Since many cats don’t enjoy the water, giving them a bath can be upsetting for both the cat and the owner. However, it is possible to help your cat become more at ease around water with the right approach and patience.
The secret is to introduce water to them gradually so as not to frighten or overwhelm them. Gradually increasing their comfort level with damp cloths or wet paws is a good way to boost their confidence.
Your cat can become more at ease during baths if you help them associate the water with good things and make bath time a peaceful, stress-free ritual. We will provide some helpful advice on how to accomplish that in this post.
It takes time, gentle steps, and positive reinforcement to get a cat used to water and bathing. To help your cat get used to the feeling, start by introducing them to water gradually. You can do this by using a damp cloth or by adding a small amount of water to the sink. Treats and praise should be given for quiet behavior; do not force them into the bath. Your cat can eventually come to understand that taking a bath is nothing to be afraid of with repeated positive experiences, which will make it much simpler for you both.
Why many afraid of water?
Cats’ innate fear of bathing is the reason they are afraid of it, not any particular trait. According to zoologists, members of the feline family reject water procedures for very understandable reasons:
- Risk of overheating or hypothermia. There is an air layer between the pet"s fur and skin, which allows the temperature to be adjusted. Wet fur loses this property and is not able to protect the animal from either heat or cold. Felines do not know how to quickly cool down or warm up, they do not shake themselves off after bathing and do not cover huge distances to dry off during movement.
- Lack of camouflage. Wet fur emits a pungent odor, which is associated with an increase in body temperature during drying. The cat will not be able to hunt, since the rodent will hear the smell of a predator from afar and hide or bypass the dangerous place. In this case, the procedure is equivalent to an unsuccessful hunt and subsequent hunger.
- Fear of a sudden attack. Cats are afraid that during water procedures they can be attacked by predators or large birds. In water, a small animal is vulnerable, and on land, the danger increases due to the increasing smell emanating from wet fur. In addition, the cat is very focused on licking its fur coat, so it may not hear the attacker.
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Because shampoo dries out the skin and their fur gets wet quickly, pets dislike taking baths. A wild cat in the wild will brave the water to save another wild cat. Large members of the cat family, such as tigers, are an exception; because of their fur’s water-repellent qualities and capacity for shrugging off, they can normally withstand water procedures.
How to bathe a kitten so that it is not afraid?
It is best to begin bathing your pet at a young age in order to acclimate them to the process. The baby can be bathed for the first time (without shampoo) at two months, but veterinarians advise waiting until four months for this procedure. An infant’s postpartum lubricant, which shields it from infections, is removed when it is bathed. Additionally, the kitten may reject it if it interferes with its natural scent.
Usually, the baby is weaned from the mother at 3–4 months, which makes it more resilient to the stress of submersion in water. While some animals may not be able to adjust to being washed, owners should exercise patience and adhere to these basic guidelines:
- Introduce the kitten to the basin – it should not cause fear in it. The baby should be placed in a container before pouring water into it. Let the pet sit in it, sniff it, get used to it.
- The animal is taken out of the basin, water at a temperature of 38-40 ° C is poured to a depth of 5-7 cm. The pet is put in water, held firmly with a hand and spoken to in a calm, even voice.
- The kitten"s head is quickly wetted, making sure that the liquid does not get into the ears and nose. The shampoo is thoroughly washed off, since its residue on the fur can harm the animal. The procedure time should be kept to a minimum. During the process, pet is stroked to calm down.
The animal should be dried with a towel and given a treat right away after washing. As a last resort, you can give the baby a small amount of kitten-specific sedative prior to the procedure if it is extremely afraid of the water. See a veterinarian before purchasing the product.
How to teach an adult animal to wash in the bath?
In certain situations, such as when someone has taken in a homeless cat, you may need to teach an adult animal how to bathe. This is a challenging procedure because the new ward will be unfamiliar with water procedures and has already developed a personality. In this situation, you should attempt to divert the pet’s focus from the water to something engaging. The animal must be gradually trained to bathe without causing stress to either himself or the owner:
- If the cat does not want to be in the bathroom, it should be taught to willingly go there with the help of treats and toys. The same is done when the animal does not like the sound of water flowing from the tap.
- You also need to teach your pet to calmly stay in the bathing container, using toys and games. To begin with, it is better not to pour water into it or fill it to a level of 1-2 cm.
- For the stability and comfort of the cat, you need to put a rubber mat or towel on the bottom of the bath or basin.
See also: What does it mean when adult cats and kittens rub their muzzles against the owner’s hands, legs, or face?
- It is important to ensure that the pet can freely leave the bathing container at will. This way, it will become more confident and will not feel trapped.
- You need to observe what objects or actions accompanying bathing cause the animal to be rejected. They need to be excluded or the pet should gradually get used to them.
- The pet should be praised, stroked and encouraged for showing interest in playing in the water or staying in the bathroom.
- An important factor in creating favorable conditions for bathing is good lighting. Lack of light can cause another stress.
It’s important to keep in mind that patience and self-control are crucial when acclimating a cat to water procedures. An adult animal may not always be able to be trained to bathe. It is simpler to give your pet a fast bath two or three times a year if it stays indoors and is not outdoors than to subject it to months of torture during training.
| Steps | Description |
| Start Slow | Begin by introducing your cat to water gradually, starting with wet paws or a damp towel. |
| Use Positive Reinforcement | Reward your cat with treats and gentle praise during and after each water interaction. |
| Keep Water Lukewarm | Ensure the water is comfortable, not too hot or cold, to prevent discomfort. |
| Create a Calm Environment | Keep the atmosphere calm and quiet, reducing noise and distractions. |
| Be Patient | Give your cat time to adjust to each stage without rushing. |
It may require some time and patience to help your cat get used to the water and bathing, but the effort is worthwhile. Your cat will adjust at their own pace if you start out slowly and use positive reinforcement.
Start with little things, such as wetting your cat’s paws or introducing them to a damp towel. Increase your exposure to the water progressively while maintaining a relaxed and stress-free atmosphere.
Make sure that bath time is always in a secure and cozy setting. This allays your cat’s fears by making them feel safer and more at ease.
Most cats can be trained to tolerate baths with consistency, gentle handling, and rewards. Even though it might not end up being their favorite pastime, you will both experience far less stress from it.
