How do I get my cat accustomed to being bathed?

Cats usually bathe themselves, but sometimes a medical condition will bring an owner and his pet to that dreaded moment at the edge of the tub. Not many cats volunteer for a soap and water bath, so it takes patience and planning to adapt a cat to getting wet.

Introducing an older cat to a bath can be difficult, so it’s best to practice when your pet is young. Start by protecting your kitten’s ears with cotton and laying a towel or rubber mat on the bottom of the tub so she has something to grasp. Then let the cat stand in the tub while you rinse warm water over her gently. It’s the equivalent of giving the cat a shower.

Make sure to rinse your cat thoroughly – leftover shampoo in her coat could irritate her skin.

&ndash Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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