Stray cats can be the sweetest creatures and also the most dangerous ones. Maybe not the most dangerous ones, but they can be quite the work sometimes. If you want to avoid getting bitten or scratched by them but still want to help by feeding them and washing them, you should be careful. They may or may not be sociable since some animals learn the hard way not to trust any human. That’s why you must not only be careful but patient with them. After all, they don’t always know that you mean no harm.
So, how to wash a stray cat? The best way to wash a stray cat is by slowly testing how much comfortable they are with being handled. You can do this with a towel. Then, you should see if cat bath clothes will do, or if they really need a full bath. If so, then you should use a few tricks to make the cat more comfortable. Also, don’t forget to use a method that’ll kill fleas.
Now, when it comes to washing stray cats, the tricky part is about getting them to not freak out and make your skin a work of art. So, ideally, it’s best that you have some experience handling cats already. If the cat freaks out, you can’t freak out too.
You also need to know how to place them in the sink, basin, or bathtub. It’s important to also know the temperature of the water and learn to finish cleaning the cat fast. Also, be careful when touching scars or cuts.
So, if you want a guide on how to wash a stray cat easily and quickly, just read everything. It’s easier than you think.
Get The Cat Used With Being Handled
The first thing that you have to do is to get the cat used to being handled. The reason is that cats, especially stray cats, are hard to wash because they freak out when you handle them. They can feel the ground until you place them in the basin or sink. Then, they’re can’t stand up straight due to the wet surface.
That’s why you should get the cat used to being handled. The best way to do this is to get a towel. This will get the cat used to the towel and will protect you against scratches. Most of the times cats freak out while being handled and make a big mess. Not only that but the stress makes them fear water even more.
So, make sure to get the cat used to the towel. You can do this for 5 minutes. This is usually enough to get the cat to calm down and stay still while you’re taking him to the sink. Once you get the cat used to being handled, you’re ready for the next step.
Get A Basin With Lukewarm Water
You can wash the stray cat in your bath or sink, but ideally, you would wash him in a basin. It’s more hygienic for you and more comfortable for the cat. You can get any kind of basin as long as it’s resistant and large enough to accommodate the cat. If the basin is too small, the cat will be uncomfortable the whole time, and he’ll definitely splash a ton of water on the floor.
Now, once you have a large enough basin for the cat, you to fill it with lukewarm water. Cats have higher body temperatures than use, which means that the best thing is to not fill it with cold water. Also, make sure that the water is not too hot. All of this helps a lot with making the cat comfortable.
So, make sure to fill the basin with water at a comfortable temperature for the cat. Stray cats usually take a while to trust you. That’s why it’s important to not traumatize them otherwise you may never get them to trust you again.
Cat Shampoo Is A Must
You can’t talk about how to wash a stray cat without mentioning the shampoo. It’s important to have a shampoo to make sure that the cat will actually be thoroughly washed. If you have cats at home, there’s a good chance that you already have them. It’s a good idea to use anti-flea shampoo. Stray cats are likely to be infested with fleas, so it’s important to use something to kill them all.
Usually, you apply the shampoo and wait 5 minutes for it to start working. This means that only after the 5 minutes you’re supposed to rinse the cat. This is important because the shampoo takes a while to completely kill all the fleas. The good news is that after that they’ll all fall on the basin as you rinse the cat.
So, make sure to use anti-flea shampoo for cats. If you don’t already know a premium quality one, you must get one. First of all, they actually work, and they don’t have chemicals that are harmful to the cat’s skin and coat. The TevraPet Actispot II Flea Prevention is the best anti-flea topical treatment for cats, you can check it out here.
Place A Towel On The Bottom Of The Basin
Now, it’s time for an expert tip. Cats usually freak out during a bath because they can firmly stand up. They continuously try to stand on their feet without slipping, which doesn’t happen. The secret is to place a towel on the bottom of the basin, sink, or bath. The towel will allow the cat to stand upright, and he won’t freak out that he’s constantly slipping. This is the perfect method to have them relax during the bath.
You must be patient. It takes a while for a cat to be completely comfortable around you, but they can sense your energy. Somehow, they know you’re doing something good for them. Also, if you go the cat used to being handled, there’s a good chance that he’ll be calm and quiet at this stage.
So, make sure to place a towel on the bottom of the basin. It’ll make more comfortable for the cat and way easier for you while washing him. Just make sure that he and the towel fit in the basin.
Get The Hair Dryer Ready
Once you finish washing the stray cat, it’s a good idea to use a hairdryer. That’s why it’s also a good idea to have the hairdryer ready for this. Remember that the best ones are the hairdryers made for pets. They reach temperatures that are comfortable for them. The ones that we use in humans can burn the skin a bit. Always be careful not to get too close.
You can use a towel to make him a bit dryer, but then, make sure to use the hairdryer. This way he won’t get cold due to the outside temperature. The hairdryer for pets will get the job one within minutes and you can finally release him back to the streets if that was the plan.
So, always use a hairdryer for pets whenever you can. They get the job done much faster, and they won’t hurt the cat under any circumstance. It may even make the whole experience more fun for them. The hairdryer is something that you can get of any quality. It has to be a good one. The YaeCCC Portable Dog Cat Pet Grooming Dryer is excellent for cats. Make sure to get yours here.
Remember To Finish With A Brush
Finally, remember to finish with a brush. This is great to help a shedding cat. It will make him much more lightly and less stressed. It also helps maintain what you’ve just done for a longer period. This is likely enough to get you to do it. Even when cats don’t have excessive hair, it’s a good idea to finish a bath with a brush.
All you have to do is to use the brush in all his body, and repeat it twice. Then, you can consider it done. Just avoid putting any kind of perfume on the cat. It may irritate their skins, noses, and it’s not great for a stray cat. So, just don’t do it at all.
The brush can be any of those made for cats. It always a good idea to get a good one. This means a handle and a head that isn’t made of cheap material. Anything that will also not hurt the cat’s skin when you’re brushing him. The Furminator for Cats is one of the highest-rated brushes for cats. Take a look at this great item here.
Final Thoughts
So, this is how to wash a stray cat. As you can see, it’s only hard if you don’t know the tricks. If you make sure to get the cat used to being handled, place a towel on the bottom, and use a pet blow dryer you can get it wrong. You can finally wash as many cats as you want, and you’ll notice that they enjoy the bath way more than before.
