How To Give Cats A Flea Bath? Complete Guide!
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Before You Begin
First, assemble the necessary items so that you do not have to leave your cat unsupervised in the shower or sink while you get them. You will need to have:
- Flea shampoo (make sure the one that you choose is formulated for cats)
- Multiple towels
- A flea comb
- Cotton balls
- Cat treat or toys serve as diversions.
- Two little cups or bowls: one for washing and one for fleas.
- Another person for assistance, if required
After gathering the necessary ingredients, prepare the bath. Fill the sink or tub with lukewarm water to a depth of a few inches. Running water in the presence of a cat can induce anxiety. When the tub has been filled, people have less time to predict what will occur.
Before bathing your cat, trim its claws to prevent or reduce injury to yourself. This can be done the day prior to the bath to give your cat a break from the noise. Before bathing your cat, brush its coat to eliminate as much dead hair as possible.
Giving Your Cat a Flea Bath
Follow these steps to effectively remove as many fleas as possible from your cat and to make the bath easier for both of you.
Step 1. Mix water and flea shampoo in a cup or bowl to create a soapy liquid. Put this away. If desired, lay a towel on the bathtub floor to prevent your cat from slipping on the surface. Verify that the bathtub contains a few inches of tepid water.
Step 2. When the bathtub is full, retrieve your kitty. To prevent water from entering your cat’s ear canals, stuff cotton balls into their ears.
Place your cat’s feet in the water first and allow them to adjust to the sensation. The water should be warm, but not hot, to the touch. Wet the cat’s coat using your hand or a cup dipped in water.
Continue this process until the cat’s coat is saturated, but avoid putting water on its face. Stop at the head’s crown.
Step 3. After your cat is thoroughly soaked, apply a line of flea shampoo down their back and around their neck. After the bath begins, fleas will attempt to escape to the head, but the shampoo ring around the neck will prevent this.
Except for the face, lather the shampoo gently over the entirety of the individual’s body. Give particular attention to the neck, ear backs, abdomen, tail/rump, and legs. Fleas prefer warm, dark places to hide, so be sure to lather these areas.
Step 4. After you begin to lather, fleas will begin to flee. Use the flea comb to remove them from the hair, then place them in the dish of water and flea shampoo. Let them to soak while you continue combing and lathering your kitty.
Step 5. If your cat is becoming anxious or attempting to flee, distract them with goodies or toys. Reward them with sweets and use a quiet, soothing voice to soothe them after they have calmed down.
Step 6. Rinse your kitty completely. This may need draining and refilling the tub with clean water.
If it is too frightening for your cat, you may rinse them with clean water from the tap using a cup.
If you believe that all of the shampoo has been removed from your cat, rinse them again to be certain.
Step 7. Remove your cat from the bathtub and place it on a towel. Remove the cotton balls from their ears and dry them with a separate towel.
Get their fur as dry as possible by blotting it, then placing them in a warm location while it air-dries. You may be tempted to use a hairdryer to expedite the process, but they are too loud and too hot for cats, causing them additional discomfort.
Step 8. Toss the flea-filled basin and clean the bathtub. Use hot water to wash it.
Step 9. Reward your cat with treats, a special meal (such as tuna or chicken breast), playtime, and praise.
Things to Keep in Mind
Flea baths are efficient in eliminating fleas, and some shampoos continue to prevent reinfestation long after the bath.
Nevertheless, no shampoo provides permanent protection against fleas. There is a high likelihood that fleas will return to your cat if they are present in your environment.
Ask your veterinarian about monthly flea and tick preventatives that can be applied to your cat’s skin to completely eliminate fleas.
This is a prescription medication, but while your cat is taking it, you won’t need to give it another flea bath. It can take many months to control a flea infestation, and suitable flea treatment is required for this to occur.
Why Is It Important to Remove Fleas From Cats?
Fleas cause discomfort, itching, and occasionally pain in felines. If cats are repeatedly bitten by fleas, they may develop an allergy. Constant scratching can lead to the development of infected open wounds.
As fleas bite cats and feed on their blood, a significant infestation of fleas can result in anemia, which is a loss in red blood cells. Anemia might result in health complications for your cat.
In addition, fleas can transmit tapeworm larvae. If a cat consumes an infected flea while grooming, they will become infected with tapeworms. They are also capable of transmitting infections such as Bartonella.
Cleaning Your Home
It is essential to remove fleas from your cat, but if fleas remain in your home, they can reinfest your cat. Fleas inhabit the fibers of furniture and carpet and seek out new hosts. They will find your cat, other household animals, and even humans to bite and torture.
After giving your cat a flea shampoo, you must eliminate fleas from your house.
Vacuum all floors and carpets, paying particular attention to floorboard cracks. Vacuum every piece of furniture, including beneath and between the cushions. Remove all furniture covers, bedding, and curtains in order to launder them in hot water.
If your pet’s bed is washable, you should also wash it. If not, vacuum the area as completely as possible. You may also opt to purchase a replacement.
Use a steam cleaner on floors and carpets if you have access to one.
Wash with hot, soapy water all of your cat’s food and water bowls, washable toys, and litter box.
Once your home is rid of fleas, your cat will be less likely to acquire fleas again.
Summary
Cats are notoriously averse to bathing, so giving them a flea wash may not be something you look forward to. Being prepared with the necessary supplies and a game plan might make things simpler for you and your cat.
To prevent flea baths from becoming routine, see your veterinarian about flea prevention. Keeping your cat free of fleas will prevent them from a great lot of suffering and severe sickness. Also, your home, other pets, and family members will be protected from these bothersome insects.
If you need to give your cat a flea wash, we hope you’ve gained useful information from “How to Give Cats a Flea Bath? Complete Guide!” by BestForPets (bestforpets.org).
Veterinarian (DVM)
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