Are there ways to clean your cat's fur aside from typical bathing?
Question:
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!
Answer:
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.
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_d...
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
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.
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 !
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.
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.
try using a waterless or powder shampoo, pre-moistened bath towelettes for pets, or give your cat a 'sponge bath' with a damp towel.
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).
More Questions & Answers...