Most cats may not be outdoors rolling in mud like dogs, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get into dirty messes now and again. While cats are usually diligent self-groomers, they may start to neglect this task as they get older or if they’re not feeling well. In those circumstances, their owners will need to step in and help keep their cats clean.
Since most cats aren’t the biggest fans of water, you might be looking for alternative methods of bathing. In this article, we’ll teach you how to give a cat a bath without water in 6 simple steps. Read on to learn what materials you’ll need and what methods are most effective.
Before You Start
Before attempting any type of potentially stressful task, including bathing, make sure you and your cat are both in the right headspace. Ensure your cat is calm, relaxed, and not hungry or tired. Don’t try to bathe your cat if you’re stressed or hungry yourself because your cat may sense your mood and be less cooperative.
Preparation
When you’re ready to bathe your cat without water, here are the supplies you’ll need to gather:
Take your supplies and your cat into a quiet, familiar room, and make sure the kitty is relaxed before you get started.
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How To Bathe Your Cat Without Water
1. Make Your Cat Comfortable
To make the bathing process as stress-free as possible, allow your cat to get comfortable first.
If your cat loves to sit in your lap, place a towel down and let your cat snuggle in, petting them until they seem calm. Other cats might be more comfortable sitting on the floor, on their bed, on a cat tree, or on a counter.
Wherever their safe space might be, let your cat get comfy before moving on to the next step.
2. Bathe Your Cat With Cleaning Wipes
Pet-safe cleaning wipes are one of two types of commercial products that you can use to bathe your cat without water. Most cats dislike strong scents so try to pick a fragrance-free wipe for the best results.
Gently wipe your cat with your chosen product, paying particular attention to areas like the rear or belly that may be soiled with urine or feces. Move slowly as you wipe your cat, making it seem like you are petting or scratching them.
If your cat seems nervous or tries to move away, take a break for some reassuring treats or a chin rub.
3. Bathe Your Cat With Waterless Shampoo
Waterless shampoos are usually foam or spray products designed to clean your cat without needing to be rinsed out. Many different versions are available but again, try to find one without a strong scent.
If your cat is sensitive to noise, the sound of the spray or foam may make them nervous. Consider wetting a cloth ahead of time or squirting some foam into a bowl to use. Apply the waterless shampoo to your cat according to the directions on the product label.
Use your hands or a brush to work the waterless shampoo into your cat’s fur. Wipe off any extra product with a cloth.
4. Clean Your Cat’s Face Separately
Take extra care when cleaning your cat’s face, especially around their eyes and mouth. Use a clean wipe or cloth soaked in waterless shampoo for the process. Carefully wipe your cat’s face, avoiding contact with their eyes.
The area around your cat’s mouth, especially their chin, can get particularly grungy from eating wet food. Pay extra attention to these locations as you clean.
To help your cat tolerate this part of the bath, use your free hand to pet or scratch their face while cleaning with the other. This will distract your cat while at the same time helping hold their face steady for easier wiping.
5. Reward Your Cat For Their Cooperation
Once the waterless bath is complete, reward your cat with treats, catnip, or playtime to help them build positive associations with the process. Offering periodic treats during the bath is ideal as well and may help keep your cat calm and interested in their bath.
6. Bathe Your Cat Only When Necessary
Bathing your cat too frequently, even without water, could dry out their skin and coat. Many shampoos and wipes interfere with the natural oils your cat produces to keep their skin moisturized. Without them, your cat’s skin may become itchy, flaky, and uncomfortable.
Instead of frequent baths, keep your cat’s coat in good condition by brushing regularly, especially for long-haired breeds. You can also use wipes to spot-clean your cat’s face or rear versus performing a full waterless bath.
What If My Cat Needs a Full Water Bath?
In some cases, you may have no choice but to give your cat a full water bath, for example, if they are suffering a skin condition such as ringworm.
If you do, many of the same principles apply that we discussed for bathing without water. Make sure you work slowly, stay calm, and reward your cat with treats to keep the experience as positive as possible.
Other tips that can make your cat’s bath go more smoothly include:
Having another person the cat knows and trusts on hand to assist you may also make the bathing process easier.
Conclusion
While it is possible to bathe a cat with water, especially if you introduce the concept early in a kitten’s life, the process can be stressful for both you and your kitty. Bathing your cat without water can help keep them clean and smelling sweet with (hopefully) less hassle. With patience and plenty of treats, a waterless bath can even turn into a favorite routine and an opportunity to bond with your cat.
Featured Image Credit: Irina Borodovskaya, Shutterstock
