Tips on bathing a cat??
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Tips on bathing a cat??
| Mon, 06-14-2004 - 6:39pm |
Okay, it's been a looooong time since I have given a cat a bath. At least 13-14 years. And I was probably 12 or 13 at the time.
Tasha's ringworm doesn't look like it is going anywhere, and I want to get rid of it once and for all. I posted on the Natural Care for Pets board, and the Dr recommended I bathe her with chlorhexidine.
The fun part is, this stuff has to stay on her for 5-10 minutes before I rinse it off. How on earth will I keep her still, AND keep her from licking this stuff off, for that long?
The information sheet I got from the shelter with her said that she doesn't mind baths. I'm sorry, but I've got a tough time believing that!
Wish me luck.

Holly.
Anyway, I thought it would be best to fill the bathtub about 3 inches deep, to not freak her out too much. I picked her up and carried her into the bathroom, and I swear, she knew exactly what was happening. She started to meow and squirm, and as soon as I held her over the tub, she hissed and spat! DBF started to have second thoughts (he'd never bathed a cat before, period), but I held onto her and got her in. I held her firmly around the shoulders and neck, while DBF wet her down. The poor thing wanted sooo bad to get out, but my grip was too strong for her! We got her soaped up, and I managed to keep her still for about 8 minutes or so, then we started to rinse her off. I scruffed her with one hand, and used to other to help rinse her off, but this made DBF nervous so I went back to holding her with both hands. :)
Once I got her out, she must have licked herself for 2 hours. Poor baby! I can't believe I have to do this at least 3 times a week. But at least she didn't hate me afterwards - she seemed to be her normal self, except she was licking a lot and walking funny.
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LOL!
The one thing I learn is different cats react differently. Some don't mind, but other really hate it. I learned that most of the ones I've bathed don't like to stand in water so I leave the drain of the sink or tub open so water isn't staying in and they are much calmer.
I've never worried about them licking off the shampoo while they are lathered up and waiting because they've never tried.
The one thing I've been doing the last few months is taking them into the shower. I close the door and stand in there with them and wet them down with the hose and then lather them up. They just walk around in the shower crying and it's so much easier then trying to hold them still while we wait in the sink or tub. They also seem calmer with me standing in there with them and when we're done I let them out and they're fine.
Misty's bath Tips:
I found it easier to