Friday, June 12, 2015

Cat Grooming – to Bathe or Not to Bathe


To bathe or not to bathe – that is the question especially when it
comes to cats.   Cats usually don’t need a bath, nor do they want one, but sometimes it can become necessary.   

Cats are usually immaculately clean animals that spend many of their waking hours bathing and cleaning themselves. But believe it or not this is not an innate behavior but rather a learning one.  Kittens learn how to bathe and clean themselves at an early age, usually at about 4 weeks old.   The mama cat introduces her babies to the art as soon as they are born.  By licking them clean she also stimulates them to release urine and feces, rouses them to suckle,
and it provides comfort.    Cats also use grooming to cool themselves in the warmer months, your pet relies on the saliva that is spread onto their fur to cool them as it evaporates.

Occasionally though, your cat may find themselves in need of a bath, maybe they wandered into something toxic or sticky and they are not able to clean their fur effectively.   This is when you’ll need to step in, but tread with care.  The ASPCA recommends that you clip your cats’ claws before attempting a bath and Gear for Pets wholeheartedly agrees!  Remove the cat collar, and thoroughly wet your pet with lukewarm water.   Taking care around the pet’s face, lather up with a shampoo especially formulated for cats.  Rinse completely and dry your pet with a fluffy towel.    Once the bathing ritual is
complete, your furry friend expects and deserves a treat and so do you. 

Bathing your pet can help you screen your cat for any problems that may be developing on the skin, plus it is a way to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. 



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