What can I use to bathe a kitten?

purplegirluk1

Hi, I have searched the forum and havn't been able to find the thread I was looking for. I am sure that someone mentioned how they bathed their cat? My kitten had an upset tummy last night and I wanted to give her a bath to stop her being smelly! I'm sure someone mentioned using a particular type of shampoo? Not a cat shampoo but a normal one? Any help would be brilliant!!

I have never bathed a cat before so any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Fran

Wear a scratch-proof suit all over! Cats don't like water. :eek: (Sorry don't know about the shampoo.)

Pink.

As Fran says, bathing a cat is not a fun experience for the cat or the person. Cats are usually very clean and perhaps she may be best left to sort it out for herself.

I have read somewhere that if you really do want to use shampoo, its best to use a very mild baby shampoo. Personally I'd leave well alone, or just use warm water.

Good Luck!

Pink

Magentasue

I'd leave her be, she'll clean herself. Bathing cats is best reserved for when they have something toxic that needs washing off - you could sponge the worst with any well diluted shampoo. Honestly, I wouldn't do it - she'll hate it!

squeaky

In most cases just a dip in warm water and gentle rubbing with fingertips will clear things away, and then you just need to gently rub the kitten as dry as possible and let them finish off the grooming process somewhere warm.

If you really have to use a shampoo then it does need to be one approved for kittens.

Avogirly

Perhaps you could try baby wet wipes and just hold her and gently wipe her with it?

apprentice_tycoon

I'd just dab her with a warm damp cloth then rub her in a towel

purplegirluk1

I think you guys are right about the full bath, perhaps I wont go that far right now. I will have a go putting her in the sink and just use a cloth and some soapy water. I hope that this works as she still smells!

I have been reading up batheing and it does say that baths should be given sparingly as they break down natural oils in the skin so I will try to avoid this at the moment. Thanks for all the help!

Katgoddess

I have also used wet wipes to clean my cat when he got muck on him. Better than the alternative of scratches.

However there are full instructions here.

se999

It could be worth giving the vet's surgery a ring, and get their advice. If she's still ill she might not be able to cope with a bath, also get their advice as to how long before she needs to see a vet, kittens can get very weak very quickly.

If you must try without asking the vet first. Just use a warm damp cloth to clean her coat with, I'd recommend doing only the worst bits so that she doesn't get damp all over. Dry immediately after and keep her warm and dry.

Alfietinker

You may find she dissapears when the time comes - they have an uncanny knack of knowing when something nasty is about to happen!

I concur with the above and would only bath if absolutely nessecary. We've sometimes had to 'spot clean' with a damp cloth but no more. Even when kitty explored the sooty chimney :rolleyes:

Cats will sometimes smell from time to time but rarely for long - they are very clean creatures. To get them smelling nice let them sleep in the washing! They wake up smelling of lavendar and camomile