Bathing a Kitten

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  • 5 May, 2016 at 5:58 pm #846912
    D. R. M.
    Participant

    Hey,

    I have a seven-week old male kitten. Because of his long hair, he can’t seem to use the litterbox without his feces getting stuck to his bottom. It’s kind of disgusting, and I don’t like to hold him because of it, and his mother doesn’t appear to be cleaning it, so I’m planning on giving him a bath today.

    I’ve heard that Dawn dishsoap is safe on kittens, but I don’t have any on hand.

    I do have some animal shampoo, called Only Natural Pet Shampoo, Organic Defense. It’s for cats and dogs both, and it doesn’t say anything about age limits. Does anyone know if this brand is safe for a tiny kitten?

    I also have a human shampoo and body wash called Shea Moister. Apparently it’s gentle enough to use on a baby human everyday. Do you know if this is safe for the kitten?

    Whatever I use, I’m planning on sorta diluting it in water first, both so that I won’t have to use as much and so that it will be easier to rinse out.

    The reason I ask is because I’ve heard a few horror stories about kittens who have died because of the wrong shampoo.

    Thanks.

    5 May, 2016 at 6:10 pm #846913
    CatWScotia
    Participant

    I don’t know about the shampoos mentioned, but I think after the bath I would trim the long hair in the appropriate area! It will make it easier for Mum, and for the kitten, as well as you. And the hair will grow back later, when he’s more used to keeping himself clean.

    In the meantime, warm water would probably help, and wouldn’t do any harm. Best of luck!

    5 May, 2016 at 7:11 pm #846915
    D. R. M.
    Participant

    Thanks. Does anyone have any advice about the soap?

    5 May, 2016 at 9:51 pm #846923
    jcat
    Participant

    Yes, you want something as close to pure soap as possible, which is why Dawn liquid is recommended in the US (and Fairy Liquid in the UK). So I would steer away from both the organic shampoo and the baby shampoo if at all possible. Do you have pure soap on hand (with no additives, fragrances etc) or pure soapflakes? If not, I would put off the bathing until you can get some Dawn.

    5 May, 2016 at 10:22 pm #846927
    D. R. M.
    Participant

    I’m not sure if I have that kind.

    I just finished his bath, and I used shampoo made specifically for cats and dogs. He seems to be all right. Mostly, I just cut off the hair with the feces on it instead of washing it, because he really wasn’t enjoying himself, so I didn’t use much. He was meowing constantly and shivering, but when he was finally clean I rested him against my skin, rubbed him gently with a towel, and stroked his head. He fell asleep in my arms, so I’m guessing he doesn’t have any hard feelings. 😉

    Although, once I put him back with his mother, the next time he saw me he freaked out and hid, while all his sisters came clambering up to greet me.

    Thanks for your help everyone!

    9 May, 2016 at 3:09 pm #847038
    Helen
    Participant

    My kittens really hate bathing! 😀

    14 May, 2016 at 5:34 am #847265
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I’m sorry about your problem DRM. That sounds horrible. I didn’t wash Omri too much and don’t like to wash Yuri but had to when we got home. Small case of the fleas. I used Ajax. Read that where fleas are concerned dish soap us best if you can’t afford specific for cats. I wonder why the mother won’t clean her baby and don’t know what’s going on with Yuri who won’t clean himself after litter box. If it’s poo I bring him into the bathroom and rinse with a stream of warm water. Unfortunately he doesn’t lick himself after but? I know the job is done. Keeping on top of it every time the kitten like is imperative.

    14 May, 2016 at 6:28 am #847267
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Hi DRM,

    I have learned that carefully trimming the butt fur means I don’t have to bath my long haired girl. If you need to bath him use Dawn but don’t get it any in face.

    PG

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