged somewhere against your will, do you? So the cat doesn't like this, forcibly imposed procedure. You're the one who thinks it's time for the cat to bathe. And she sincerely believes that she is clean. Twenty minutes ago, she was licking herself.

How to train a cat to bathe in the bathroom.

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Reasons to bathe.

Cats don't like to bathe, and almost always perceive water on their fur as dirt. But there are times when a classic bath for a pet is just necessary.

This is especially true for adult animals who may suffer from joint pain, arthritis, and other mobility problems. If the cat has mobility problems and cannot reach any part of its body, your help in bathing it is essential.

Washing with running water is indicated in emergencies, such as if the pet has gotten dirty with chemicals or if you have intentionally applied products, say, for fleas, to the fur. The cat licks its coat and swallows the dangerous compounds.

Long-haired breeds need a bath to prevent tangles.

Baths are also indicated for wounds and skin diseases, in these cases the treatment is prescribed by the veterinarian.

Moral Preparation

If you have never bathed a cat before, you should not throw it into the water immediately, otherwise it will be very stressful and the cat will be afraid of you. It may take several sessions to make the cat feel comfortable.

Plan a bath for a specific day so that you have a few days before the procedure to gradually introduce your pet to the water. Soak the front paws today, the hind paws tomorrow, and the day after that the paws and tail. Only after that, go to a full bath. Don't forget to give your pet something yummy after each session, keep her confidence.

How to bathe a cat and stay alive, instructions and tips

Many cats are terrified of water. In this case, even the most malleable pet is capable of turning into a real fury. Given the fact that the pet is naturally equipped with sharp claws and teeth, the attempt to wash him turns into a real ordeal. Why are cats so afraid of water? How do you manage to wash the cat and not come out of the bathroom scratched and gnawed?

Many cat owners know what it's like to bathe a struggling animal. You don't just have to dip it, you have to keep it in water, soaking it up, lathering it up, rinsing off the shampoo. Read in this material our instructions and our tips and tricks.

Why cats are afraid of water

The vast majority of our pets are descended from one common ancestor: the steppe cat Felis silvestris lybica, which appeared 130,000 years ago. There are problems with water in the steppe, so many cats are genetically afraid of it. But, according to zoologists, in the case of bathing, it is not fear of water, but rather fear of everything that accompanies the bathing procedure.

What is so unpleasant for cats in the bathing procedure? Many things. For example – pungent smells. For us, all of these shampoos, foams and other "soap and water" smells good, but for cats – no. Our sense of smell is developed 14 times worse than the cat's, so we do not feel how unpleasant it smells chlorine water. Also, the water that people pour into the cat's bathtub is cold. We don't do it on purpose, we're afraid of scalding our cat, but we forget that the average human body temperature is 36.6 degrees, while a cat's is 38-39 degrees. Water that is warm for us is cold for a cat. Cats feel insecure in water. Their paws slip and it is harder to move in water than on dry land. In addition, cats are genetically conditioned to wet their coats, which means they will give themselves away to prey or predators. Wet fur smells stronger. Never mind that she is in the apartment and there are no predators nearby. Well, and to dry the cat after bathing is difficult, most of these animals have a thick undercoat, when it gets wet, the pet begins to freeze.

How to get your cat used to bathing

Do it gradually

A gradual approach is important. No sudden moves or attempts to trick the cat, it's best to build on trust. Start with a completely empty bath. Bring the cat there, put it in the bathtub, let the animal understand that it is not scary here. See on the Lissa channel how easy it is to bathe even the most recalcitrant cat.

Once the cat has learned this lesson, you can move on by pouring a little water into the tub, throwing toys in there, and treating the cat right in the tub with treats. Remember that the water temperature must be at least 38-40 degrees, so that the cat will not freeze. Preferably put a rubber mat, towel or cloth on the bottom of the bath to prevent the pet's paws from slipping and frightening him.

