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cobbly cobbly
 
M$2 January 08, 2009 08:46 AM

What is the best way to wash an older cat for the first time?

My cat is about 12 years old and never had a bath in her life. However lately she hasn't been cleaning herself as well as she used to. As a result she has got a decent size clump of matted hair on her back near her tail, I can tell it has gotten uncomfortable because she meows if I touch it. I've tried brushing but its too hard, so I figure she needs a bath.

She is a bit of a scaredy cat so I'm afraid she will freak out. I can handle a few scratches but I would like to live :p

Any suggestions on how to go about it?
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littlepea littlepea
 
 January 08, 2009 01:55 PM
If you really want to wash her yourself, use a sink or a bathtub. Water temperature should be around 38.5-39°Celsius (cats' body temperature). 5-10cm of water should be enough. Use a baby (or cat) shampoo to wash her fur. Rince well (otherwise she could swallow some shampoo when she tries to lick herself), use a towel (or if she doesn't mind a hair dryer, low temperature) to dry her. Keep her in a warm room, without air currents if possible.
You should ask someone to help you, the cat may not appreciate the bath since she is not used to it.
Source(s):
http://www.jovisca.com/info-toilettage.html (in french)

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kmod kmod
 
January 08, 2009 09:33 AM
This may not be a great answer to your question, but since noone else has I'll give it a shot.

When I gave my dog a bath for the first time, I just plopped her in the shower. She was scared of the shower (with no water running), so I just sat in there with her (still no water) and calmed her down.

Once she was comfortable, I just grabbed the shower hose and started giving her a shower. She wasn't comfortable and throughout the bath I had to stop and calm her down.

So just go easy with him/her. If he/she starts getting mean, just turn off the water for a few, calm him/her down, and try again. It's a less than pleasurable process for both parties. Obviously they're not used to it, and forcing them to do something will only make them dislike it more.

To summarize, just ease them into it, and try to keep them calm throughout the bathing. If they get too frightened, or belligerent, give them a few minutes and try again. The more you bath them, and the easier you make it for them, the more they'll be willing to do it the next time.

If your cat gets too hysterical no matter what you try, you could consider taking him/her to groomers.

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lesliec lesliec
 
January 08, 2009 11:58 AM
Bathing her is not going to get the clump out. Honestly at her age and seeing how she has never been bathed before she really should be taken to a groomer. They can sedate her and fix her up nicely.

If you do decide to try and bathe her I would suggest calling two friends over, wrapping everyone's arms up with a towel (rubber bands). Have one friend hold her back legs, another friend hold her front legs while you try and bathe her. Once you start doing this DO NOT STOP, keep going until complete. Please make sure you don't get any water in her ear.
Source(s):
35 years of owning cats and tons of scars on my arms to prove my point!


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cobbly cobbly
 
January 08, 2009 01:19 PM
I'm sorry I probably used the wrong word when I said clump. It's not really a clump of hair as such, its hard to describe. It's not something that could really be cut out, but I do think bathing plus brushing will get it out.

Once its out I'll be able to maintain it, so this is probably only going to be a one time thing.

I may end up having to take her to a pro. I was hoping I wouldn't have to because she doesn't exactly like traveling either.

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joeknows joeknows
 
January 08, 2009 05:29 PM
In one of those shark bite suits that divers use when studying sharks up close. The saying really should be "You can't teach an old cat new tricks, or make her do anything she doesn't want to."
peace,
joe

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