Before we start with this interesting topic, we have a fun fact. Have you noticed dogs seem to love going for a swim, but cats don’t? It might have to do with their personality, but it might also relate to their fur.
For instance, when a cat is outside while it rains, it behaves differently than a dog. It gets worse when a cat has its body submerged in water. Their fur clogs up, weighing them down. And guess what? Most of them dislike that sensation.
When a dog submerges in water, they just shake the excess water out quickly and are ready to go. Meanwhile, cats spend hours licking themselves to maintain their fur clean. In short, you might not expect this, but cats don’t need water.
Despite it is a myth that cats hate water. In fact, some cats are willing to get wet depending on their personality and trust in their owners. So, before it gets confusing, here we deal with some essential facts you need to know to have your cat or kitten tidy and fresh.
Useful Tips to Bath a Cat
Unlike dogs, cats spend almost fifty percent of their time licking and grooming their fur with their saliva. Self-licking helps them clean their hair, and the movement helps remove debris from the skin.
However, not all debris goes away by just licking, and your cat might be playful and get dusty, or it may be muddy or stained from pawing a container, and a liquid might have spilled over its fur.
Moreover, the National Cat Groomers Institute of America indicates that cats should take a bath every four to six weeks. Nevertheless, as we noted, we might need to consider other factors to decide when to wash your furry friend, like whether your cat is indoors or outdoors or how playful it is.
Furthermore, the biggest concern is how healthy your cat is. Some cats are prone to catch ticks or fleas. Besides, the skin and fur are the number one means to know about your cat’s health.
A healthy kitten or adult cat has smooth and glossy fur, whereas the skin should be flexible and clear. So, without further chit-chatting, let’s get to the main topic. So, here is the list of dos to have your meowing friend cleaner.
Get Your Cat Exhausted
A hype cat is hard to handle and might turn aggressive. So, find a moment you know your friend has its battery low or work to get it low playing.
Brush Your Cat to Make It Comfortable
You can do it regularly to eliminate some of the debris in your cat’s fur. This might reduce the need for a bath for a while, but you still need to do it eventually, seriously.
Also, back to the idea, brushing your cat helps it relax. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggests cat owners brush them at least twice a week.
Take the Opportunity to Trim Its Nails
A cat’s nails’ length might have an impact on its paws and also on your furniture. Therefore, we recommend you clip your cat’s nails after the bath. Speaking of trimming the nails, you must learn how to avoid the quick, which is the part where the blood vessels are.
Just Do It
Start by placing cotton balls in their ears to avoid water getting in, and prepare the environment by placing all the materials ready and handy, like rubber mats on the floor. Also, you don’t necessarily need to get your cat’s entire body into the water.
You should wash your cat in parts, starting with the legs. Doing it in parts will reduce the chance of spraying her because most cats don’t enjoy their human parents spraying water at them. Finally, just do it; start washing your cat, fearless.
Human Shampoo Is a No-No for a Cat
Sometimes we have a natural tendency to humanize our pets, but that isn’t good for them and might create a problem for you both in the future. In short, don’t use human shampoo for your cat.
The chemicals humans can stand aren’t suitable for your cat. They can’t handle them and might sicken them. You should ask your vet for a recommended cat shampoo or, according to any particular skin need your cat has, like dry skin or sensitive skin.
Rinse Your Cat Thoroughly
After applying shampoo to your cat, ensure to clear all the residues from the skin and fur. Next, rinse your cat with lukewarm water throughout the body, and take special care of your pet friend’s face.
Dry Off Your Moustache Friend
First, remove the cotton balls from your pet’s ears. Then, use a sanitized dry towel, passing it through the entire body without omitting any single part of it. Finally, carefully dry your cat’s face.
Blow-Dry Your Cat’s Fur
Set a blow dryer in the lowest setting available and, from a reasonable distance to avoid skin irritation, turn it on and start drying your cat with the dryer in one hand while brushing the same area with the other hand.
Taking Care of Your Cat Is an Essential Part of Their Happiness
From good nutrition and taking a bath to providing all the indispensable medical care for your cat, all these measures, accompanied with lots of love, make your furry friend happy and will give the pet parent lots of love in retribution.
At BrightCare Animal Neurology, we specialize in the neural well-being of your cat and all the essential vet care needs for your cat, with special emphasis on its neurological conditions. Call us or visit us to set an appointment for your little companion.
