How to wash your cat

How to keep a cat clean

Cats are very clean animals . Their average lifespan is around 10 years, but it's not uncommon for them to live to 15 or even 20, and this time span is spent, aside from eating, on three things: playing , sleeping, and grooming . Overall, a cat dedicates a third of its day to licking and grooming itself. That's a lot of time, then. And it's spent with great care. Even if a cat is very tired, it's worth noting that it never gives up its meticulous grooming before falling asleep. Furthermore, cats, thanks to their highly extendable neck, can reach any part of their body, and their teeth and tongue are capable of removing any trace of dirt, debris, dust, parasites, or residue.

Cats are so careful about their cleanliness that you'll always find them shiny and soft after their daily routine. A kitten, even at just three weeks old, can use its tongue fully to perform its daily grooming routine on its own . Thanks to these routines, the cat also gets exercise, improves circulation, and takes in vitamin D, which is produced in its fur by the sun. Now that we've clarified the extreme cleanliness of cats and the consistent, daily way they cultivate it, let's look at how to keep a cat clean , how to bathe effectively and without causing pain.

When to brush it

Your cat should be brushed at least once a week, and if possible, even daily, especially if it's a long-haired breed. Brushing is also a way to monitor your cat's health; you can see firsthand that everything is fine, that there are no small wounds or parasites that have escaped your grooming routine. Your cat will happily accept being brushed; it views this hygiene gesture as a cuddle and feels deeply gratified by your hand. It's important to remember that the brush should always be used starting from the head and then moving down the body, and never the other way around. Avoid applying excessive pressure, as this can cause discomfort or, worse, pain. If your cat doesn't immediately show a strong desire to be brushed, start with short sessions and then move on to longer ones.

The scrubbing method

Avoid chemical products as much as possible, as they're expensive and have numerous side effects. Instead, try an old, natural method. Take a cloth and dampen it with warm water and vinegar, then rub it over your cat's fur, just as if you were brushing it. You'll see your cat's fur shine, soft, and perfectly clean.

The temperature of the water for bathing

Here, you need to be gentle and cautious. Not all cats like water; many hate it, so they need to be accustomed to being bathed from a young age, say as early as three months of age. To introduce your cat to the bath, try to make the environment as welcoming as possible. A warm bath (not a sauna), well-heated and free of drafts. The water should be up to 38 degrees Celsius. What shampoo should you use? Definitely not the one designed for men or women, which dries out a cat's skin and can even be toxic, and certainly not dog shampoo. In pet stores, you can find various types of shampoo specifically for cats. But if you need some advice, here too, try to focus on natural products and substances: green clay, aloe vera, tea tree oil , calendula, chamomile, lemon juice mixed with water, apple cider vinegar. Just like shampoo designed for men, soaps designed for men are absolutely forbidden.

How it dries

While bathing, protect the area with a few rugs on the floor, and assume that a lot of water will come out of the tub. Therefore, it's best to take precautions to avoid slipping. Try to distract the cat, perhaps even with some toys in the water, as used for bathing very young children. And in any case, don't forget to pet him regularly to keep him as calm as possible. Once you're finished bathing, rinse thoroughly; ideally, a small showerhead would also be available in the tub. Then, immediately dry your cat: cold temperatures and drafts can be very dangerous. To dry, simply rub a cloth vigorously and gently, then use a traditional hair dryer. The important thing is to keep the hot air outlet at a safe distance from the cat's body to avoid burning him.

The alternative to the bathroom

If you can't bathe your cat, which can happen given their difficult relationship with water, don't overdo it and opt for the simplest and most natural of alternatives. Use a damp cloth (clean, of course), a towel , a cloth glove, lightly moistened with warm water, or even baby wipes. The motion should be very soft and gentle: learn from them, from cats, by observing their self-grooming behavior. Think of it as a massage rather than a hygiene routine. There are also some types of dry shampoo on the market, but they're not recommended due to their extremely high cost and limited effectiveness. In any case, if you use these products, any remaining foam can be removed with a simple brushing.

Cleaning the eyes

Take action when you notice that your cat's eyes have become watery, which is not normal. After consulting your veterinarian, even just by phone, proceed with a natural eye cleansing. A clean gauze or damp cloth is sufficient. And keep in mind, regarding the perfect self-grooming that cats perform, that this process may uncover some discharge that the cat is unable to remove on its own.

Cleaning the ears

Again, don't get obsessed with hygiene: this is a very delicate and sensitive area of ​​the body, and improper care, especially if unnecessary, can cause significant damage. Ears should be cleaned when you clearly notice the presence of yellowish or brownish deposits—not always. And they should be cleaned very gently, using a simple gauze. If your cat insistently scratches his ear or tilts his head, it doesn't necessarily mean there's a hygiene issue. So, consult your vet and listen carefully to what he or she says.

Teeth cleaning

Adult teeth begin to appear at four months, but don't try to do impossible things. Cats' teeth aren't brushable like human teeth. So, is there nothing to do? Not necessarily. However, check the color of the teeth regularly , make sure everything is normal, and check for tartar buildup. If anything concerns you, always consult your vet. Instead, you can take important steps to keep your cat's teeth and mouth healthy. Two things in particular: feed your cat dry food, and don't forget to always provide a bowl of fresh water.

Cleaning the nails

In this case, it's not just a hygiene issue. Scratching objects, any object, is a cat's natural behavior. And as long as it's a tree , it's no problem, but if it's a sofa, an armchair, or a bed, it can cause serious problems. Train your cat to avoid scratching: just say, "No, you can't do that," followed by a clap of your hands. Then provide them with objects they can use as scratching posts. And finally, if you want to try cutting their nails, use simple clippers. But arm yourself with a lot of patience: trying to cut a cat's nails is one problem, but actually doing it is another.

How to avoid getting scratched while cleaning

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