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24 Feb 2004
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kitten bath
I have a 3 week old kitten at home, which I just got of the streets.
He does not smell very good, and I was wondering if there is a kind of shampoo I can use to wash him.
I don't want to use just any pet shampoo, as it may be to strong for such a small kitten.
What can I use, and how should I go about this.
He does not smell very good, and I was wondering if there is a kind of shampoo I can use to wash him.
I don't want to use just any pet shampoo, as it may be to strong for such a small kitten.
What can I use, and how should I go about this.
CyberVet
Hi Jean
At 3 weeks old I suggest you use something very mild like baby shampoo (e.g. Johnsons - no more tears), unless you go and get some special kitten shampoo from your vet. Use very little shampoo and lots of water to rinse it off. You could try using just water. Remember to use a rubber mitt to brush the kitten before bathing. It is easier to do this if there are two of you - one to hold the kitten and the other to manage the shampoo and water. The kitchen sink is the best place to bath a cat. Have the shampoo and towel ready. It is easier if you have a spray nozzle on the tap so you can spray down your kitten with lukewarm water, rub in some shampoo and then spray it off. Otherwise use a jug. You may need to wrap your kitten in a cloth or towel while you bath him, to prevent him from escaping, washing one part at a time. Try to be confident and quick. In future I suggest you avoid bathing and just brush your cat as this is more beneficial. He will need to be shown how to groom himself as he has not got the benefit of a mother to teach him.
Karen Gray-Kilfoil
ANIMAL BEHAVIOURIST
At 3 weeks old I suggest you use something very mild like baby shampoo (e.g. Johnsons - no more tears), unless you go and get some special kitten shampoo from your vet. Use very little shampoo and lots of water to rinse it off. You could try using just water. Remember to use a rubber mitt to brush the kitten before bathing. It is easier to do this if there are two of you - one to hold the kitten and the other to manage the shampoo and water. The kitchen sink is the best place to bath a cat. Have the shampoo and towel ready. It is easier if you have a spray nozzle on the tap so you can spray down your kitten with lukewarm water, rub in some shampoo and then spray it off. Otherwise use a jug. You may need to wrap your kitten in a cloth or towel while you bath him, to prevent him from escaping, washing one part at a time. Try to be confident and quick. In future I suggest you avoid bathing and just brush your cat as this is more beneficial. He will need to be shown how to groom himself as he has not got the benefit of a mother to teach him.
Karen Gray-Kilfoil
ANIMAL BEHAVIOURIST
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