2006-09-22 11:40:33 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
First, why do you need to bathe her?
If there are fleas, a drop or two of a citrus based cleaner(biodegradeable NATURAL cleaner) in the bath water will help kill fleas.
And rinse the cat really well, this will not hurt the cat( we've done this a lot, so we know it's safe)
IF it is just in general she needs to be groomed and cleaned, Trader Joes, or really natural shampoos,just a drop or two, will do it. Be sure to rinse really well.
WARNING: clip her claws first, and watch out for her teeth!
If she can stand it, use a hair dryer to dry her, if not, use paper towels.
Do not use, under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ANYTHING THAT LEAVES A RESIDUE, OR PERFUME! She will clean, and it will make her sick. Little old cats don't need that.
Right now, we are having to bathe our 22 year old cat, Guido, several times a day because she gets dirty. She may hate us, but she needs to be clean.
Make sure not to use anything that could stay on her, or make her sore.
Good luck!
2006-09-22 12:35:10 · answer #1 · answered by MousieZ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I assume that your cat is now having difficulties with cleaning herself, hence you want to give her a helping hand...
You could ask your vet what is recommended for the task , or if that is not convenient for any reason, then probably something gentle like a baby shampoo might be suitable.
Cats do not as a rule like getting wet, so if you have never bathed her before you might consider getting some one to hold her while you carefully carry out the job.
Don't get the soapy water in your cats eyes or ears. Remember to keep your cat well wrapped up after you bathe her. Also, make sure the doors are closed so she can't run out of the house in a wet state. Keep her in warm atmosphere while you gently dry her fur with a fluffy towel (using a hair dryer might be too much for your cat to bear).
Good luck, anyway. Don't forget to keep a first aid kit close by - you might need it for yourself and your assistant!
2006-09-22 18:56:28 · answer #2 · answered by avian 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a really good reason if she has not been bathed before and if you have no experience washing cats you can make it very stressful for her with your ineptitude.
I have a 22 yr old cat who goes to a groomer to be bathed on a regular basis. She has severe arthritis and does not groom herself anymore. My other cats, 14, 13, 12 and 10 have never had baths.
2006-09-22 19:06:02 · answer #3 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 17 year old with long hair did just fine with baby wipes.I had to give him a litter box without a top so that part wasn't so messy.I brushed him a lot (keep a brush near by). The baby wipes I used were ones that had a very mild scent. I cleaned his mouth,face, (eyes,nose,ears), body, paws,between his toes and his bottom. He stayed fresh and soft till the day he died.Did I mention that he was almost toothless and on IV fluids and meds during this last year of his life. You know you could use plain warm water for her bath or use a warm wet rag and towel dry her real good too.Sometimes we sat together with a heating pad when he had the shivers.Keep a towel between your girl and the heating pad.
2006-09-22 19:22:39 · answer #4 · answered by rebecca c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a Spynx and she needed bathing at least once every couple of days. I used baby shampoo and I had no problems. It is very gently for the cats skin. You do not want to bathe her too much though because it will dry out her skin.
2006-09-22 20:25:34 · answer #5 · answered by mcgrawm7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is nice you take care of your 16-year old cat.. Mine died not too long ago at 17 but he had diabetes, etc. If your cat will allow you to bathe her.. then use a soft shampoo and do not get it into her eyes.
2006-09-22 19:17:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
unless she has a health problem, i don't imagine you need to bathe her any different than you would normally bathe a cat--just use water at a nice temperature (not too warm, not too cold) and some cat or pet shampoo that you can find at the pet store; if you're worried about it, let the vet or a pet groomer bathe her for you (i would, since cats can be very difficult to bathe, and they have sharp claws and teeth!). good luck.
2006-09-22 18:43:54 · answer #7 · answered by KJC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not knowing why you want to bathe her at all at age 16, all I can say is, DON'T. I would contact my Vet, if she has a problem see if your Vet feels it necessary before doing it.
Don't forget our cats are of nature and let's respect that.
If she is not grooming herself then it's because she is old; like many old people do not groom themsleves and need assistance in that case, then ask your Vet for the proper shampoo.
Otherwise, respect her old age and make her comfortable.
From HeidiCat
2006-09-22 20:15:05 · answer #8 · answered by Hedicat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can buy for ether from your vet or pet store products that safe and made to bathe your cat mine is 10 and I bathe him once a month these products are made so they don't remove the oil that keeps their coats shinny and skin moist it also help to keep shedding if it an indoor cat to a minimum
2006-09-22 19:26:15 · answer #9 · answered by crazymanca7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't bathe her (cats do a pretty good job cleaning themselves). Cats hate water and she might stress out too much and get a heart attack.
2006-09-23 00:46:56 · answer #10 · answered by uglyduh_cling 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