Cats are great at taking care of their own hygiene, keeping themselves clean and rarely needing human baths. Unfortunately, some health conditions - such as obesity, chronic illnesses, eye problems and arthritis - keep pussies from keeping themselves clean. If your kitten is unable to bathe, it is necessary to take charge of the situation to keep his hygiene up to date. The best approach is to try to incorporate hygiene into your cat's daily routine, as it's easier to keep your cat's fur clean than to solve the problem when the situation is really bad. Come on?
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Brushing the Cat
Step 1. Take the cat to the vet
If the pussy is having difficulty taking care of its own hygiene, maybe it has a medical problem that hinders the process. In that case, dealing with the cause will make your cat more comfortable and he will likely return to cleaning himself up. The causes can be related to dental problems, if the kitten has a sore mouth, or arthritis, if it is older.
If the cat's fur is very matted, look for a professional to untangle it. Removing severe knots is traumatic for cats, and it's usually best to sedate them so they don't suffer from the process
Step 2. Incorporate brushing into your routine
If your cat isn't grooming her coat like she used to, your best choice is to brush it daily to avoid problems. Brush it from head to tail to remove dirt, loose hair and other debris, in addition to stimulating blood circulation and sebaceous secretions. This will bring the coat to life and prevent painful knots from forming, especially on long-haired cats.
Step 3. Wait for the cat to be relaxed before starting the cleaning session
Do not brush the cat while it is agitated! Pet him and speak in a calm voice to relax him, as this will make the whole process easier.
- If the cat is not used to being brushed, he may not like your attitude and may be resentful. Try to make him understand that this is a pleasurable experience by being brief, preventing him from losing his temper. Over time, increase the length of brushing sessions.
- Brush the cat before feeding it so that it associates brushing with the food reward afterwards. This can increase his tolerance levels.
- Remember that brushing can be a good experience for your pet, strengthening the bonds between you. However, if he is agitated or stressed, he may end up associating this moment with something bad.
Step 4. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself and keep the cat calm
It is not always possible to leave the cat to clean when it is calm. For example, if he's gone where he shouldn't and is filthy, you need to take care of that even if he's agitated. In that case, there are some options to help you:
- use a towel. If you need to clean the cat right now and it is fussy, wrap it in a towel, leaving only the dirty area exposed. Covering his eyes can help calm him, and covering his teeth and claws will protect you from bites and scratches.
- Hold it firmly by the neck. Some cats calm down when they are held around the neck, as this region has a relaxing effect - this is where the kittens are carried by the mother. Obviously, not catch the cat by the neck under no circumstances. The idea is to simply hold the skin in place firmly, with it resting on a flat, secure surface.
- Work at a height that is comfortable for you. It may be easier to clean the cat by placing it on a high table. That way you won't need to bend down and strain your back. Help the pussy feel safe by covering the surface with a towel; like that, it won't slip.
Step 5. Assess the frequency needed for brushing
Long-haired cats need to be brushed frequently, usually daily, or their fur can become matted and dirty. In the case of short-haired pussies, the frequency is lower and depends on each case.
Step 6. Be very careful when grooming the cat
Don't do this in a hurry, or you may pull the fur and scare the cat. If the pussy is elderly and has an arthritis problem, it may be afraid of the process and you could end up hurting it with the comb or brush if you don't take proper care. Take it easy!
Step 7. Use brushing to examine the cat's fur
As you comb your pussy, keep an eye on it to look for abnormalities, hairless patches, or skin irritations. If you notice anything unusual, see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Look out for fleas when grooming the cat. Part his fur and look for small brown insects the size of sesame seeds. Fleas can also leave droppings, similar to dust specks. If you find anything suspicious, take the dirt and place it on a damp cloth: if it really is flea droppings, the moisture in the cloth will rehydrate it and turn it red.
- Run your fingers through the cat's fur to try to identify lumps. If you find something new, or if the cat seems uncomfortable with the touch, see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Step 8. Remove dirt with a metal comb
A comb can be used to remove physical debris and debris from the cat's fur. It can also help to undo the knots in the fur, which is very useful for long-haired pussies.
Start by combing the cat's belly and legs. Then move to the back and head towards the tail. Finally, comb the head region
Step 9. Undo all the nodes you find
If the cat has matted fur, take care of the knots before they get worse. Use a comb or your fingers to undo all the knots by doing the following: Hold the knot by the base so you don't end up pulling too much of the cat's fur in the process.
