Content
- Dry bathing in cats: which products to use?
- How to dry bathe cats with baking soda
- How to dry bathe cats with foam or dry shampoo
- Cat hygiene: general recommendations
- My cat does not clean itself, what to do?
Unless you've decided to adopt one of the cat breeds that love water, like the Van Turco or the Turkish Angora, you'll likely wonder if it's bad to bathe the cats and whether it's possible to clean a feline without getting it wet. Fortunately, cats are naturally clean animals and can devote several hours of the day to their personal hygiene. Even that characteristic texture of the tongue of cats helps them to eliminate impurities and dead hair from their coat.
However, as a guardian, you should also help your cat maintain optimal hygiene and prevent hairballs from forming in the gastrointestinal tract. One of the best ways to keep your cat clean and avoid unpleasant odors is to opt for dry baths. And to help you, in this new PeritoAnimal article, we'll detail how to dry bathe cats in a safe way.
Dry bathing in cats: which products to use?
Today, fortunately, there are many safe ways to dry-bath cats without harming the animal's health or well-being. US pet shops and in some veterinary clinics, you can find several brands of dry shampoo for cats, which consist of a kind of sanitizing foam that allows you to clean the feline's hair without getting it wet. Some products, such as Sanol dry bath, can be applied to both cats and dogs, and are formulated with silicone to improve the texture and shine of the hair.
The great advantages of dry shampoo for cats is that it dries quickly and can be removed with a simple brushing. Generally, this type of product is most recommended for cats that show a great aversion to water.
Another cheaper and faster option is clean the cat with wet wipes which can be found in any pharmacy and must be designed specifically for the body of felines. It can be of great help in emergency situations, such as finding an abandoned or stray cat that needs to be cleaned and taken to the veterinarian.
How to dry bathe cats with baking soda
To learn how to dry bathe cats with baking soda, you just need to follow these steps:
- Before starting, brush your cat's fur, using the most appropriate comb or brush for your type of hair, to eliminate impurities and dead hair;
- Next, take the baking soda and gently sprinkle over your cat's entire coat., with the exception of the head to prevent the dust from getting into your eyes.
- Leave it on for about 5 minutes and then remove the bicarbonate with the help of a clean towel;
- Finally, gently brush your cat's coat to eliminate any remaining bicarbonate that may have gotten between its fur.
How to dry bathe cats with foam or dry shampoo
Now, we are going to show you step by step how to dry bathe cats with a dry shampoo or foam. Check out:
- The first step will be the same: brush the cat's coat to remove dirt and dead hair;
- Apply the shampoo dry all over the feline's body, with the exception of your face (where you will use an unscented wet wipe). If you find it more practical, you can use a brush to evenly spread the dry shampoo into your feline's coat;
- Let the shampoo dry for the time recommended on the product packaging. In the meantime, use a moistened tissue to clean the cat's face, being very careful with the eyes and nose area;
- Then remove the dry shampoo with a brush or comb and we'll use a dry towel;
- Finally, use a dry, clean towel to remove any residue from the product and help the hairs dry faster.
Cat hygiene: general recommendations
In addition to dry-bathing your cat, you will also need to adopt a few others. hygiene habits that will help prevent disease and keep your cat in great health. Below, we list the main additional precautions for your cat's hygiene:
- Clean the cat's eyes, avoiding the accumulation of mites and impurities that can cause inflammation or eye infections;
- Clean the cat's ears and check them periodically for any symptoms of infection or the presence of parasites such as ticks, fleas or mites.
- Regularly brush the feline's teeth, avoiding the accumulation of food debris between its teeth and on the gums, which is the starting point for the formation of tartar in cats.
- Daily clean the litter from the cat's box, removing the faeces and urine with the help of a shovel. In addition, we advise you to completely change the sand and wash the box at least once a week, using neutral soap and warm water or enzymatic cleaners.
- Brush your cat's coat regularly, keeping the most appropriate frequency according to its coat type.
My cat does not clean itself, what to do?
While this doesn't happen very often, some pet owners report that their cats don't groom themselves. The 'self-cleaning' routine is very important for felines, as they allow the body to keep itself clean and free from parasites and diseases. Therefore, when a cat neglects its own hygiene, you must be aware, because it could be a sign of some imbalance in the pussy's body.
If your cat suddenly stops cleaning herself, we recommend taking her quickly to the vet to check her health. It will also be essential to maintain excellent hygiene in your feline's environment, to encourage it to maintain its good cleaning habits.
Further reading: Is bathing cats bad?