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Cat Bath 101

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Washing a cat can be challenging. With the exception of a few breeds, most cats avoid water and dislike being bathed. The whole process will be easier if you have someone helping you.

Getting Ready
Select a good-quality cat shampoo for your cat's bath.
Make certain your house is at least 70 degrees or warmer.
Place cotton balls into your cat's ears so water doesn't get into the ear canals, which can cause an infection.

Place a rubber mat in the sink, so your cat won't slip. If you think your cat might try to bite or scratch, keep the carrier nearby with a towel in the bottom. This way if your cat tries to run away, she has a safe place to retreat.

If your cat has long hair, brush it thoroughly before you give it a bath. Check for mats and tangles. Gently separate any small mats with your fingers. If you can, try to divide them into smaller mats until they come apart. Be careful not to pull on matted hair.

Bath Time
Place the cat carefully in the sink.
With your friend holding the cat, soak her body. Some cats are afraid of spray nozzles. If you're planning to use a spray nozzle to wash your cat, turn it on away from her so she gets used to the noise. It is best to use a cup and gently pour water over your cat to wet and rinse. Water from a hose our faucet makes a hissing sound that can be very upsetting to cats.

Dip a washcloth in warm water and gently wipe the area around your cat's eyes.

After you've washed your cat, blot her tail and legs with a paper towel, since these areas tend to absorb a lot of water.

Take your cat out of the sink and wrap her in a towel. If your cat has short hair and your house is warm, you can let your cat's hair dry on its own. Longhaired cats, however, should be dried with a hair dryer (on low) since their hair takes a long time to dry. Keep the heat away from your cat's face. Test the dryer's heat on your wrist before you dry your cat. Brushing a longhaired cat in the opposite direction that her hair lies, toward her head, will fluff the hair and remove any dead hair.

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