Many big cats in the wild enjoy being in the water. Tigers, leopards, and lions all like to soak, most likely because their usual habitat is in a tropical environment and helps cool them off.
Domestic cats may have evolved to dislike water because most breeds have coats that absorb rather than deflect moisture. As a result, it’s harder for them to get dry after they’re soaked. But, sometimes it is essential to do this even if they don’t like bathing much because the result is beneficial. It is just like pet insurance NZ. Even if the premiums are high, though for many plans they aren’t, you get insurance cover because you love your pet and want to protect them at any cost.
Why Would a Cat Need a Bath?
Most times, cats don’t need to be washed with water. They groom themselves naturally, so regular brushing is usually enough to keep your pet looking clean and comfortable. However, sometimes a natural bath is necessary. Kitty may have soiled himself in the litter box, for instance. Also, cats are known to try to climb up the inside of a chimney.
Preparing Your Cat’s Bath
The best solution is to make sure that you have all the supplies handy so that you can make your cat’s bath quick:
- Rubber gloves
- Cat shampoo
- A large pitcher for rinsing or (even better) a gentle spray nozzle
- A large towel
- Cotton balls to clean the ears
- A soft cloth to clean the face
It’s much easier to wash your cat in a kitchen or bathroom sink than bending over a tub. Following is a step-by-step procedure for the quick and painless cat bath:
- Fill the sink with about 2 or 3 inches of warm (but not hot!) water.
- Wet the cat from the shoulders to the tail and apply shampoo.
- Just like your own hair, lather and rinse thoroughly.
- Since most cats hate having water splashed on their faces, use a damp washcloth to clean your cat’s head gently.
- Use a cotton ball to clean inside the cat’s ears. Never put any object (not even a Q-Tip) in your cat’s ear canal.
- After thorough rinsing, lift your cat onto a large towel and fold it around him.
- Rub as much water from their fur as possible.
- Long-haired cats may require the use of a blow dryer, but only if the noise does not terrify them. Set it on low and see if the cat will tolerate it.
- It’s best if you have the time to purchase a shampoo specifically formulated for cats. If you don’t have any cat shampoo, mild baby shampoo may be used. You don’t want to use other kinds of human cleaning products, as they may sting your cat’s eyes or irritate their skin.
Treating skin issues in cats can be expensive. That is why, along with getting the shampoos recommended by your vet, it is also beneficial to get cat insurance. Cat insurance can take care of many of the medical expenses your cat will incur over a lifetime. However, when the vet recommends it, you may also need to bathe your cat if they have skin problems.
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