Cat Lovers Community Team
If your cat normally follows you around the house, this is just a normal part of her keeping tabs on you. Your veterinarian can help you with product recommendations, but you’ll generally want to look for brands that are specifically formulated for cats or dogs and follow the directions for shampooing on the label. Plus, most animals are scared of the noise, which may put a damper on the end of an otherwise positive bath time experience. A cat is stressed and upset and doesn’t know why exactly and it’s easier and more natural for them to take it out on the nearest cat.
For cats that need more attention and reassurance than average, this can be a little upsetting for them. For breeds with double coats that shed (such as Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds), you can brush your pet while he is shampooed to help remove some of the excess undercoat, but for all other breeds, make sure your pet is as dry as possible after the bath and before brushing, Robles said. We broke one cat of the habit by switching to an opaque shower curtain so she couldn’t see us anymore (and ignoring her cries), so that’s another option. It’s been a week now since Cornelius’ bath and fortunately they are now back to normal best friends.
Water that’s too hot or too cold will create a negative stimulus for your pet, which may turn them off of bath time for the long haul. For many medical conditions, from fungal infections to allergies, a bath with a medicated shampoo can be a treatment option, but Diesel said owners should be confident in their ability to safely bathe their pet first. Don’t automatically grab your own shampoo—even if it’s an “all-natural” solution or a mild baby shampoo, Robles says.
Is it okay to let your cat air dry after a bath?
There are no particular rules to drying your cat after a bath, but you can work to make the process as seamless as possible.
