Well, first off I was given some Hartz 3in1 flea drops for my 2 year old cat Brooklyn. Ever since then she acts like it burns her head, and is acting really weird. I done some research, especially here on Yahoo answers and found out that Hartz is DEADLY. Just great - now I need to give my cat a bath. I've been trying to get ahold of a vet and nobody in my area is open and nobody can help me, so I have to wait for 3 hours before they open.
My question: How do you give a cat a bath without getting your arms tore up? She's still eating food and meowing, but I am not taking any chances. I love this cat too much and I will NEVER use Hartz again. PLEASE HELP!
2006-10-24 23:42:39 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
You people are awesome, thank you so much for your helpful answers!!!
2006-10-25 02:44:41 · update #1
If it's a spot on treatment, you should be okay just washing the back of her neck with a cloth. If not and you do need to bath her completely, wear long sleeves and gloves to give you some protection, and scruff her so that you're out of the way of the biting and scratching bits!
If there's an emergency centre anywhere near you, contact them. I'm not overly familiar with Hartz (don't think it's sold here) but synthetic pyrethroids (which the product contains) can make for some very sick cats.
Keep a close eye on her for signs like drooling, unsteady on her feet & muscle tremors/twitching. These toxins can even cause seizures.
Bathing is a good first step though if you're unable to get in touch with any vet, but I'm surprised noone you've tried has an emergency/out of hours number.
2006-10-25 00:07:08 · answer #1 · answered by Loz 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You dont bath a cat, cats clean themselves. As for getting rid of fleas use Advantage, and some flea powder.If you need to give your cat a bath to wash off the Hartz, grab him by the scruff of the neck, like you do when they are kittens and apply just a bit of pressure and hopefully he will stay there long enough for you to wash it off. If not give him a sponge bath, just wash the area where you put the Hartz. Good luck..
2006-10-25 02:38:31 · answer #2 · answered by geminilovingacancer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The easiest way to give a cat a bath I have found is in a (medium size) BUCKET half or 3/4 full of warm soapy water.
1) Put the bucket in bath tub.
2) Hold both of your cat's front legs and paws in one had firmly, supporting his butticks with the other hand. The cat will struggle but once he realizes that there is no escape, he will submit.
3) Gently lower the cat butt-first into bucket, still holding his two front legs firmly in one hand.
4) Once cat's lower body is in bucket, start bathing him using your free hand. He'll meow pitously, but some cats will actually like the snesation of the warm water.
If you do not have a bucket, then use entire bathtub for the procedure, filling it only to just past your ankles.
Try not to pour water over the cat's face becuase they absolutely HATE that. Wash his head by ouring scoops of soapy water over his head - away from his eyes and be careful not to get water into his ears. It gets easier the next time once the cat knows that he will not drown and that he will feel sooo good later. My two cats now submit to the procedure with just token protests.
Good luck!
2006-10-25 01:32:26 · answer #3 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hold her by the back of her neck and be quick. Good luck to you, I hope it works out for the best. I too have heard a lot of horror stories about Hartz, you would think they would take it off the market.
2006-10-25 00:34:39 · answer #4 · answered by Badkitty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes holding Kitty by the scruff of the neck (like her mom did) will keep the squirming down (don't dangle her). Just hold on . I have looked like Freddie Kruger got ahold of me after bathing my cats but it's worth it to keep the fleas gone. Get that Hartz stuff off her. She might be allergic. I use Seargent's gold. It's really good. Don't let her lick till you get her to the vet. Does your vet have an emergency number? If not, find one who does.
2006-10-25 00:03:22 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Pretty♥ ♥Kitty♥ 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hi Mel...consider using a thoroughly damp washcloth to rinse out
Brooklyn's coat. This may be less stressful for her and may perhaps be easier for you to manage without having to put her into a tub or sink full of water.
2006-10-25 00:07:35 · answer #6 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try putting some long gloves or something that will cover up you arms and try to keep them in the smallest bathroom as possible....
2006-10-25 00:27:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