Cultivating Cats' Good Habit of Obediently Taking Baths
Persian Cat
I remember a comic strip where the owner tried every trick to catch the cat for a bath, but couldn’t wash it and finally had to lock the cat in the toilet. This shows how difficult it is to bathe a cat. Sending cats to a groomer costs money, and if the cat misbehaves, it might even be anesthetized by the store. For safety and financial reasons, most owners still choose to bathe their own cats. Many cats dislike water, and some even regard bathing as torture. Bathing often involves long struggles, scratched skin, sweat, and loud cries — the elegant cat quickly turns into a mad one, really exhausting!
Actually, cats only need to be bathed once a month. Bathing too frequently can harm their fur and skin!
Is the owner really helpless? Actually, there are Persian cats who obediently take bubble baths! What is the secret that makes owners so relaxed and happy? First, cultivate good habits from a young age!
1. Before the kitten’s first ever bath, do not let it develop negative impressions toward water or bathing, such as splashing water on it as a prank, causing fear.
2. When bathing a cat who hates baths in a violent scene, don’t let the kitten see it!
3. Kittens exposed to water early are less likely to reject baths later. Bathing can start around two months old, but at the very least, wait until one month old.
4. About to give the first bath! Ensure the room temperature is warm, use shallow, comfortably warm water, let the kitten soak its feet first to adapt before starting.
5. Comfort and talk to the kitten throughout. Whether washing or rinsing, movements should be gentle to avoid eye irritation or nasal choking.
6. Before the first bath, the owner should rehearse the process, following principles of gentleness and speed, so the kitten has a pleasant experience and at least feels no threat.
7. Trim the cat’s nails before bathing. The owner can wear cleaning gloves to prevent scratches, close the bathroom door, and limit the cat to the bathtub, large bucket, or corner to prevent escape.