Step 10. Cut a tangle that cannot be undone
If you can't undo a knot, cut it with a hair clipper - don't use scissors, or you risk cutting the cat's fur. Pussies have very sensitive skin, and any little cut can cause an infection. Be careful!
- If you are not comfortable cutting the tangle, go to a pet store or your trusted veterinarian.
- If you don't have a trimmer and can't even take the cat to the pet store, use scissors, but be careful. The safest method is to place a comb between the skin and the base of the knot, cutting above it. The comb will protect the cat's fur, preventing you from cutting it. If it is not possible to use the comb, let a professional take care of it. It's not worth the risk of hurting the cat.
Step 11. Use a brush to remove loose hair
After grooming the cat, use a pet brush to remove loose hair. The pussy will probably like this, believe me! Even if he has short fur, brush him to remove all the dead fur and leave his coat glowing!
Method 2 of 5: Cleaning the Cat's Face and Ears
Step 1. Remove the shells around the cat's eyes
If the pussy has scabs in the corners of others or has a problem that causes tears or other discharge, clean it to make it more comfortable and prevent irritation. It's also a good idea to take him to the vet to check for these discharges, as he may have the flu or some other virus and needs treatment.
- Dry the tears with a cotton wool or soft cloth.
- Dampen a cotton ball to remove the dry scabs around the cat's eyes.
- Use a cotton pad for each eye to avoid spreading the infection from one eye to the other.
- Do not use medications or drops on the cat unless instructed to do so by a trusted veterinarian.
Step 2. Clean his facial folds
This is a prominent feature in flat-faced breeds such as the Persian and Himalayan cat that needs cleaning frequently, especially if the animal suffers from chronic eye discharge. Tears and other discharges can accumulate in the folds, promoting the appearance of skin problems.
- Use a cotton or damp cloth to remove tears and other debris from the area.
- Thoroughly clean the skin between the folds and the entire surrounding area.
- Chronic hydration is an issue here, so use a damp cloth, not a wet one.
- Dry the place with a cloth when finished. Do not rub the fabric to avoid irritating the pet's skin. Gently pat the cloth to dry his fur.
Step 3. Examine and clean the ears
Look closely at his ears, which should be pink, with no visible dirt and no odor. If you're not sure something's wrong, compare the two and see if they're the same. If one side is different, there is definitely a problem and the pussy should be evaluated by a veterinarian. If everything looks in order, proceed with cleaning:
- Ask your trusted veterinarian to recommend an ear cleaner.
- Apply a small amount of the recommended product on a clean cotton.
- Fold the cat's ear back and wipe the dirt off with the cotton.
- Do not clean the ear canal as this can injure the cat and cause an infection.
- Never use a cotton swab to clean a cat's ear as this could end up hurting the cat. Never splash water in his ear either, as this increases the likelihood of infections and can cause damage.
Step 4. Watch his face and watch for problems
Take the opportunity to clean the animal to examine it and see if you find anything worrying. For example, if your dog has a discharge, redness, excessive blinking, or a lot of tears, it's best to go to a vet.
- See your trusted veterinarian if the skin in the folds of your cat's face is red, dark, irritated or hairless.
- The animal may have some irritation if it often scratches its ears. A common problem, for example, is ear mites. Find a veterinarian!
Method 3 of 5: Cleaning the Cat's Butt
Step 1. Remove fecal waste from the cat's fur as soon as you notice it
If the cat doesn't clean itself, for whatever reason, it's your role to see that it isn't getting bits of poop stuck in the fur on its buttocks. This is common in long-haired cats or in cases of diarrhea. If the feces are not removed immediately, knots can form and cause health problems, preventing the animal from defecating normally.
Step 2. Wear gloves
Wear a pair of disposable rubber gloves whenever you clean your cat's feces, as they can contain toxoplasmosis, a parasitic condition that is especially dangerous for pregnant women. If you are pregnant, let your partner clean the cat and his litter box.
Step 3. Clean his backside with a damp paper towel
If the stools are dry, pull them out of the fur; if this is not the case, moisten a paper towel and pass it on the pussy's buttocks. Another option is to use baby wipes or baby wipes, as long as they do not contain alcohol or fragrances. As the cat will lick its fur when you are finished, it is best to avoid using products that are harmful to it.
Clean the place once a day or as often as necessary
Step 4. Dry the cat with a towel
After removing the stool, dry the area well, as leaving the hair moist can form knots and cause irritation to the skin.
