Kitten bathing may for many people seem to be a redundant process. After all, any cat owner can tell you that a large portion of a cat’s daily life is spent grooming itself. What is not so commonly known, however, is that most of the allergens that people who are allergic to cats respond to are contained in the cat’s saliva. Residue from that saliva steadily builds up in the fur and is shed out into the world, thus stimulating those allergies. The same can be true of dust and other particles, so an occasional kitten bath is not a bad idea.
Unfortunately, this can prove to be a trying experience for kitten and owner alike. The kitten may be upset by the water and take it out on the owner, usually resulting in a number of painful scratches. That doesn’t mean that it has to be this way. There are quite a few things you can do to make kitten bathing a far more pleasant experience for everyone involved.
Kitten Bath Tip #1
Make sure to hold off on the kittens first bath until after it has been weaned away from its mother. The bathing can change the kitten’s scent, and, though not always the case, could potentially lead the mother to reject it.
Kitten Bath Tip #2
Before you begin, either clip the kitten’s claws or attach little rubber claw tips. This will significantly reduce any potential injuries that may result from giving a kitten a bath.
The Kitten Bathing Process
1.) Line the bottom of the sink or small tub with a rubber mat. Should your kitten struggle during the bath, the mat will help you keep it firmly in place. It will also drastically reduce the chance of slipping.
2.) Fill the tub with about two inches of barely warm water. You want it just above body temperature, so as not to burn or chill the kitten. Do not add anything to the water at this point.
3.) Slowly place the kitten in the tub or sink. To ensure that it doesn’t struggle or try to escape, hold it by the scruff of the neck. Instinct will be on your side, because the mother cat does the same thing to keep the kitten in place.
4.) Scoop up small amounts of water and pour it over the kitten’s body to moisten it. Avoid getting the head, especially the eyes or ears, wet.
5.) Take a very small amount of baby shampoo or flea shampoo and massage it slowly into the kitten’s fur. You will not need more than maybe a half teaspoon or so. A good rule of thumb is to start with less than you think you need and add a little if necessary.
6.) Rinse the shampoo away in the same manner you used to wet the kitten in the first place, using small amounts of water in the cup. Again, when you give a kitten a bath, it is very important to not moisten the head, particularly the eyes and ears.
7.) Dry the kitten thoroughly with a soft towel. If its temperament can handle it, use a small blow dryer on low.
Kitten bathing may not seem like a necessary process, but it is important in the reduction of allergies and in the preservation of the health of your kitten. Just be gentle, careful, and be sure to thoroughly dry the kitten afterward. They can catch a chill very easily, so always dry them right away.
No related posts.