Q&A for How to Get Your Cat to Tolerate a Bath

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Question

How do you give a cat a bath without it freaking out?

Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT
Certified Dog & Cat Trainer
Russell Hartstein is a Certified Dog & Cat Trainer and CEO of Fun Paw Care in Los Angeles, California. With over 25 years of training, nutrition, boarding, and daycare experience, Russell and the Fun Paw Care team provide the most current, humane, and science-based methods utilizing force-free positive reinforcement to train and care for pets. Russell is an author for PetMD, Chewy, and Dogster. He is also regularly cited in publications from various organizations, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). He is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and a Certified Pet Dog Trainer. He received his bachelor’s degree in History and Economics from Binghamton University.

Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT

Certified Dog & Cat Trainer

Expert Answer

Smear some oyster oil or sardine paste (any kind of gooey gross stuff that your cat loves) on the back of whatever you're bathing your cat in. Allow them to lick that and eat that delicious meal or treat when you're cleaning them—that will help them want to get cleaned.

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Question

What should I do if my kitten hates water?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Few cats actually 'like' water when they first experience a bath. The trick is to introduce the kitten gradually and at a young age so it gets a chance to get used to it. Start with shallow water in a sink, and feed the kitten straight afterwards as a reward. Also, if you get the water temperature to blood temperature, it feels neither hot nor cold to the kitten, which means it's more likely to be comfortable.

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Question

My cat cries and scratches, from when she was a kitten.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It's likely that the bath is outside her comfort zone, and she's learned that crying and scratching bring the bath to an end. Take things really slowly and go back to basics. Get her happy being stroked and petted, then try wiping her with a damp cloth. Only once she is comfortable with this, start re-introducing shallow warm water.

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Question

What should I do if my cat's fur comes out during a bath?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It's likely that shed hair is being loosened during the bath. You'll find it much easier if you brush her daily for a couple of days before the bath. That way you'll capture the shed hair on the brush rather than choking up the drain.

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