Thursday, May 13, 2010

Bathing Your Cat

Article courtesy of Native Remedies
by A. Grano

Cats are usually pretty self-sufficient at grooming themselves, given their coarse tongues and flexible bodies. And while excessive cleaning can strip the natural oils from the skin that are essential for a healthy coat, some cats may require an occasional bath, sometimes just two or three times a year.

Outdoor cats can become especially dirty, and some long-haired breeds in particular are prone to becoming oily. Regular brushing is also recommended in between baths to reduce shedding.

Before attempting a bath, be sure to consider the following points that will help make your cat bathing experience easier for both you and your feline friend!

* Avoid medicated shampoos, as the licking nature of cats means they can easily ingest common shampoo chemicals like parabens, sodium laurel sulphate or petrochemicals. Natural shampoos are a gentle yet effective alternative!

* Be prepared before bathing. Have the sink, tub or basin ready with tepid or warm water, a no-slip mat, and several towels.

* Trim, brush, then bathe. Attending to your cat’s claws will help reduce scratches, while brushing out knots is easier to do on dry fur than wet fur.

* Bath time! Place cotton balls in your cat’s ears to prevent water from entering, and use a washcloth to clean the face and head. Massage shampoo all the way to the roots and be sure to wash thoroughly to avoid any residue.

Tip: Choose a natural shampoo containing catnip to encourage a happy bathing experience, plus chamomile to promote a sense of calm.

* Drying and done! Squeeze out all the excess water you can before wrapping your cat in a towel. Rub against the grain from tail to head, using a second towel as needed to get the cat as dry as possible. Allow to air dry, and brush out any knots.

Finally, reward your cat with his or her favorite treat for being such a good sport!

Get more info on PetAlive Clean-Cat Shampoo - Non-irritating, calming cleansing shampoo formulated for cats

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