Don't pour too much water.

And don't pour so much water that the pet stops feeling the bottom under its feet. Allow the cat to stand on its four paws. If you are patient, the day will come when the cat will stop being afraid.

Leave the cat alone.

And if you don't. Well? There are animals that are so stressed by bathing that experts advise against washing them at all. After all, your pet doesn't walk around like a dog, get patted and licked all the time. Maybe you shouldn't wash your cat at all. She really is clean!

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Why are cats afraid of water?

A cat's reluctance to bathe and fear of water is only a manifestation of their innate instincts, since they are not "swimming" animals. Although some of the representatives of felines like water procedures, in particular tigresses. The main reason for their dislike of water is the rapid wetting of the fur, drying of the skin and noticeable discomfort.

Do not think that just tying and bathing the cat will be easy. You will have to spend much more time and accustom the cat to the water so that he is not afraid and willingly let himself be washed. To begin with, it is recommended to take the pet into the tub several times, try to open the water, put it in an empty tub, take care of good lighting. Also, do not forget that it is much easier to accustom a cat to bathing if it is less than one year old. In the case of adult animals, success may not be achieved at all.

Preparation for bathing

Before you get a cat used to bathing, it is worth preparing her for what is happening:

• Start the exercise with a baby, bring the cat into the bathtub, put it in the sink, let it be alone for a few minutes and get used to it;
• After getting used to it, you can fill the tub or sink with water and put the cat's favorite toys in it;
• Before bathing, the cat's fur should be well combed to remove dirt and tangles;
• Before bathing in the bathtub, it is better to trim the claws, so that the pet won't scratch and get stuck in the towel;
• It is advisable to pre-bath the eyes to avoid irritation with soap and to cover the ears with cotton balls;
• To make bathing more comfortable for the cat, you should put a towel on the bottom of the tub, then it will not slip;
• During the bathing procedure, it is better to invite a helper to help hold the cat.

To accustom him to the water and make the procedure as comfortable as possible, you need to prepare the accompanying accessories and tools:

• A pair of gloves;
• Special shampoo for cats, but not regular human shampoo, because it is extremely dangerous to their health;
• A large watering can;
• A large towel;
• Cotton disks;
• Tissue;
• Eye drops.

When bathing the cat, it is worth setting a medium pressure so that the noise from the shower does not irritate and frighten him. After completing the procedure, the pet can be dried with a hair dryer at minimum temperatures. But it is better to dry her well with a towel, because it is less traumatic.

How to teach the cat to swim?

Introduce your cat to water.

If you have a real or inflatable pool, take your cat with you to the yard and let him hang around while you're in the water. Bring treats to encourage them to come up to you and stand by the pool. If you don't have a pool, let the cat come into the bathroom while you're bathing and look around.

If they are okay near the water, give them a dip.

Take the cat in your arms and gently lower their paws into the water. Walk along the bottom, holding the cat so that it feels in your hands and, at the same time, feels the water. Slowly lower the tail or belly into the water. How does the cat feel? Once you are able to walk safely with the cat, put it in the water without stopping to hold it. The cat will probably start paddling before it even gets in the water.

Make sure you do this in shallow water or in a shallow part of the pool.

If the cat reacts aggressively, don't try to teach it further. Let her go on dry land: it's probably just not hers. Install special ramps in the pool so that the cat can get out on dry land, even if it's tired and you're not around. Keep your cat's eyes on you the entire time you're swimming.

Free Swimming.

This idea may seem very appealing: the idea that cats need to go for walks is becoming more and more common these days. Don't forget a full set of vaccinations, an ergonomic harness, and gradualness.

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The founder of Fashion Press LLC: 119435, Moscow, Bolshoi Savvinsky per. 6, floor 3, room II;
Editorial address: 119435, Moscow, Bolshoi Savvinsky per. 6, floor 3, room II;
Editor-in-Chief: Rodikova Natalia Aleksandrovna
E-mail address of the editorial office: [email protected]
Editorial office phone number: +7 (495) 252-09-99
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Network publication is registered by the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media, registration number and date of the decision to register: EL Series No. FS 77 – 84131 of November 09, 2022.

