At a certain point in time, all owners are interested in the question: how are cats washed? This hygienic procedure is the basis of grooming. The skin and coat of the animal must be kept clean. Washing is the only way to achieve this.
What kind of people want to see their favorite? Of course, the appearance of a cat is determined by the state of its coat. Well, if she looks well-groomed and not confused. But cat owners often ask numerous questions about caring for animals. Most often they try to learn how to wash a cat.
Shampoo
Shampoo with a good washing base should have a slightly alkaline environment. Only then will he perfectly cope with his task, removing fatty and other impurities. Detergents intended for humans are not suitable for baleen pets, as their pH is slightly acidic. The “human” shampoo will not cope with the task and will leave traces of irritation on the animal’s body: dandruff, drying out and brittle hair. But the means intended specifically for four-legged pets, perfectly cleanse the skin and coat.
How often can I bathe a cat? Depending on the environment and breed, the animal is washed from one to several times a year. Dry shampoo is an interesting and practical solution for cats that do not allow themselves to bathe. Funds are available in the form of powders and foams that do not need to be washed off with water. It is enough to distribute them throughout the animal’s hair.
Air conditioning
So that after water procedures the hairline is not confused and has the appearance characteristic of the breed, it is worth rinsing the coat with air conditioning. It has a lower pH value, so it has a number of positive effects:
- It neutralizes the alkaline environment of shampoo.
- Restores the natural pH value of the skin.
- Protects hairs from excessive evaporation of water by enveloping them.
- Creates long-lasting protection against static electricity.
After using the conditioning agent, wool is easier to comb and style in different hairstyles. Both cosmetics must be released under the same brand and have the same series in order to be guaranteed to be compatible. There is no certainty that shampoo for cats and conditioner of different brands perfectly complement each other.
Features of the use of shampoo and conditioner
Modern conditioning and shampoo for cats require dilution with water before use. Otherwise, the duration of water procedures will increase along with the costs of detergents. The fact is that the concentrated composition is problematic to evenly distribute throughout the body of the animal and rinse thoroughly. But breeding shampoo with water enhances the ability to bind fat and other contaminants.
How to wash cats with universal compounds (shampoo + conditioner)? An analogy can be made with products intended for people: do you often find such gels that do a great job of washing and conditioning? After their use, there is often a feeling of not completely washed hair, difficulties with combing and lack of the desired shine. The problem is that in such a “mixture” the ratio of shampoo and conditioner must be selected very accurately. To achieve such a balance is not easy even in our age of high technology. Therefore, professionals in this field choose individual products - shampoo and conditioner in different tubes.
Preparation for washing
Before washing a mustachioed pet, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory measures:
- In separate vessels dilute with water conditioner and shampoo. Small plastic bottles are great for this purpose.
- Adjust the water temperature. After that, do not turn off the shower.
- Prepare and place towels nearby.
- Remove all beating and other dangerous objects (it is not known what reaction the pet will have to this procedure).
- Prepare everything necessary for drying a mustachioed pet: comb, hair dryer, massage brushes, special lotion and slip.
Bathing kitten
Speaking to the cat in a gentle tone, lower it into the bath and water it abundantly. Try to moisten it as best as possible. Apply shampoo and soap for 2-3 minutes, performing massaging movements. Wash off the foam under running water until all traces of the cleaning agent disappear.
The procedure is repeated. This must be done for everyone, and especially for adults. In the first application, only the top layer of dirt and grease is removed, and in the second, the remaining particles are removed. You can do this with the same detergent or take a special shampoo with the effect of adjusting the color or emphasizing the texture, which is important for animals preparing for exhibitions.
How to wash a cat to get rid of dirt as much as possible? Evenly distribute the shampoo throughout the body, paying particular attention to the paws and inguinal region.
Face wash
Usually cats resist when trying to wash their face. To avoid causing the animal even more stress, it can be washed with a cosmetic sponge. They put shampoo on it (it’s good if it is a means that does not irritate the eyes) and create a foam. The face is washed with soaking movements, not forgetting about the folds of the skin in the lips and nose of the Persians and other exotic breeds. The product is washed off with a new sponge moistened with water. Make sure that no traces of foam remain on the face.
