All About Cat Care

7 Tips For Bathing And Grooming your Cat

March 25th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

1. It is best to introduce a cat to being bathed at a young age - the earlier the better. If your cat shows a distinct dislike to being bathed you can use a powder shampoo or wipe him down with a damp washcloth or wipe, so he can become gradually used to being washed.

2. When you are giving a cat a bath, it is better to use a cup or bowl to pour water onto the cat. They tend to freak out when a sprayer is used.

3. Make sure your cat will feel safe during bathing. Never fill the bathwater past his knees. If the water is deeper, the cat will probably panic and feel like he must start “swimming” or he will drown. Make bathing as stress-free as possible for kitty.

4. Cats usually do not have an odour. If yours does, check his body and mouth for a sore or abscess. Infection can cause the smell and antibiotics may be needed. If you can’t locate the source of the smell, take your cat to be checked by a vet.

5. Introduce your cat to grooming with a grooming mitt or glove. They love being petted and rubbed with the gloves. Then gradually introduce a cat brush or comb, like the Safari Flea Comb for Cats .

6. Sprinkle your cat with unscented talcum powder or baby powder before brushing, rubbing the powder into his fur. This will help the brush separate the cat’s hair and it helps to loosen any tangles.

7. Cats continually groom and lick themselves by instinct. Licking any scent they may have off of their bodies helps them to stalk prey without being detected by smell. Even if they aren’t aggressive hunters, they will still lick and groom as part of their feline make-up. However, watch out for excessive licking to such an extent that his fur starts falling out.This is not normal and may indicate a serious neurological problem. A visit to the vet is needed!