Are you the proud parent of a cat who hates baths? Whether they run and hide, try to squirm out of your arms, or begin howling as soon as you bring out the shampoo, it’s never easy trying to give them a good bath. Don’t worry though – there are lots of ways to keep your kitty clean without having to deal with their inevitable objections. From brushing tips and tricks to simple home remedies that can boost hygiene and improve skin health, we have plenty of grooming advice so that both you and your feline friend can stay happy!
Why You Should Groom Your Cat
The importance of grooming your cat cannot be overlooked. Regular brushing helps to distribute natural oils across their fur, keeping it shiny and healthy. It also reduces the risk of matting and allows you to identify any potential health issues such as dry skin or parasites. Even if baths are off the table for now, there are plenty of other grooming techniques that you can adopt to keep your cat looking and feeling their best.
Cleaning the Eyes and Ears
Eye and ear wipes are a great way to remove dirt, wax, or any build-up from these sensitive areas. Make sure to use products specifically designed for cats, as some human products may be too harsh and irritate the skin. Earthbath has a line of cat-friendly, textured Eye Wipes and Ear Wipes featuring soothing witch hazel and aloe that are purr-fect for cleaning without causing distress.
Waterless Shampoo
Sometimes your cat’s fur may need more than just brushing. Waterless shampoos are non-irritating, alcohol-free products that won’t sting the eyes or nose. You simply massage the product into your cat’s fur, let it air dry, and then brush or wipe your cat with a cloth to remove any excess dirt. This is a great way to give your cat a deep cleanse without having to endure the trauma of an actual bath. Some waterless shampoos, like this one from Vet’s Best, include ingredients to moisturize and soothe your cat’s skin.
Brushes and Combs
A good brush will work wonders to keep your cat’s fur healthy and tangle-free. For long-haired cats, look for wide-toothed combs that can reach deep into the fur while brushing out knots. A slicker brush or an undercoat rake is great for shedding, as these will help to remove most of the dead hair and reduce the amount that ends up all over your house.
Fur Cleaning Wipes
If you’ve ever seen cats groom themselves, you know how much time they can dedicate to licking and cleaning their fur. To give your kitty a helping hand, try out some cat-safe fur cleaning wipes. We use and love these Fresh Fur Cat Wipes from TrueBlue. With the added bonus of being lightly scented with honeysuckle (and easy to carry around!), these extra-large, pre-moistened body wipes help remove dirt and odor without having to resort to the dreaded bath.
Nail Trims
Keep your cat’s nails healthy with regular nail trims. This is especially important if you have rugs or furniture that can become easily scratched. Get yourself a good pair of nail clippers and, if needed, enlist the help of someone else to hold onto your cat while you trim. Try not to cut too close to the quick (the pink part in the center of each nail) as this can cause discomfort.
Keeping your cat clean without having to resort to baths is possible – you just need to know the tricks. With these tips and products, you can keep your cat healthy and looking great without making bath-time a battleground for both of you! However, if your goal is to get your cat into the tub, there are some steps you can take to get kitty used to the idea.
Getting Your Cat Used to Baths
If your cat is still not willing to take baths, don’t give up! It may take some patience and persistence, but you can eventually turn bath-time into a positive experience. Start by introducing them to the bathroom in a relaxed way – let them explore on their own time without any pressure. Be sure to reward them so that they associate the bathroom with something positive.
Once they seem more comfortable with the environment, introduce them to water slowly. Start with just a tiny amount of water in the bath and reward your cat when they go near it. Gradually increase the amount of water each time, slowly getting them used to the feeling and sound of running bathwater. Eventually, this process will help your cat get comfortable enough with baths that they won’t be so resistant when it’s time for a proper one.
Good luck – we know you can do it! With these tips and tricks, you can make sure your cat stays clean and healthy, bath or no bath. Happy grooming!
