Cats and bath: like water and oil

CATS and water are like water and oil. But cat experts at Pet Food Institute believe pet owners have the magic touch to win their pet’s trust even in the face of, well, water.

"Regular baths can be more fun by putting safe toys in the pet's tub. It might seem like torture to pets at first try but the friendship that has formed will eventually pay off," they said.

According to Purina, a company that makes products for cats, felines don't usually need a bath except on rare occasions when they get really dirty, had been exposed to chemicals or for medical reasons. If you must bathe a cat, here are a couple of tips on how to do it from Purina and us:

• Buy a mild, unperfumed cat or kitten shampoo. Do not use human shampoo on cats because they have different pH levels.

• Fill a tub, sink or pail with just enough warm (not hot) water to wash your cat.
• Lather the cat with only a small amount of shampoo (avoid the eyes).
• Be as quick but thorough as possible. Rinse the soaped areas well.
  
• If cats find bathing frightening, they may bite or scratch. Do not engage in a physical struggle but whisper calming words instead. Your calm energy will help your cat relax.
• After soaping and rinsing, your cat will want to vigorously shake off the excess water. Give it some space to do this, but watch it all the time.
  
• When it starts licking its wet body, it's time for you to help it get dry by rubbing your cat from head to toe with a towe.
• If you have more than one cat, this may be a time when inter-cat conflict breaks out. Separate your bathed cats until they are calm, then rub all cats with the same towel to distribute the scents.
• Dry your cat or cats in a warm room and don't let them go outside until they are completely dry. Most cats will be frightened of hairdryers unless used to them from an early age (show cats)

---