Cat Cleaning
Information on how to clean and wash out foul smells from your cat's or kitten's fur during bathing.
Select a Topic
Help for Cat Cleaning
Cats are fairly clean creatures that are rather particular about their daily grooming habits. However, even the most diligent groomers can become especially dirty, oily or matted and may need a little extra cleaning help. Some breeds, particularly long haired breeds require regular brushing, bathing and face washing to keep them looking and feeling clean and fresh.
Cat bathing is not always easy and so it’s something you should get your cat used to from a young age. Follow the below steps to make cleaning your cat quick, simple and painless as possible for the both of you:
Step 1: Prepare the bathing area. Fill the basin or laundry tub with warm water that is comfortable for your cat and place a bath mat or towel at the bottom of this so that your cat doesn’t slip. Make sure you have a suitable cat shampoo at hand, as well as two dry towels for afterwards.
Step 2: Prepare your cat. Start the process by trimming the tips of your cat’s claws. This is an important aspect of cat grooming and it will reduce the chances of scratches during bath-time. Next, brush your cat as any knots present will be more difficult to remove once the hair is wet. Once the grooming is done, place cotton balls in your cat’s ears so that water can’t enter, and if possible apply an ophthalmic ointment to protect your cat’s eyes from the shampoo.
Step 3: Place your cat in the water and wet the fur thoroughly. Massage the shampoo into the fur making sure it goes right to the roots of the hair. Be careful when washing your cat’s face or head and never pour water over the head. Rather clean these areas using a face cloth and a little bit of shampoo (being careful around the eyes). Rinse the cat well, making sure you pay attention to the groin area and armpits.
Step 4: Squeeze as much of the excess water off the cat before wrapping him in a dry towel. Rub the fur dry as much as possible and when the towel becomes saturated, use the second dry towel. Continue to rub the fur against the grain from tail to head until the cat is mostly dry. This will prevent foul smelling fur. Most cats will groom themselves and dry naturally from here on, but make sure they’re in a draft free area. It also helps to brush the cat as the fur dries to help remove knots and tangles.
Step 5: Your cat is now clean, but more than likely unimpressed. Consider a peace-offering or tasty treat as a reward so that bath times can be associated with a pleasant ending.
More Information on Cat Cleaning
Tips for cleaning cats
- Never use human shampoo to get rid of cat smells even if their fur has become smelly as it can cause skin irritation and damage your cat’s fur and coat. Human shampoos contain harsh detergents and are not the correct pH level for cats. Rather opt for a natural shampoo formulated specifically for cats.
- Start bathing your cat from very young so that they get used to the process and becomes comfortable with water. Most kittens have a strong instinctive aversion to water so you may need to persevere a few times before they become accustomed to the feeling.
- Experiment with cat bathing techniques if the conventional methods cause your pet too much stress. Some cats prefer to be in an empty basin and have the water poured over them rather than being placed in a basin already filled with water for washing.
- Remember to talking soothingly to your cat during bath-times to reduce their anxiety and keep in mind that they will pick up on your anxiety so remain calm and soothing.
- When clipping your cat’s claws, only clip off the tip and don’t go near the quick (the pink area of the nail).
- Brush your cat’s fur regularly as this will help remove excess hair, help remove dirt and old skin cells and help distribute natural oils through your cats coat leaving in shiny and healthy.
