A cat is a very clean animal. But it is still necessary to bathe her so that she does not become a source of infection for her owners. This must be done on time and correctly. You should not often resort to this procedure, which can harm the animal. When bathing your cat, certain safety precautions should be followed.
A cat should be taught to bathe from the first months of life, doing it gradually and humanely. Of course, the animals themselves take care of the cleanliness, carefully licking the fur. But sometimes this is not enough. Long-haired breeds especially need additional care.
The cat should be bathed if it is heavily soiled. If it seems unpleasant to the touch or smells bad, then wash the animal. However, you should not do this too often. Wool contains a special grease that is washed off during bathing. And without it, the delicate skin of the cat will become dry.
Experts recommend washing animals no more than once every 3 months. In some cases, you can limit yourself to spot washing of dirty places.
A cat's fur gets dirty even if it never goes outside for a walk. Dangerous bacteria enter the room with people's clothes and through the air.
If the summer cottage is a cat's favorite place for a summer vacation, then you should definitely bathe it upon returning home. This will serve as a prophylaxis against fleas and other parasites. In case of insect infestation, bathing must be carried out with the help of special shampoos.
Bathing of animals during molting is recommended. Water and mechanical manipulation helps to remove dead hairs, thereby speeding up the renewal process. It is necessary to wash cats only with shampoos intended for animals. They have a suitable pH level, do not dry out the skin or damage the coat.
Shampoos for cats are divided into liquid, dry and spray. Liquid ones have the greatest detergency. They not only get rid of dirt, but also make the coat soft and silky. Dry shampoos and sprays are designed for cats who are afraid of water.
The dry product is applied in the form of a powder and then combed out of the wool along with the dirt. Sprays are much less common on the market. In addition to the cleaning effect, they have antistatic properties and make it easier for the animal to comb. For bathing a cat with liquid shampoo, a bathroom, sink or small basin is suitable. The water temperature should be 36-38 ° C, the level should reach the abdomen.
Place a towel or rubber mat on the bottom of the tub or basin. So the cat will be able to resist and feel safe. Water should be poured into the container before bringing the animal. This will eliminate the need to turn on the tap in his presence and will not irritate the pet.
For the same reason, it is necessary to fill a bucket or other bowl intended for rinsing with water in advance. If the cat is not intimidated by the noise of the water, you can bathe it from the shower. It is better to wash the animal with an assistant who will hold its paws tightly. It is advisable to wear suitable clothing that will protect against scratches and wounds. Long gloves are also fine. The bathroom door should be kept tightly closed in case the cat manages to escape.
Before bathing, the cat should be combed and protected with cotton swabs. During washing, you should behave calmly, talk to the animal in a gentle and quiet voice.
Lathering the cat should be from the neck to the tail. You should not apply shampoo to the pet's face. It is enough to wipe it with a damp sponge.
Using a plastic cup, dampen the cat's fur with water. Apply shampoo and leave for a few minutes. Then rinse thoroughly, avoiding contact with eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Rinse with additional clean water.
Wring the wool slightly and wrap the animal in a towel. Wait until moisture is absorbed into the fabric. The air temperature in the room must be at least 22 ° C. Beware of drafts. A wet cat lacks protection from the cold and can easily catch a cold.
