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Cats are very clean animals, they even take care of their daily hygiene. But, like us, they can get sick and when they feel bad the first thing they neglect is their hygiene. In these situations they need pampering and a little help with their hygiene so they don't feel so bad. We must evaluate several points and consult the veterinarian beforehand.
In this article by PeritoAnimal we answer the question: Can I bathe a sick cat? Keep reading!
When should I bathe my cat
Although do not recommend bathing a cat, since they clean themselves, in case it is extremely dirty it is recommended to wash our cat once a month. But... whenever they are in perfect health.
The ideal is to get the cat used to bathing from a young age, we can also bathe an adult cat for the first time, although the experience can be a challenge, especially if we are brusque and don't respect their distrust of water. We must remember that the ideal is to get them used from 6 months of life so that they do not have any trauma.
There may be times when he needs a bath, for example, if something is spilled on him and it is toxic to cats, or when he moves around in places with a lot of dust, grease or sand, and in these cases, they need our help.
Can I bathe a sick cat?
Moving on to answer the question, can i bathe a sick cat, it is important to emphasize that I do not recommend bathing a sick cat at all. Remember that this causes you a lot of stress and our only priority at this time should be that you regain your health.
Cats are much more sensitive than dogs to the level of anatomical innervation of their body, therefore, most are not fanatical about bathing. If they spent energy in a bath, which they should save to recover from the disease, we can have a relapse or deepening the physical problem.
Owners who are very attentive to their cats quickly detect that something is wrong due to their carelessness with hygiene and opaque fur. The ideal is to go to the veterinarian to assess what may be happening, thus avoiding more serious problems. The care that our cat needs should be determined by the professional who evaluates it, but we still have a small guide to help you:
- food: This is not the right time to make changes in your diet, unless the disease requires it. Give him his food every day, kibble or homemade, in whatever way is easiest for him to eat. We don't want you to stop eating in any case. You can include aloe vera in juice to help internally and externally.
- Water: It is important to give plenty of water and make sure you drink it, otherwise you must give it through a syringe. Remember that this maneuver can stress the cat, so it is best to do it willingly.
- rest and tranquility: It will be essential for your complete recovery. We must provide a warm and peaceful environment, without any shocks, avoiding to disturb you.
Don't forget that...
As soon as your cat has overcome its illness, you can bathe it. Some cats love water, but not most, so at first they may not like getting wet. It is important to start slowly and as already mentioned, from 6 months of age onwards. Little by little, I eat a lot of patience and without making sudden movements, which will help me not to suffer from anxiety.
However, if you notice that your cat is very stressed, it is advisable to avoid bathing and use a dry-cleaning shampoo or baby wipes.
Use warm water with a non-slip mat. Remember that you should only use products recommended by the veterinarian, since the pH of your skin is different from that of humans. After showering, dry as best as possible with a towel. In hotter months, bathing can provide some relief, but in colder months we recommend that you opt for dry baths.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.