Pet and rub your cat. Give your cat a treat. [1] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMCat Behavior Trainer Expert Interview. 20 December 2019. Use verbal positive reinforcement, tell her that she is a “good kitty. "
The length of your cat’s coat. Environment – is your cat an indoor or outdoor cat? Self-grooming behavior. Does your cat already take care of grooming adequately. [2] X Research source
Make sure to re-wet the towel when appropriate. Start with a small wash rag for the rear area. Use another towel when you’re done with the rear area, as to not spread fecal matter. Pay special attention to the rear area, especially on kittens. This area is often cleaned by a mother cat, and if she’s not around, you’ll have to give your kitten extra care. Make sure you clean your kitty’s belly, although they won’t be happy with this. Make sure to clean her armpits and in between her toes. As you approach your cat’s head and face, move slowly and don’t be rough. [4] X Research source [5] X Research source
Fill a sink with water and put a little bit of shampoo in the water. Make sure that you don’t have many suds. Mix the water. Dip a fresh towel in the sink and dampen it with the shampoo water. Rub down your cat with the shampoo, beginning at her neck and moving toward her tail. Pay special attention to in between toes, under the belly and armpits, and her rear. Use a clean wash rag for extra dirty areas. Avoid contact with your cat’s eyes. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source [7] X Research source
Use a towel dampened with lukewarm water to rub your cat down and remove the shampoo and suds from your cat. Repeat this step until you are confident all of the shampoo has been removed. If you see any suds, you need to continue rinsing.
Wipe gently. Wipe slowly. Wipe in the direction of her fur, the way she would lick herself. By following the grain of her fur you will make her feel more comfortable. [8] X Research source
One large and soft towel for the initial wipe/wash down. Two or three soft wash clothes for extra dirty areas on your cat. One large and soft towel for drying. Shampoo, if you choose to use it. Use an extra towel if you plan to use shampoo.
You should have access to a sink. The area should be neither too hot nor cold. Preferably between 72 and 76 degrees. The area should be relatively small and enclosed so that your cat can’t escape. Bathrooms and laundry rooms are often ideal locations. [9] X Research source
Make sure not to have running water on when your cat comes to you. Pre-fill a sink with water. Pre-dampen a towel. Have treats or toys on hand to help relax your pet. [10] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMCat Behavior Trainer Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.
Avoid chasing after your cat to bathe her. Don’t pick a busy time of the day, like when everyone is coming home from school or work, to wash the cat. Use treats and positive reinforcement to lure your cat into the washing room. [11] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMCat Behavior Trainer Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.
