Are there ways to clean your cat's fur aside from typical bathing?

Question

I am interested in finding some type of safe cleaner that either does not require rinsing, is waterless (not thrilled by the sound of this method) or perhaps there are some kind of cleaning wipes?

I have both a domestic long hair and short hair cat. The long hair is looking rather straggly lately and I would like to clean him. He lives indoors and fleas are not an issue. However, he has never been bathed in his 10+ years and I do not want to traumatize him by trying it at this point. It's guaranteed to be a huge fight as it's a struggle just to clip his claws.

Not to mention I have arthritis and back problems and would be unable to hold him by the scruff long enough to complete the task or lean over a tub and manuver as necessary to clean and rinse properly.

Any suggestions, past product experience or ideas for retailers that might have such an item would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I neglected to mention that I do brush my cats regularly it's something they enjoy, they clean themselves normally, I feed them a high quality, age appropriate cat food and they've never had 'people food'.

I adopted these cats so we only estimate the age. I do worry about illness, although this is the only symptom. Also concerning is any product that might cause illness via residue, harsh chemicals etc. Looks like I'll be giving their vet a ring. :)

Thank you for the informative answers, I appreciate them.

Answer 1

I breed show cats and if there was a way to clean the cat other than regular bathing I'd sure do it. Mine get used to being bathed and claws clipped from an early age. They still don't like it and no amount of treats afterwards will tell them I'm sorry.

The "wipes" just don't work, and the waterless doesn't work well either. In both cases I worry about any residue that might make the cat sick.

Talk to your vet about it. Some will provide grooming services and will have experienced people to do this and ways to calm the cat. The vet might also recommend a groomer if they don't have one. The cost will be worth it.

Answer 2

I use Cat Bathing Wipes for my kittens. Your local Wal-Mart will have them. They are only $3 for a package of 7 wipes. My kittens and I love these. You don't have to deal with the claws and teeth that come out when you get them anywhere near water. All you do is take out a wipe and wipe down the cat. It leaves them smelling great and keeps your blood where it belongs (in your body).

Answer 3

try changing his food. Has he been eating weird things, like butter? when I got my cat his coat was matted and dingy. I took him to a very gentle groomer, she cleaned him up, I started him on a real good human grade cat food from the feed store with lots of omegas and his coat became shiny and he has kept himself clean for 3 years now and I havent put a brush to him once, he gave me a nasty bite the one time I did. Your boy's nutritional needs have changed as he has entered into his senior years and its showing in his coat. wipe him down with a dampened wash cloth when your petting him and get him on a food that meets the nutritional requirements of older cats. His coat should improve quickly and he will clean himself up. If he doesnt groom himself and his coat stays dingy take him to the vet as this could be the beginning of a degenerative type illness.

Answer 4

My cat has this comparable project each and every each and every now and then. She's somewhat plump, and as quickly as I asked our vet approximately it she informed us it replace into because of the fact an obese cat could have hassle achieving her backside to bathe it good. this would not ensue in many circumstances with my cat, yet while it does she is particularly sturdy approximately letting me clean it up- i think of it bothers her as much because it bothers me, and that i do no longer desire cat poop on any of my furnishings! I often am in a position to apply a damp wipe to bathe her up; besides the fact that if, there have been a pair of circumstances the place the fecal matter is dried, and that i rather ought to supply her a tub in our tub. My cat handles it exceedingly nicely and merely stands there whilst i take advantage of a washcloth to do away with the fecal matter. you ought to make advantageous your cat's backside is under water for somewhat, and then i take advantage of infant shampoo on a washcloth to bathe her backside. this is effectual to have yet another man or woman and a plastic cup available so which you would be able to pour water the place you are able to desire to. no longer asserting it might artwork for each cat, besides the fact that if it rather is advisable to supply it a try because it works for me. sturdy success!

Answer 5

Yes you can get pet wipes at places like Petsmart or Petco, I think even wal-mart carries them. If they are really getting dirty you might want to consider a trip to a groomer. I have a long hair cat and when she gets "shaggy" we just hold her down and give her a good brushing. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

i sometimes put a little drop of leave in conditioner on a baby brush and brush my cat clean. He enjoys the brushing and smells nice after.

Answer 7

if your lucky enough to have a cat like mine you can vacuum him , my cat will come running when he hears the vacuum. he will lay in my way to get vacuumed (hand vacuumed) not floor vac. if your cat gives you fits because of water you can get a waterless shampoo for people at sports stores in the camping stuff (or you used to ) check w/ sporting store

Answer 8

try using a waterless or powder shampoo, pre-moistened bath towelettes for pets, or give your cat a 'sponge bath' with a damp towel.

Answer 9

there are cleaning wipes out there. i have them and they are easy to find. i like them because you can clean in places like between their paws.

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441780106&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302025565&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023690&bmUID=1174380048098&itemNo=13&In=Cat&N=2025565&Ne=2

Answer 10

why dont u brush his coat regularly ?? thats not hard is it.... u can be sittin with ur cat n do it........ just brush him/ her.. regularly though !!!n they love it. its like a massage for em.. so try it !