JustAnswer PixelPaws and Effect

Dear Most Esteemed and Knowledgeable Kitties:

I have a little 6-month-old kitten. I found him outside under my car and he was just too cute to turn into the humane society. My husband and I took him to the vet, where we learned that he suffered from numerous infections and parasites. One of the treatments is a medicated bath every other day. Whenever I go to give him a bath I walk out scratched from head to toe. It now takes two people to give him a bath and he has to have a leash on in order for no one to get hurt. Why do cats not like water and how can I train him to be comfortable in water?

~ Dreading bath time

Siouxsie: Well, Dreading, we can assure you that your sweet kitten is dreading bath time at least as much as you are! But we have found some tips and tricks for making this necessary evil easier for both you and your new baby.

Thomas: Before you even think about bathing him, be sure to trim your kitten’s claws. This will make it easier for you to survive baths without looking like you got into a fight with Edward Scissorhands. Check out this video for a quick tutorial on trimming your cat’s nails.

Dahlia: If you find out that your kitten hates having his claws trimmed, like me, just do one or two claws at a time until you’re finished. If he has long hair, give him a brushing first in order to get rid of any mats.

Shampoo sprayer.

This is a shampoo spray head that fits over your faucet. Image from Jemar Pet Supply.

Siouxsie: The best place to bathe your kitten is in the sink. It’s easier on your back and less traumatic for your cat. If your kitchen sink has a sprayer, that will be really helpful. If you don’t have a sprayer, use a shampoo spray head attachment that slips over your faucet.

Thomas: Alternately, have a plastic cup on hand to pour water over your kitten.

Dahlia: Before bathing your kitten, make sure you’ve got everything ready. Put a rubber bath mat in the bottom of the sink or tub so he’s got something to grab onto (other than your skin, that is). Have the shampoo nearby, and open, as well as a baby washcloth and several towels.

Siouxsie: Gently put a cotton ball (or half a cotton ball) in each of your kitten’s ears to keep water out, and put a drop of mineral oil or artificial tears ointment in each eye to reduce the burning sensation if the shampoo gets in his eyes.

Thomas: Fill the sink about 4 inches (10 cm) deep for adult cats or three inches (7-8 cm) deep for kittens with warm water. Test the water temperature on your inner forearm to be sure it’s not too hot or too cold.

Dahlia: Holding your kitten gently but firmly by the back of the neck, lower him into the sink with his back toward you. Gently scoop or spray warm water over his back, then lather the coat well. Don’t forget to suds his chest, legs, abdomen, hind end, and tail.

Siouxsie: Keep in mind that medicated shampoos can cause stinging and burning in tender parts such as the genitals and anal opening. Try to avoid getting shampoo in those areas.

Thomas: If your kitten has fleas, be sure to lather around the neck first so that the fleas don’t all migrate to his head to escape the bath.

Dahlia: To get the shampoo on your cat’s head, dampen the baby washcloth and rub a little soap on his scalp, cheeks and chin. Use an un-soaped (or thoroughly rinsed) part of the washcloth to remove the soap.

Siouxsie: Once you’ve finished all your lathering, rinse your kitten very thoroughly to get all extra soap residue off him. If you’re using a sprayer, put it as close to the skin as you can, in order to keep the noise to a minimum.

Thomas: When the bath is done, pick your kitten up and wrap him in a towel. Don’t rub him to get him dry. Just continue blotting him until you get most of the water out.

Dahlia: Then let him do his own grooming. Be sure to leave him in a nice, warm room until he’s dry so that he doesn’t get a chill.

Siouxsie: There are very few cats that actually like being bathed, so it’s pretty unlikely that you’ll be able to get your kitten to like baths.

Thomas: But if you follow the steps above — and stay calm, and do the bathing in a quiet area — you’ll probably be able to get your kitten to at least tolerate this torture until his skin conditions clear up.

Dahlia: Good luck, Dreading. Please let us know how things turn out!