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Terrifying words for many cat and human beings are washing cats. Cats which have a phobia of water can turn what would seem an easy task into a battle of wills. Nonetheless, with the right approach and some patience, you can make bathing your cat stress-free for both of you. Here is your ultimate guide to washing cats without drama.
Before you even turn on the tap, collect all the things you need like; shampoo meant for cats (never use human shampoo as it may irritate their skin), towel, non-slip mat in the tub/sink and treats for rewarding cooperation from your cat. Having them prepared before will simplify matters and reduce stress levels for you as well as your furry friend.
Bathing your cat is entirely about timing. They should not be caught unawares while they are sleeping or eating but when they are relaxed yet alert. Moreover, ensure that there is a calm and quiet atmosphere to minimize possible anxiety. Also creating a calm environment would help to decrease any potential anxiety caused by this act.
Approach your cat calmly and gently, reassuring them with soothing words and gentle strokes. Introduce them to the idea of a bath by allowing them to sniff the shampoo and get used to the tub or sink gradually. In case of excessive worry, you can use pheromone sprays that induce relaxation in cats.
Make bathing fun by rewarding your cat with treats or praising her during this time. Wet your kitty’s body using warm water but be careful not to let it into its ears or eyes. This is followed by applying some amount of cat shampoo on it gently massaging. Cats’ skin may react if shampoo residue remains hence rinse well.
When washing your pet, safety should always be a top priority. Do not leave them alone in water since they might slide off easily hurting themselves in the process. Nevertheless, hold onto your cat firmly yet softly so that they don’t wiggle out or jump from the bathtub/sink.
After the bath, wrap your cat in a towel and dab them gently till dry. Do not employ hairdryers because their noise and heat could be scary to cats; instead, let your cats air-dry within a warm quiet room. As they dry up, use a comb on longhaired cats to avoid matting and tangling.
Reward your cat with lots of treats afterwards once it is nice and clean for its cooperation. Allow them to rest or calm down in one preferred area/spot as they jump off from the bathtub/letting them sit immediately after taking that bath should be avoided if possible.
In conclusion, bathing your cat doesn’t have to be a stressful test. With patience, preparation, and plenty of positive backup, you can turn bath time into a bonding experience for you and your cat friend. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your cat clean and healthy without drama.
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