Overcoming Cat's Bathing Fear: Effective Tips & Tricks
Cats' aversion to bathing is deeply ingrained in their DNA, as most of the felines we know originated from deserts. These arid, scorching landscapes are rare for rain, and when it does fall, the moisture can quickly lower a cat's body temperature. This sudden drop can be fatal for cats with low immunity, leading to their natural aversion to baths. It's quite understandable, then, that cats dislike getting wet.
However, if cats are not bathed regularly, they may develop skin issues due to parasites, bacteria, and fungi. For cat lovers with a strong aversion to dirt, a cat that hasn't been bathed in a while can feel like a walking petri dish, one that they dare not touch.
What can you do if your cat is afraid of baths?
1. Desensitization Training: Cats' fear of water is not something that can be overcome overnight. As a pet owner, you need to gradually desensitize your cat to the bath environment. This can involve letting them get used to the bathroom setting or acclimatizing them to the sound of a hairdryer.
2. Choose the Right Bathing Basin: A bath that's too small can make a cat feel insecure. Therefore, provide a larger basin for your cat, ensuring the water level is just below their chest. A nonslip base or a separate nonslip mat can prevent your cat from slipping and drowning.
3. Pay Attention to Bathing Sequence: The bathing process should be quick but gentle. Wash your cat from the back of the head to the neck, then the back, tail, belly, and limbs, ensuring every part is thoroughly cleaned. This method also helps to minimize the time spent in the water.
4. Avoid Water in Sensitive Areas: Cats' eyes, noses, and ears are delicate. Try to avoid pouring water directly onto these areas. Instead, use a damp cloth to gently wipe them clean.
5. Trim Nails in Advance: If you've been scratched or bitten by your cat during a bath, you'll know how crucial it is to trim their nails beforehand. However, it's important to trim their nails 23 days before bathing to ensure they have time to recover from the stress of the trimming and to prevent a severe stress response during the bath.
Cats should not be bathed when they are sick, have received vaccinations, or need deworming. If your cat is particularly dirty due to these circumstances, you can use a warm towel to wipe them down. Once they have recovered, you can then bathe them. If your cat exhibits symptoms like sneezing, diarrhea, or a lack of energy after a bath, it's essential to consult a veterinarian online or visit a pet hospital immediately.
