Some cats simply won't tolerate a bath, no matter how much you try. Alternatives If Your Cat Just Won't Tolerate a Bath Then let him out into a small, draft-free, warm room where he can air dry. Then rinse it all out and don't leave any soap behind.Īfter the bath, blot his wet fur with a dry towel to get some of the excess water out. Watch him closely and make sure he doesn't lick himself. If you're using small tubs, then top off the clean water with some warm water to keep it a comfy temperature. If the bathroom doors are closed and there's no place for him to hide, you can take your cat out of the tub and replace the old water during those few minutes. (Your cat will love the massage!) Make sure you read the directions carefully and don't leave the shampoo on longer than directed. Continue to work the lather in over the whole cat for three to five minutes, being sure to avoid the area around the eyes. With flea shampoo, you want a good lather. Take care not to get any water or soap in your cat's eyes, ears, or nose. Scoop a little at a time until his fur is wet down to the skin. Instead, dip your hand into the warm water and gently scoop the water onto your kitty. Wash your cat gently and speak to him soothingly.ĭon't use a spray hose on your cat. Some cats don't like sudden movements, and they need you to take things extra slow while they're feeling vulnerable in a bath. But this only works if the harness is the thinner kind that still lets you work the flea shampoo into his fur. Whichever method you choose, your cat might be a little calmer if he's used to a harness and wears it during the bath. Fill one with soapy water and one with clean water to wash out all the flea product. Others may set up smaller plastic tubs in a sink or tub to keep their cats a little more confined. Some people bathe their cats in a bathtub with a low level of warm water, just enough to reach their cat's chests. The water shouldn't be too hot, but it also shouldn't be so cool that it might leave your cat feeling chilled. Use Warm Water and Consider Small TubsĬats tend to be calmer if the water they're in is warm and comfy.

It kills fleas, ticks, and lice while preventing new flea eggs from hatching for 30 days. Adams Flea & Tick Cleansing Shampoo is a great choice for cats. Have the flea shampoo near the tub so you can reach it easily. Matted fur can be tough to detangle once it's wet, which might hurt when you're applying the shampoo. 1īrush your cat's fur before you bathe him. Some people even put a towel or rubber mat at the bottom of the tub so their cats have more of a grip while they stand. One should be on the bathroom floor to soak up spilled water, and one will be used to blot your kitty's fur after his bath. Trim your cat's nails a day or two before the bath to reduce scratching. You don't want to start your cat's bath only to realize you forgot something, so set up everything in advance. Some cats will gradually become more comfortable with water, while others will still need that extra nudge and comfort during an actual bath. This could make him curious enough to dip a paw in, helping him realize it's not so scary. You might even float one of his toys in the water. Give him treats when his paws get a little wet. Or put him in the bathroom with you while you're taking a bath, so he gets used to the sound of running water. Let him get slowly acclimatized to the idea of a bath by just getting his paws wet at first. Some cats need time to realize the bathwater isn't secretly trying to hurt them. You can also set up a Calming Diffuser in the bathroom, which mimics the pheromones that help a cat know she's safe and secure. Staying calm doesn't guarantee your cat won't freak out a little when her paws touch the water, but it can help. Cats tend to pick up on their owner's energy. The first step in keeping your cat calm is to stay calm yourself. How do you give your cat a bath if he hates water? The best strategy is to slowly get him acclimated to the bath using warm water while being very patient and speaking in reassuring tones. But just the prospect of bathing your cat might make you a little nervous. If your kitty has fleas, you definitely want to take that extra step and bathe him. Cats are quite adept at keeping themselves clean, but sometimes they need a little extra help from their humans.

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