After this, it is necessary to repeat the procedure already using a conditioning agent. When choosing, they are guided by the type of hairstyle that the cat plans to do. The protein base allows you to achieve the effect of styling volume, and the vegetable helps to weight the coat so that it fits nicely to the body.
The conditioner is washed off, and the excess water from the wool is squeezed out by hand. The remnants of the product on the body perfectly nourish the coat. After this, the pets are wrapped in a towel and carried in a dry and warm room.
Furaminator device
The furaminator is arranged quite simply. The appearance of the product resembles a shaving machine. The difference lies in the fact that instead of sharp blades, he has a special comb, which is designed to collect lost hair. Its width is selected depending on the breed of the cat.
Another important component of the device is a specially shaped handle covered with a rubber layer. The procedure for removing dead hair takes a lot of energy and can be dangerous for owners of violent animals. Therefore, when working with the device, it is important how it sits in the hand. The anatomical handle allows you to avoid unwanted stress on the wrist.
The button for quick cleaning of the product is one of the convenient additions. Not every furminator for cats has it. Nevertheless, those devices that are equipped with them allow you to remove the collected wool in one motion, saving time and effort.
Advantages of the Furminator
This pet hair care device has a number of positive qualities that distinguish it from a simple comb:
- Collection and removal of up to 95% of hair loss on the body of a pet. As a result, long-haired cats practically cease to burp the wool eaten as a result of licking.
- The procedure for removing excess hair occurs almost without causing discomfort to the four-legged pet. This makes it possible to accustom even adult cats to it.
- The outer hair does not get damaged. The cat nose finisher captures only the old out-of-hair falling out of hair. In pets with a small thickness of hair, the incidence of tangles and pressure sores decreases.
- Work with the product is possible without prior preparation, which makes it feasible in the home. Any host after applying the host will immediately see the result. The comb is designed to prevent injury to the animal or owner.
- Removing the falling out undercoat improves air exchange on the skin surface, and natural fat secretions are evenly distributed over the entire length of the hair.
Types of providers and selection criteria
Having learned how cats are washed, it is worth considering such a grooming device as a furminator. Product selection is recommended in accordance with the following criteria:
- Do you need to care for the hair of a cat living with you? Not all members of the family need this device. Usually it is not used for pets without undercoat (Devon Rex, Balinese, Sphinx, etc.). Do not use a furminator to remove hair loss in cats that have skin or coat diseases.
- Choosing the optimal size of the furminator. There are several standard product groups that differ in scallop width. Very small (33 mm) designed for kittens, puppies and rodents. Small (33 - 45 mm) is suitable for cats weighing up to 6 kg. Medium (70 mm) is the most common because it is used for cats heavier than 6 kg and dogs weighing up to 20 kg. Large (100 mm) can be used for the largest cats and dogs up to 40 kg. Very large (120-130 mm) is designed for artiodactyl and huge dogs.
- Ergonomic handle and the presence of a cleaning button. It is no secret that such additions will directly affect the cost of the product. Before buying, be sure to hold it in your hand and make sure that the button is working. Only after that make the decision to purchase a specific furminator.
- Manufacturers The industry produces a large number of device models that have both similarities and differences. Some of them are produced by well-known brands, which require an appropriate price for high quality. Lesser-known manufacturers do not always offer good products for little money. Among the cheap ones there is a lot of counterfeit and low-quality copies of expensive analogues. Before buying, it is recommended to read the reviews of the owners.
Using a Furminator
The process of working with the product should be carried out in accordance with the following instructions:
- Remove traces of dirt and grease from the cat’s coat. How to bathe pets, discussed above.
- After water procedures, it is imperative to wipe and dry the cat's hairline.
- Reassure an animal that has survived the stress of washing. This can be achieved by affectionate treatment, delicious treats, as well as maintaining a temporary pause between treatments.
- Remove existing tangles using a special tool.
- They work as a furminator slowly, gently guiding them effortlessly in the direction of wool growth.
Using a hairdryer
Longhair cats need a hair dryer after washing. It avoids the hypothermia of a wet animal. The device should be turned on at the minimum speed and do not hold a stream of hot air for a long time over one part of the body. Never point him at the cat's face. Do not try to dry your pet completely, especially when he is trying to finish the procedure as soon as possible.
So, we figured out how cats are washed. You can begin to water procedures for your pet. Do not too often arrange water procedures for cats, because they cause them severe stress.