Step 5. If possible, trim the fur on the cat's backside
If the problem of stuck stools recurs often or you just can't get the pieces of poop out, it's best to cut the hairs in the area to prevent it from happening again. This process, called hygienic grooming, can be done at the pet shop as well.
Step 6. Keep the cat litter box clean
If the sand is dirty, he may try to defecate in the corners and soil his fur. Or, he can go off to another location, making more mess. Collect faeces every day and change the sand once a week if possible.
Step 7. Call your veterinarian if you suspect a problem
If the cat has a wound or is unable to defecate because of matted fur, take it to the veterinarian, not the pet store. Maybe the pussy needs treatment for the wounds or some other problem.
Method 4 of 5: Giving the Cat a Complete Bath
Step 1. Bathe the pussy only if strictly necessary
Cats rarely need to bathe, as regular brushing and spot cleaning are enough to keep them clean. However, if the cat gets into a dirty place, rolls in the dirt or suffers from a problem with diarrhea, for example, a bath may be necessary.
If you don't want to bathe your cat yourself, take it to a trusted pet shop
Step 2. Choose the best time to bathe the cat
The pussy won't be so stressed if you give him a bath at a time when he's calm. Play with him for a while to tire him out before showering, but don't wash him while he's still agitated or at the pace of play.
Step 3. Trim the cat's nails before putting him in the bathtub
That way, if he protests to the bath, you won't be so scratched. Don't cut your nails too much, or you could end up hitting the cob, injuring the cat and causing serious bleeding. Ideally, just trim the tips.
If you get nervous just thinking about trimming your cat's nails, take your cat to a veterinarian or pet store to do this
Step 4. Brush the cat's fur well
Use a brush to remove loose hair and dirt from the pussy's coat. It's also good to deal with knots and tangles as they will make bathing difficult.
Step 5. Ask for help
It's good to have a helper to hold the cat or pass the bath items for you. Bathing a cat on your own is very challenging, so only try this if you have no other option.
Step 6. Gather the necessary materials
Before involving the cat in the process, get everything you'll need and take it to the bathroom. You will likely use:
- Specific shampoo for cats.
- Plastic cup.
- Towels.
- Cloth.
- Rubber mat.
Step 7. Prepare a basin or your sink
You can bathe the cat in a bathtub, basin, or sink, as long as there is enough space to accommodate the pussy. Place the rubber mat underneath over the chosen location to prevent the cat from slipping. Then fill the tub with a few fingers of warm water.
Step 8. Start the shower
Place the cat in the bathtub and ask your helper to hold the cat firmly, resting a hand on the cat's neck. Use the plastic cup to completely moisten his fur, with the exception of his head - avoid getting the water in the kitten's eyes, nose and ears.
During the entire process, talk to the cat to calm him down. Use only gentle movements and speak in a relaxing voice
Step 9. Massage the shampoo into the cat's fur
Mix one part shampoo with five parts water to wash the pet. Prepare the mixture and pour it over the cat, again avoiding his head. Then, using your fingertips, massage the shampoo all over your hair.
If you're going to clean your pussy's bottom, wear disposable rubber gloves
Step 10. Rinse the fur
Pour warm water over the cat's fur to remove the shampoo, again avoiding the cat's head. Rinse well, leaving no residue: you may need to repeat the process a few times to achieve this.
Step 11. Dry the cat
When finished, ask your helper to carefully lift the cat and place it on a towel. Wrap another towel around the cat to dry and warm it. Afterwards, take it to a warm environment so that it finishes drying naturally.
Method 5 of 5: Looking for a Professional
Step 1. Look for a pet shop if you can't keep your cat clean
If you don't spend a lot of time at home or are a very busy person, it might be better to take the pussy to a pet shop. The professional will brush, remove the knots, trim the nails, clean the ears and bathe the cat.
Step 2. Find a pet shop that has practice with cats
Do an internet search or ask your veterinarian for a referral. It is very important that the establishment maintain proper standards of care for cats and keep them separate from dogs.
Step 3. Think about the cat's stress
It's important to weigh the situation and see if it's worth stressing the cat to do a professional cleaning. The pussy will certainly be uncomfortable with the car ride and the bath itself, but if her fur is in a bad state, this stress can be unavoidable.
Step 4. Talk to the veterinarian about a grooming
If daily brushing and frequent cleaning is not enough to keep the cat clean, talk to your trusted veterinarian about the possibility of a grooming. This practice is usually not necessary in the case of cats with good hygiene habits or that allow them to be brushed. The problem is that long-haired pussies suffer from a lot of knots and complain about daily brushing, which makes grooming necessary in some cases.