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How to bathe a kitten so he is not afraid?

To get your pet used to bathing, it's 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 from its mother, so it will tolerate the stress of being submerged 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 an extreme case, if the baby is very afraid of water, before the procedure he can be given some sedative intended for kittens. Before buying the remedy, you should consult your veterinarian.

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

Sometimes you have to accustom an adult animal to washing, for example, if you have adopted a stray cat. It is a difficult process because the new ward has already developed 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 level of 1-2 cm.
• For the stability and comfort of the cat, a rubber mat or towel should be placed on the bottom of the tub or basin.

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.

How to bathe a cat if she is afraid of water

Many owners who have decided to bathe their pet do not know how to do it correctly. Most cats are terrified of water and become very nervous, lashing out and meowing at the sight of the bathroom.

If you know some tricks, it is easy enough (and painless for yourself) to bathe your pet. Experienced owners share tips on how to bathe a cat who is afraid of water:

• Using a ladle or other container, wet the cat's fur and soap it up;
• use only shampoos that are specially made for pets, cats do not need conditioners;
• try to avoid getting it in the eyes, nose, mouth and ears (the latter can be covered with absorbent cotton for safety);

Important: A comfortable water temperature for bathing cats is 30-38 degrees.

Bathing always upsets the cat, so be sure to soothe him: stroke him, hold him in your arms. You can give an extra serving of tasty food after the bath to make the pet forget the unpleasant moment faster. By the way, if you treat your cat after the bath every time you will teach him to tolerate water better, because he will know that a tidbit is waiting for him afterwards.

How to train a cat to the water

Almost all cat breeds are terrified of bathing. The exceptions are May 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 the water is not much. It is at these moments that you think about how to accustom the cat to the water.

It is important to introduce your pet to bathing as early as possible, but not from infancy. Then the animal 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 should stand firmly on its feet, not slip, then it will feel confident. Put a rubber mat on the bottom. Pour just a little water and try to put the cat in 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 manfully endured an unpleasant procedure, don't ruin the situation with a dryer. 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 pet can catch a cold.

How to train your cat to bathe

This article is co-authored by Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT, our regular contributor. Regular contributors to wikiHow work closely with our editors to ensure that the articles are as accurate and complete as possible.

Cats don't really like to get wet, so trying to bathe them can result in an enraged animal and an extensive collection of scratches. In reality, cats are regularly licked throughout the day, so they by no means need a weekly bath. However, if your pet's fur has become greasy, dirty, or smells bad, it's wise to give them a full bath in the bathroom. [1] X Source of Information In this article, we'll give you some tips on how you can avoid scratching your cat's claws and help him learn to be more relaxed about bathing.

Preparing for a bath

• The cat should first be accustomed to being directly in the sink or tub a few weeks before the actual bathing. Put the cat in the sink or tub along with its favorite toys. Additionally, use some treats and catnip and let the cat stay there for 5-10 minutes. This way the cat will have positive associations with the bathroom and the idea of bathing will not scare him.
• When the cat will get used to just sitting in the sink or bathtub, try to fill this container to 2.5 cm of water and put toys in the water. Play with the cat near the sink or tub and try to encourage him to sit on the edge of the tub or sink to play with those toys that are in the water.

• Also, trim the cat's claws before bathing so he won't scratch you and his claws won't cling to your clothes or towel and get stuck in them.
• You will also need to cover the cat's ears with absorbent cotton to protect them from water and put eye drops in the eyes so that the soap does not irritate them. If the cat will not allow you to put absorbent cotton in its ears, don't insist, skip this operation, and after bathing just wipe the cat's ears dry with a cotton pad.