Water, as with all things in your cat's world, is OK—as long as she gets it on her own terms. Some cats are fascinated by water, experimenting with dripping faucets and even entering the shower. If you put a cat in water, you might be doing your own adaptation of the shower scene from Psycho as well.
Why wouldn't a cat guzzle water?
Nobody knows for certain. Some behaviorists believe this is because the domesticated cat's ancestors arrived in dry regions of Africa with minimal exposure to water. In other words, today's felines did not inherit water-related traits. But it has absolutely nothing to do with their inability to swim; they can routinely dog paddle with their canine companions.
Can cats be showered?
Cats are meticulous groomers. According to some estimates, cats can spend up to 40% of their time cleaning themselves. As a result, you may never have to bathe your cat. Cats, on the other hand, can't always groom themselves well. Some regions of the body may be difficult to reach for elderly, arthritis-prone, or overweight cats. Cats who are ill or unhappy may reduce their grooming as well. If your cat isn't cleaning the way she used to, take her to the doctor to rule out any medical issues. In some situations, your veterinarian may advise you to use a medicinal shampoo to address diseases, including sensitive skin conditions and bacteria or yeast infections.
How do I calm my cat down for a bath?
1 - Before bathing
Acclimatize to the environment. To make your cat more happy with water, try introducing them to the tub many weeks before such a bath so she can become accustomed to the environment. Fill an empty bathtub or sink with toys, catnip, or treats to help your cat form good associations with the environment. You can cover the tub with spreadable treats for your cat to eat, such squeeze cheeses, whip cream, and fish paste. Fill the bathtub with an additional inch of warm water and spread toys all through the bath once the cat is comfortable playing and eating goodies in the wash basin or tub. Motivate your cat to use the toys and reward her with praise and food when she does. Prepare everything before bathing the cat. Make sure you have everything you need. This contains cat-specific shampoo, snacks, and toys; a warm towel; a plastic container for dumping water on the cat; a quasi-surface, like a rubber liner; as well as a bath mat or towels to place in the wash basin or tub for the cat to sit on. Create a relaxing atmosphere. Keep sounds to a minimum by closing the door. Maintain your cool and talk softly. Instead of using the spray attachment, rinse the cat with cups of water. The cat will be stressed if you are!
2 - During the bath
Employ only the bare minimum of restraint and good distractions. Avoid scratching and squeezing your cat. Instead, be nice, pay attention to your cat's body posture, and provide pleasant distractions such as a unique, rich, and creamy treat and/or a wand toy. Take extra precautions not to spray your face or get water in your ears or eyes. Washing the whiskers should be avoided. Many of a cat's sensory receptors are located on its whiskers, and it's normal for cats to dislike having these receptors scratched by water, food, and dirt. To avoid skin sensitivity, fully rinse the shampoo.
3 - After the bathing
Dry with a towel. Carefully remove your cat from the water and quickly wrap it in a warm towel to dry; alternatively, if your cat prefers not to be handled, let the water drain and towels dry within the tub. The cat will dry spontaneously in a few hours, so keep them warm and away from draughts during that time. Finish with a cat hug or play session, followed by your cat's favorite treat!
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