Aa
Bathing an old cat for the first time.
We have an 18 year old tabby. He is an indoor cat and has always kept himself clean. It seems we had an explosion of fleas this last month that caught me off guard. We have had up to six dogs here, inside, over the last 12 years, but about a month ago we had to let the last of the crew go, as she was 16 and had become quite feeble.
Whether there is a correlation losing her, and the beginning of the flea problem, I don't know. All I know is that we never had a problem like this when we had the dogs. The dogs were always treated with a topical flea killer and flea collars, and our cat never needed more than a collar on him. I believe any or most all fleas were picked up by the dogs, then died.
Anyway, that said, it appears our cat is the only target now for the fleas. I had treated him with a topical and it seems to be coming under control, 'but' I think he has a lot of flea gunk on him now that he can't handle, and I think he needs a bath........and I am not looking forward to it at all. I expect that it is going to be real unpleasant for him.
So, I was just looking for any advice or tips that would help accomplish this and minimize his trauma. I even considered a groomer, but I'm thinking 'that' might be even more frightening for him.
Whether there is a correlation losing her, and the beginning of the flea problem, I don't know. All I know is that we never had a problem like this when we had the dogs. The dogs were always treated with a topical flea killer and flea collars, and our cat never needed more than a collar on him. I believe any or most all fleas were picked up by the dogs, then died.
Anyway, that said, it appears our cat is the only target now for the fleas. I had treated him with a topical and it seems to be coming under control, 'but' I think he has a lot of flea gunk on him now that he can't handle, and I think he needs a bath........and I am not looking forward to it at all. I expect that it is going to be real unpleasant for him.
So, I was just looking for any advice or tips that would help accomplish this and minimize his trauma. I even considered a groomer, but I'm thinking 'that' might be even more frightening for him.
its going to be traumatic either way....but at least at home you knw you'll handle him with more love and caution
when I need to give a bath to my cats and this has been very infrequently....I use the sink, smaller and less frighting plus easier than bending.
put a towel or some other non slip surface on the bottom and add just a few inches of warm water.....
use VERY LITTLE gentle shampoo, the pet ones are better than the human ones...but only slightly, remember this all has to be rinsed well and that will be the most difficult part.
do not need to lather, it takes very little to gently clean them...than rinse thoroughly, you do not want to leave any soapy residue behind on their skin to dry it out.....go abt all this very very slowly, most cats panic anywhere near water.
good luck, sometimes just a spot clean is all that is needed, with a wash cloth....much less trauma for everyone :)
when I need to give a bath to my cats and this has been very infrequently....I use the sink, smaller and less frighting plus easier than bending.
put a towel or some other non slip surface on the bottom and add just a few inches of warm water.....
use VERY LITTLE gentle shampoo, the pet ones are better than the human ones...but only slightly, remember this all has to be rinsed well and that will be the most difficult part.
do not need to lather, it takes very little to gently clean them...than rinse thoroughly, you do not want to leave any soapy residue behind on their skin to dry it out.....go abt all this very very slowly, most cats panic anywhere near water.
good luck, sometimes just a spot clean is all that is needed, with a wash cloth....much less trauma for everyone :)
Try using the kitty bathing wipes first. They have worked wonders for me. My cats both surprisingly really enjoyed the rubbing down with them. It must have felt good. It even took most of the sticky off from a fly strip. Poor guy.
Thanks for the info. I like the idea of just a wash cloth. I think I will try that first and just rub him down good with it. I can do that on a towel and he won't have to stand in water. It will at least be a good way to get him used to being somewhat wet, and to see how he reacts.
Hi Kerk,
I agree with the other posters, although I would add using a Flea comb first. Just place a white sheet under him and have at it. A lot of the FLEA DEBRIS will be combed out making it a little less trouble to wash him down.
.....and congrats to you for the wonderful care it takes to keep a cat for 18 years. When cats get old they need help cleaning themselves anyway, so I am guessing this is going to feel pretty special ---you may just have to make a habit of it--at least the combing/brushing part.
Be sure that you dry him really well. Do not want to get him chilled--if he can sit out side with you in the sun as you dry him even better.
Sincerely ,
CML
I agree with the other posters, although I would add using a Flea comb first. Just place a white sheet under him and have at it. A lot of the FLEA DEBRIS will be combed out making it a little less trouble to wash him down.
.....and congrats to you for the wonderful care it takes to keep a cat for 18 years. When cats get old they need help cleaning themselves anyway, so I am guessing this is going to feel pretty special ---you may just have to make a habit of it--at least the combing/brushing part.
Be sure that you dry him really well. Do not want to get him chilled--if he can sit out side with you in the sun as you dry him even better.
Sincerely ,
CML
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hey there and welcome...
I think a little flea comb (Jade used to LOVE her flea comb) along with some kitty wipes (Petco or Petsmart) will get the job done and you'll be able to possibly bypass an actual bath entirely. The combing your kitty will enjoy, too. Comb fur both with and against the grain...so to speak.
The comb is small giving you better control around the neck area and down near the tail. Will probably catch some fleas near the tail. Also, and if he will allow, don't forget to comb UNDER his neck brushing fur both up and down. Not only does this help get any and all dirt, but makes fur super soft.
Anyway, good luck. Please let us know how it went. :)
I think a little flea comb (Jade used to LOVE her flea comb) along with some kitty wipes (Petco or Petsmart) will get the job done and you'll be able to possibly bypass an actual bath entirely. The combing your kitty will enjoy, too. Comb fur both with and against the grain...so to speak.
The comb is small giving you better control around the neck area and down near the tail. Will probably catch some fleas near the tail. Also, and if he will allow, don't forget to comb UNDER his neck brushing fur both up and down. Not only does this help get any and all dirt, but makes fur super soft.
Anyway, good luck. Please let us know how it went. :)
If you have a cat who will put up with a blow dryer, you should have no trouble with the bath.
Put kitty on Frontline or Revolution. It should stop the overall issue.
Put kitty on Frontline or Revolution. It should stop the overall issue.
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