My cat’s first bath
I bathed Mikey for the first time today! Not because he stinks (he doesn’t smell) but because I guess it was time to give him his first bath! It’s been almost 9 months since I adopted him. Not sure if they had bathed him before I got him when he was 2 months old.
Well, bathing a cat is not the most pleasant experience but it can be fun too! I felt closer to my cat especially when he clung to me. He tried to escape several times and that’s how I got my 3 pretty obvious scratch marks * on my forearm heh. While bathing him, I kept talking and reassuring him that everything’s alright.
* Speaking of cats and scratch marks … Today doggie gurl was attacked by a mother cat within the condo premises. The mother cat must have felt threatened because cats (and animals in general) don’t attack unless they feel threatened. Dear and his guardian got some scratches too while trying to pull doggie gurl away from the cat. They were told by the condo management that several other residents did complain about the same cat before.
[EDIT]: October 2006 – I saw that mother cat and she is pregnant again!!! Oh gosh :/ She needs to get sterilised asap!!! On the other hand, I’m happy that the cat is still around because I thought that the condo management had called AVA.
More photos and bathing info after the jump.
Why Bathe Your Cat?
Cats rarely need to be bathed as most can do very well to keep themselves clean without additional help from us. But every now and then it might be necessary – particularly if that naughty puss has been up to mischief in dirt or oil, or if he’s been near toxic sprays.
For these reasons, it might be better to get your cat acquainted with the bathing concept when she is still young. Small kittens rarely take violent exception to slightly warm water if you approach the job with confidence and soothing talk. Then when you have that emergency need to bathe your cat, the procedure will be familiar.
How Often Should A Cat Be Bathed?
Even if your cat is comfortable with baths, make sure you don’t overdo a good thing. Washing the cat too often removes natural skin oils and may dry out the coat.
Tools and Equipment
Buy a specialist cat or kitten shampoo, and ensure that it’s a mild all-rounder without harsh chemicals or perfumes. Never use human shampoo, as this is not suitable for cat hair and skin, due to a difference in pH level. You can use a large plastic bucket, or a bath lined with a non-slip floor mat. Fill the tub with warm water with just enough water to wash your cat and put your cat in. Provide a surface for your cat to grab onto with their claws, or you may find yourself grappling with a wet cat.
The Process
Apply a small amount of shampoo, making sure none gets in your cat’s ears or eyes. Then lather up, right down to the tail, not forgetting the underside and neck. You may find it helps to remove your cat from the water onto a towel beside the sink while you lather and give you cat a little time to calm. With a shower nozzle or jug of warm water, rinse him thoroughly, avoiding the eyes and inner ears. Use your hands to help the soap run off.
After soaping and rinsing, your cat will want to vigorously shake off the excess water. Allow him to rub, shake and roll. Then rub him from head to toe in a fluffy towel and remove him from the tub.
