Cats are very clean, which is one of the many things we love about them. While you don’t have to bathe your feline pal, some people do choose to give their kitties baths. Read on as a local Dallas, GA vet offers some tips for bathing Fluffy.

Check With Your Vet

Check with your vet before bathing your feline pal. While baths are safe for most cats, they aren’t necessarily good for kitties with skin issues, chronic pain, or other problems.

Brush Fluffy First

Before kitty bathtime, give Fluffy a good brushing. This will remove dead fur and dander from her coat, so it doesn’t end up in your drain.

Be Prepared

Put a rubber mat down in your sink or tub, to protect it from scratches. As for you, well, full-body armor is optional, but we do recommend wearing long sleeves.

Use The Right Products

Only use shampoos made specifically for kitties. Human shampoos are too strong for Fluffy, and may strip the oils from her fur.

Water Temperature

Cats have very sensitive skin. While a steaming hot shower may be pleasant for us, hot water can scald them. Use warm water instead.

Bath Procedure

Fill the tub or sink with a few inches of water. Then, gently put Fluffy into the bath. Talk to her gently as you lather her up. Be careful not to get soap in your pet’s eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. You may just want to use a washcloth on her head. If you don’t have a sprayer with a gentle setting, use a pitcher or teapot for rinsing.

Fur Problems

If you notice any skin or coat issues, such as scaling or flaking, contact your vet before proceeding. Also, if Fluffy has thick fur, you may find it easier to take her to the salon.

The Afterbath

When you’re done, wrap your cat in a towel and gently pat her dry. You can blow dry her, using the low/warm settings, as long as she doesn’t mind. If your kitty struggles to get away, just let her go. Fluffy will immediately set to work grooming herself and getting her fur in order. Give your pet a treat or a new toy after, to get that little motor going again.

Please contact us, your Dallas, GA vet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!