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how to wash a cat: how often, than to wash
Taking a bath for representatives of the feline family is an unusual activity, and for many it is categorically unacceptable. How to cope with difficulties and turn this process, if not into pleasure, then at least not into torment?
I don’t know about you, but I’m afraid to even bring my cat to the water. The last time I tried to wash him, he left so many scratches on me that I looked like a zebra. And the cat was also offended, sat for a long time under the sofa and refused to talk to me.
Experts say that you can still cope with a feline tantrum. First, you should carefully prepare for the procedure. Find the right shampoo, conditioner, soft brush for washing, large towels or sheets to wrap your pet after the bath at the pet store.
We comb and cut the claws
Remember, pet water treatments are stressful. They will defend themselves, as my Tuna did. Therefore, it is better to trim the claws of your four-legged friend in advance. Experts also recommend that the owner wear thick rubber gloves for hygiene and their own safety.
Before bathing, you need to comb out the cat’s fur with a special brush, if necessary, remove tangles – tangled wool.
Pay special attention to your pet’s ears. They can be cleaned in advance with cotton swabs, and before bathing, to protect the auricle from water ingress, use small cotton balls that are sold in pet stores.
Now you need to prepare the bath itself or a basin that you can put in the bath. Remember to remove unnecessary items from the bathroom that might interfere or scare your cat. The light should not be too dim, but not too bright, and the noise level of the water should be acceptable.
Experienced cat lovers recommend placing a rubber mat or terry towel at the bottom of the basin or the bath itself. This will allow your pet not to slip and feel more confident.
The water level should be minimal: cover the pet’s paws, but not the belly. Temperature – 38 to 40 ° C. Dissolve a little shampoo in water – you can see the required amount in milliliters on the package.
It is better to bring your pet into the bath in your arms – this way it will be calmer. It is more convenient to bathe a four-legged friend together: one holds, the other washes.
It is possible that your baby will struggle, meow and call for help. This behavior is due to the instinct of self-preservation. A gentle voice, calmness and affection will help to cope with fear. Remember: no sudden movements! If you forcefully try to send the cat to the bath, it will lead to even more stress and can be bad for the psychological state of the pet.
As soon as the pet’s coat gets wet, you can apply a special shampoo to the coat with light and massaging movements. This is recommended for the growth of the coat. The main thing is to avoid getting the shampoo in your eyes and ears. After application, it is recommended to leave the shampoo on the fur for one minute and then rinse with clean warm water. After shampoo, use conditioner and rinse off just as gently. Check if there is any foam left somewhere, rinse very carefully.
After the bath, carefully remove the pet from the water and wrap it in a towel. How will it dry? If he has a small coat, then on his own – at room temperature. If large and voluminous, then with a hair dryer. The main thing is that he is calm about the noise and flow of the blowing air. Usually, by the way, cats can’t stand it.
Ideally, about once every three months, more often in the summer. As for “bald” cats, it is recommended to bathe them once every two months. It is better to start accustoming your pet to water procedures no earlier than 4 months.
Do not forget about love and affection!
Throughout the procedure, experts recommend talking affectionately with the pet, calling it by name. So he is calmer, he will feel safe.