5 Ways to Clean Your Cat When He Can't Clean Itself

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5 Ways to Clean Your Cat When He Can't Clean Itself
5 Ways to Clean Your Cat When He Can't Clean Itself

Video: 5 Ways to Clean Your Cat When He Can't Clean Itself

Video: 5 Ways to Clean Your Cat When He Can't Clean Itself
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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

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 1
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 1

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

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 2
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 2

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 3
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 3

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.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 4
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 4

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.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 5
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 5

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 6
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 6

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!

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 7
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 7

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.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 8
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 8

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

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 9
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 9

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 10
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 10

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.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 11
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 11

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

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 12
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 12

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.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 13
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 13

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.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 14
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 14

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.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 15
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 15

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

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 16
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 16

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 17
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 17

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 18
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 18

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

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 19
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 19

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 20
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 20

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 21
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 21

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 22
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 22

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

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 23
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 23

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

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 24
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 24

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 25
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 25

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

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 26
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 26

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 27
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 27

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 28
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 28

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.
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 29
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 29

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 30
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 30

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

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 31
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 31

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

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 32
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 32

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 33
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 33

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

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 34
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 34

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 35
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 35

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 36
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 36

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.

Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 37
Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Step 37

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.

Depending on the cat's temperament, the procedure may require professional sedation

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