Can you help?

Question

I have a cat named Max.I do not know how old he is and I do not even remember when we got him but I know that we found him and he was already grown up when we found him.He is a very scruffy kitty with dry skin.I love him so much but just looking at him makes me want to give him a bath! I don't know what to do because I amafraid he might have a heart attack in the tub or somthing.But somthing has to be done.Should I take him to the vet? I don't even think he has ever been to one...O_O;;; my parents don't want to take him there.What should I do?

Answer 1

they make cat wipes that u can rub him over with its what i do with my senior cat.. and get a brush called a slicker or a mitten that has rubber teeth if the cat doesn't like to be brushed. at his age a bath would be a very stressful thing. which would make matters worse. but the wipe are great...i've even use baby wipes with out alcohol, as that would dry him out worse. good luck.

Answer 2

First of all if the cat is a stray he most certainly should go to a vet, he has to have shots. Cats can get all kinds of diseases that you know nothing about. If you love your cat take care of him. He should go at least once a year. He needs a distemper shot, a rabies shot and several other things checked out. Also, checked for worms. All of this even if he is an indoor cat. I have had cats all my life, well, since I was 6, and I'm way way older than that now, and have had many cats, ranging from strays to pedigrees.
I will assume, as you haven't said otherwise that he is a short fur cat, and they usually don't need to be bathed. But, if he is scruffy and was a stray, you might want to take him to a groomer to get him a bath. It's just too hard to do it yourself. Cats HATE water, and scratch and fidget, and you don't know if he has fleas. So, splurge the one time, and after he is clean he will be able to take care of himself in the future. You only need to groom cats like Persian cats on a regular basis.
If you want to keep the cat you have to do what is right for the cat. The animal is a living breathing being and should be treated as best as you can possibly handle it. If you can't do what you must do, including vet visits you shouldn't have an animal, and you must insist on this with your parents.
Good luck and I hope it works out for you and Max

Answer 3

Well, seeing you don't know how this cat would react to a bath is the problem. Cats hate water with a passion and will let you know too when you try to bathe him. It's almost impossible to restrain a cat that is not going to let you bathe him. He might claw you or even try to bite you. That wouldn't be good for him, or you in this case. I would recommend that you take the cat to a groomer to see what he or she says. They have different techniques that they use when it comes to bathing cats. They also have all sorts of lotions and treatments that can be used on him to relive the dry skin. I would have to say, don't attempt to bathe this cat if you have never done so before. You don't need a spastic cat on your hands and you don't need to get hurt either. If he hasn't had any shots or medical care, you have to also think of rabies. Don't chance it, be safe instead of sorry. Contact a few vets or animal hospitals. Most of them will have a groomer in their building. I hope this helped you out a bit and would like to wish you luck as well.

Answer 4

Hey there, you dont have to give your cat a bath in the actual tub. They make these bathing whipes for pets that work just as well as actual water. Since your kitty had dry skin I would get the bathing whipes that help with that. Also brushing your cat and making sure he is on a good diet will help his skin and coat stay beautiful. Good Luck!

Answer 5

It's very important to take your cat to the vet at least once a year to make sure he is in good health. Vaccinating him is also very important to prevent him form getting sick in the future, taking him to the vet for a bath is not uncommon. Some cats just get scared of the sound of water, taking him would deffinetly help he may require sedation which can be used for cats that aren't to easy to handle.

Answer 6

He should for sure see a vet. Once he gets the all clear, the vet may know someone who baths cats. Some dog groomers do. Lots of kitties go their whole lives not needing a bath. I guess you could call them self cleaning.

Answer 7

Most cats are fastidious about their coats so if you cats coat is not looking good, then a vet visit should be considered. If you can't get your parents to take him to the vet then try a change in diet and adding some EFA's (essential fatty acids) to his diet (check with your vet to find out the proper dosage). As well, brushing his coat will help to make him feel better too. It is also a great way to bond with your cat!

Answer 8

Try using kitty wipes or baby wipes (like "Wet Ones") first to clean up your kitty. Giving him a full bath when he has dry skin may just make the problem worse becuase soap or shampoo strip the fur of its natiral oils. If you can't affor the kitty wipes, then use a wet washcloth and wipe kitty down. Don't put soap on it though.

Answer 9

definetly take this cat to a vet if you found him, because of it being around other feral cats it might need some special attention. rabies shot, cat leukemia, etc. and you can ask the vet to bathe and condition the coat.

Answer 10

well this is what i do for my mothers cat there is a certain bag that u can get it has zippers to clip there nails and holes to wash the cat and if your cats is like my moms she bites we got a muzzle for her for bath time and it has been a skin saver ans this will not hurt our 4 legged children i u on this and don't use the animal wipes they make your pet smell like mildew yuck!