EXPERT ADVICE

BATHING YOUR CAT:
Clean and Sheen or Claws and Gauze?

Exclusive to SPCA.com

To bathe or not to bathe: This question has plagued every cat owner in recent memory, but the fact is that if you own a shorthair indoor cat, you will probably never need to give it a bath unless mischief or misfortune dictate otherwise. Cats spend much of their lives bathing themselves. Their naturally barbed tongues easily remove most dirt, debris and excess natural oils. There are instances, however, when even their incredibly efficient natural tools can't remove everything. Motor oil, mud, grease, fleas, the buildup of natural oils in some longhaired breeds and a number of other undesirable substances require a helping hand, and it's up to you to make sure the experience is as painless as possible... for both of you!

When your favorite feline requires a bath, you'll need to be well prepared. By now, you've probably heard of, or experienced, the whizzing blur of a soaking wet, howling cat, claws fully extended, as it scales the walls or -- if you're really unlucky -- your arms. While it's true that most cats find the bathing experience less than savory, professional cat breeders acclimate their pets to the process through regular repetition. As mentioned above, though, it is generally unnecessary for most cats to have more than the occasional emergency bath, so it's up to you to make a potentially unpleasant experience as soothing and safe as possible.

There are a number of inventive methods you can use to lighten the more traumatic elements of bathing. Begin by grooming your cat; brushing all of the knots and snarls out of longhairs can make the experience much easier. Trimming her claws beforehand is also a good way to prevent the unwanted perforation of your wrists and forearms! Finally, lay a rubber mat down in the bathtub, as cats detest slippery wet surfaces.

Once you've prepped, make sure you have a veterinarian-approved cat shampoo (some dog shampoos can be extremely toxic to cats, so double-check before using), a soft towel, a soft facecloth, and some cotton balls. Most importantly, unless you are very experienced and/or your cat is particularly calm, you should probably seek the assistance of a patient, cat-oriented helper, preferably someone your cat already knows and likes.

Before bringing your cat into the bathroom, draw a bath of lukewarm water up to the level of your cat's belly. Prepare your guest of honor by placing half a cotton ball in each ear to protect them from water and gently lower her into the tub, making sure your helper is there to keep her from scrambling right back out again. Using a cup, pour water from her neck to her backside, avoiding getting the head wet (use the facecloth if you need to clean her face). Shampooing will inevitably evoke a howling fit, so don't be alarmed if your cat suddenly sounds like she requires an exorcism!

Once you've finished shampooing, be sure to rinse thoroughly, as leftover shampoo can irritate the skin. Wrap her in a towel and gently pat dry, especially if she's a longhair – they're more prone to tangles. A low-noise, low-heat hairdryer is acceptable, providing it doesn't upset your furry friend, but the most important thing is to keep your cat in a warm room until she's dry enough to keep from getting a chill. There is a very real danger of your cat becoming sick from a chilly room, so be sure to heed this advice.

It is completely normal for your cat to start licking her fur immediately after you've finished, so don't feel as if all your hard work was for nothing. Just be content in the fact that she's licking a clean coat!

This SPCA article is intended to help further your understanding of your animal's needs. We understand your unique bond with your pet, and it is our pleasure to help you look after its welfare. Thanks to your continued support, the SPCA is able to provide you with important news regarding the safety of your pets. Thank you again for your donations -- every little bit helps!