Cats are natural groomers who always want to stay clean. However, it doesn’t mean that they don’t appreciate a helping hand. From removing loose hair to clipping their nails, there are times when pet owners need to step in.
But that’s not all. There are a lot of things to consider when cleaning your cat. Every inch of its body must be given the same amount of care. When done well, cats become healthy and happy.
With that, this guide aims to help you know how to clean your cat so you can help your best friend become the happiest they can be.
What Are the Benefits of Cleaning Your Cat?
But before that, let’s first explore why cleaning your cat is so important. Here are the benefits of regular cat grooming:
Maintains Skin and Coat Health
A cat’s skin is sensitive, which means issues such as dandruff, dryness, and other skin conditions can bring trouble. Regularly cleaning your cat can help remove dirt, debris, loose hair, and other allergens that might lead to some uncomfortable allergic reactions.
Cats also have thick fur, which can sometimes hide several issues. Keeping your cat’s skin and coat healthy allows you to do a quick check on its condition. You can identify areas of irritation, inflammation, and hair loss.
Reduces Shedding and Hairballs
Cats constantly shed hair, especially during seasonal changes. That loose hair often ends up on your clothes, furniture, floors, and many other inconvenient areas. But most of all, these can get inside your cat’s digestive tract when they groom themselves.
This leads to hairballs, which can cause some serious gastrointestinal issues. Through the simple act of regular brushing and grooming, you can effectively remove dead hair and spread natural oils across your cat’s body. Less fur buildup means fewer messes, maximizing comfort.
Prevents Parasites and Infections
External parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites thrive in a cat’s skin and coat. These parasites feed on your cat’s blood and dander, bringing with them some destructive diseases. They can also transmit several pathogens, which can lead to bacterial and fungal infections.
Ear mites are a common enemy, as they can cause immense pain, irritation, and itching. An easy way to prevent this is by regularly cleaning your cat. This helps remove parasites easily while also avoiding the risk of infections.
Reduces Bad Odors
Cleaning dirty fur, ears, and paws can remove some unpleasant odors. This helps cats stay fresh and pleasant for cuddles. Additionally, strong odors usually signal some significant issues, so taking care of the smell will eventually mean dealing with the problem.
Improves Your Cat’s Behavior
Cats often act out when they’re uncomfortable. A period of matted fur, itchy ears, and dirty skin can lead to stress and anxiety. Stressed cats are more likely to scratch their skin, hide under sofas, or act out aggressively.
When you clean your cat, you’re also making sure they are physically and emotionally comfortable. Their behavior drastically improves when they’re not dealing with the constant pain and irritation.
Creates a Strong Bond
Trust is everything in a cat-to-owner relationship. Gentle grooming tells your cat that you care about them and you want to keep them comfortable. It’s an activity that becomes a shared routine, a quiet interaction that strengthens your connection with one another.
Vet Tips: How to Clean Your Cat
Now that we know its importance, we can proceed to the steps on how to clean a cat. The steps are ordered from dry to wet procedures, making sure your cat stays comfortable all throughout.
Step 1: Brush the Coat
Cleaning cat hair starts with brushing. It’s a simple routine that removes loose hair, debris, and tangles. The first step is to choose a brush that suits your cat’s coat. It all depends on what its coat type is. Here’s a quick guide:
Coat Type | Brushes/Combs |
|---|---|
Short | Rubber Brush Bristle Brush |
Long | Slicker Brush Metal Comb |
Choose a quiet time when your cat is relaxed. Introduce the brush slowly and begin with gentle strokes along the back and sides of their body. Once you’ve gotten them used to it, move to the belly, chest, legs, and tail.
Be extra gentle and don’t pull too hard. Make sure your cat is comfortable all throughout the process. A session of 5 to 10 minutes is plenty and enough to do this. Finish with a cat treat or praise to reinforce the routine.
Brushing should be done about 2 to 3 times a week for short-haired cats, while daily for long-haired cats.
Step 2: Trim the Nails
Trimming your cat’s nails helps prevent overgrowth and scratching, which can prevent injuries and accidents. It’s best to trim claws after brushing, as it’s likely when your cat is calm and can tolerate the handling.
To get started, make sure you have cat-safe nail clippers available. You can choose from a variety of types, such as:
Scissor-style clippers
Guillotine-style clippers
Cat-specific clippers
Feel free to use what’s best for you and your cat, just make sure to avoid clippers meant for humans. Aside from the clippers themselves, have styptic powder or cornstarch nearby in case you accidentally cut the sensitive part of their nails. This is called the quick, the pinkish area of the nails.
