Page 232 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

230 C ARE AND BEHA VIOR

How to bathe your cat When bathing your cat, you will need to be patient. Use
Outdoor cats occasionally give themselves a dust bath, in soothing words throughout the session and give treats to
which they roll in dry soil to clean their coat of grease and your cat afterward as a reward. Before you begin, close all
parasites, such as fleas. You can buy dry shampoo for cats, doors and windows, and make sure the room is warm and
which works in a similar way. A shorthaired cat may need a free of drafts. Prior to bathing your cat, brush his coat
wet bath if it becomes covered in oil or a pungent substance. thoroughly. You can wash your cat in a bathtub or a sink
A longhaired cat requires more frequent bathing. Few cats using a shower attachment, but make sure the water flow is
enjoy being bathed, and it’s easier for both of you if you very weak. Line the bottom of the bath or sink with a rubber
accustom your cat to the experience from an early age. mat for your cat to grip, so he feels secure and will not slip.

GROOMING | BATHING A CAT

Lower your cat into a bathtub or place him in a sink, talking to him Always apply a special cat shampoo. Never use dog shampoo,
s
1 oothingly. Spray him with warm water that is as near to body 2 since it might contain a flea-killing chemical that is toxic to cats.
temperature (101.5ºF/38.6ºC) as possible. Soak his fur thoroughly. Avoid getting shampoo in your cat’s eyes, ears, nose, or mouth.

Lather in the shampoo thoroughly, then rinse it off completely. Towel dry your cat, or use an electric dryer on a low setting if
3 Repeat the shampoo wash or rub in a conditioner and rinse off 4 the noise doesn’t upset him. Brush his coat and allow him to
again. Remember to keep giving your cat plenty of praise. finish drying off in a warm room. Give your cat a well-earned treat.