We recommend finding a quiet place for the process. Keep your cat wrapped in a soft towel to keep them still. Hold one paw and gently press on the pad to extend the claws. Only trim the sharp tip and stay away from the pink area.
The process can take time as cats may become stressed. Make sure to take breaks and provide rewards for each paw completed. Nail trimming should be done every 3 to 4 weeks, or as needed.
Step 3: Wipe the Paws
After the nails have been trimmed, it’s time to wipe the paws. This step is fairly simple, as you only have to prepare a soft, damp cloth or pet-safe wipes. Use these to gently wipe away the paw pads and areas between the toes to remove dirt and debris.
Step 4: Clean the Ears
Next, let’s clean the ears. This is a fundamental step in preventing wax buildup, irritation, and ear infections. Many cats need this as the ear is prone to moisture buildup, a condition favored by pathogens.
Use a vet-approved cleaning solution along with some cotton balls or gauze for the job. Don’t use cotton swabs as they can push debris deeper in the ear and even damage the ear canal. Just like for every process, ear cleaning should be done in a quiet place.
Lift one ear and squeeze a few drops of the ear cleaner into the ear canal. For some cats, we recommend wrapping them with a towel as they might get startled by the application of the cleaning solution.
Massage the base of the ear for 10 to 15 seconds to soften up the dirt and debris. After, you can now use the cotton balls or gauze to wipe the ears. Repeat the process on the other ear and be sure to check for any signs of redness or irritation during the entire cleaning routine.
Knowing how to clean your cat’s ears is a fundamental step in the grooming process. For most cats, regular ear cleaning at home can be done once every month, but it all depends on your cat’s condition.
Step 5: Wipe the Eyes
Cleaning your cat’s eyes helps prevent irritation, tear stains, and mild infections. This is helpful for cats who have flatter faces or watery eyes. To know how to clean your cat’s eyes, start by gathering the necessary materials.
You’ll need a soft, damp cloth or cotton balls with warm water. You can also use a vet-approved eye rinsing solution. Never use soap, as this can irritate your cat’s eyes.
Start by keeping your cat stable and comfortable. Start at the inner corner of the eye and gently wipe outward, following the direction of the flow of tears. Use soft strokes slowly and never press against the eyes. If there is any crusting, then hold the damp pad in place for a few seconds.
Repeat on the second eye and always check for signs of eye infections and other issues. A cat’s eyes should be checked once every week, and cleaning can be done as needed.
Step 6: Brush the Teeth
Regular brushing helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, avoiding gum disease, bad breath, and many dental problems. To get started, use a cat-specific toothbrush or a finger brush, and always use vet-approved cat toothpaste.
After keeping your cat comfortable, gently lift their lip and brush in small, circular motions along the gumline. Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth. Do this slowly and gently to help your cat get used to it.
Once your cat has calmed down, you can proceed to the other parts of the teeth and finish the process. Cleaning your cat’s teeth should be done daily, but 2 to 3 times a week is also a good option.
Step 7: Bathe Your Cat
This last step is optional and not generally required, especially since cats seldom need baths. However, it’s still good to bathe your cat if they have become very dirty or messy. This is also recommended for cats who are experiencing skin problems and need a medicated bath.
Since bathing can be stressful for cats, this step is usually done last after all the other procedures. To wash your cat, start by gathering the necessities: a cat-specific shampoo, a handheld sprayer, a non-slip mat, and some towels. If you don’t have a sprayer, then use a cup.
Place the mat on the bathing area and gently spray your cat with water. If you don’t have it, fill a sink or tub that fits your cat with water. Place the non-slip mat or towel on it. This gives them a place to grip on when they get stressed or startled.
Here, you can use the sprayer or cup to pour water all over its body except the head. Once it’s soaked, lather the shampoo on your cat’s body and fur. Next, you can now rinse away the shampoo entirely. This is how you can clean your cat’s hair.
After rinsing, place your cat on a towel and dry them thoroughly. We recommend wrapping them and pat drying, as rubbing might be stressful for them. If they tolerate it, use a hair dryer with the lowest heat setting possible.
For the final step, give them a quiet place to relax and a few treats to improve their mood. Remember, bathing should only be done when needed or as advised by our vets.
“A healthy cat isn’t just clean, it’s cared for and loved.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clean your cat starts with getting used to the basics. By consistently following a smart routine, you can make this activity a way to bond with your cat and protect it from several skin issues. You’re building trust and protection, all in one go.
If you need help, then our vets will provide all the advice and services you need to get started. Preventive care is always the best option.
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