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It was sooo hot yesterday that I thought a nice cool bath would cheer-up my Little One (DSH 4 years old). How wrong I was! I drew the water up to the depth of her belly and checked the temperature. Then I got towels, her comb and made sure I could close the bathroom door to prevent bolting! I picked-her up from her resting place (in the shade, under my desk) and told her "Mama’s going to give you a nice cool bath." We went into the bathroom and closed the door. Immediately, Little One began thrashing in my arms. No blood, yet. I placed her gently in the tub and she let out this yowl that sounded like a combination of a foghorn and screeching tire. My other cat was in the hallway and I heard her running away from the bathroom at the sound. She was probably thinking "you’re next." Since Little One did not like her little bath, I kept it to less than 5 minutes. I got her wet and combed her out. When it was over, I attempted to dry her off. She looked at me; looked at the closed bathroom door; and yowled again. I let her out, she ran into the living room and shook off all the water. After I cleaned-up the mess and bandaged my leg, I found her on the windowsill, legs open, drying off. She’s much happier today…..
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It was sooo hot yesterday that I thought a nice cool bath would cheer- up my Little One (DSH 4 years old). How wrong I was!
<snip horror story of cat bathing Just a quick hint – if you feel that your cat is overheated (they pant if they are), wipe them with a damp, clean cloth. The evopration does cool them a little, and they don’t freak out, because their underfur and skin don’t get wet. Mostly though, I’d just leave then be. I tried to give Shmoggleberry a nice cool shower once too, and barely lived to regret it. Vicky Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
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Just a quick hint – if you feel that your cat is overheated (they pant if they are), wipe them with a damp, clean cloth. The evopration does cool them a little, and they don’t freak out, because their underfur and skin don’t get wet.
I agree with this totaly, The cat is already stressed because of the heat, you don’t want to add to the anxiety. We had a friend that gave their cat a bath and it suffered a heart attack and died durring it. Now we do have to give cats a bath every now and again, but during a time that they are already stressed may not be the right time. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
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I totally agree with that. My old cat used to pant and when we took him to the vet she found a heart murmur, she said as long as he didn’t seem distressed he would be ok, but that panting shouldn’t be something he does all the time. I would have it checked out. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
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Just a quick hint – if you feel that your cat is overheated (they pant if they are), wipe them with a damp, clean cloth. The evopration does cool them a little, and they don’t freak out, because their underfur and skin don’t get wet.
I have a question about this. When does panting warrant a trip to the vet? Last summer during one of the hotter weeks, I caught Lucille panting. A few days later, after vigorous play, she was panting again. I freaked out, and rushed her to the vet. The vet took x-rays and determined that she had asthma. We have sinced moved and thus changed vets. This vet doesn’t think she has asthma at all. He said we should just watch for "labored breathing." Well, isn’t labored breathing the same thing as panting? -Marcia Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
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Too funny!!!! :-) AL =^..^= =^.v.^= – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I placed her gently in the tub and she let out this yowl that sounded like a combination of a foghorn and screeching tire.
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Thanks for the tips. After the "bath" Little One was fine…just a bit stressed out.
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When I was a teenager, my Lynx point siamese got into a skunk at 2 AM. Had to give him a bath in V8 (didn’t have tomato juice or paste). My sister woke up thinking I was killing him. He yowled louder than usual, and any siamese owner knows that’s pretty loud! Stacey (now the proud mommy of INDOOR cats) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Too funny!!!! :-) AL =^..^= =^.v.^= I placed her gently in the tub and she let out this yowl that sounded like a combination of a foghorn and screeching tire.
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When Sid and Nancy came to us, they had fleas quite bad and since they were little tykes, I took them to the vet for a proper dipping. When we moved into a new apartment, it came with fleas (free of charge!) but this time I just bathed them myself. It was actually quite easy, I placed a bowl of cat food in the tub and jumped in the shower with them and washed them as they ate. My cats will do ANYTHING for food. On that note.. has anyone heard of putting a screen down in the tub so that when you put the water on the cat they push out their claws and then become stuck on the screen? A friend INSISTED this was a very good plan but I just looked at her like she was crazy. Mind you, she did not have cats and had "heard" this was the way to go. I’d never try it because I know my cats and I know it wouldn’t work… was just wondering if anyone had heard of it or had tried it. Stacey 
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the tips. After the "bath" Little One was fine…just a bit stressed out.
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Speaking of bathing cats, is it okay to bathe cats at all? When I first adopted Loree, she used to lie down in the litter box… and used to get stinky! I used to bath her once every two months or so, but have stopped bathing her. She’s clean now, but doesn’t have the lovely, fluffy, clean-smelling fur as when I used to bathe her. Are kitties self-cleaning or do they need a hand?
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Hi Marcia and all, Our 14 yo cat began panting last summer during severe heat waves as well. Taking her down into the basement where it’s at least ten degrees cooler helped a lot, so I figured it was simply the heat and her age. Through subsequent problems and x-rays, however, it turned out she had an enlarged heart and needed meds. I don’t think it ever hurts to err on the side of caution. Regards, april – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When does panting warrant a trip to the vet? Last summer during one of the hotter weeks, I caught Lucille panting. A few days later, after vigorous play, she was panting again. I freaked out, and rushed her to the vet. The vet took x-rays and determined that she had asthma. We have sinced moved and thus changed vets. This vet doesn’t think she has asthma at all. He said we should just watch for "labored breathing." Well, isn’t labored breathing the same thing as panting? -Marcia Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
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Speaking of bathing cats, is it okay to bathe cats at all? When I first adopted Loree, she used to lie down in the litter box… and used to get stinky! I used to bath her once every two months or so, but have stopped bathing her. She’s clean now, but doesn’t have the lovely, fluffy, clean-smelling fur as when I used to bathe her. Are kitties self-cleaning or do they need a hand?
I think it depends on the cat. Most are self-cleaning, and I’ve heard that frequent bathing dries their skin and therefore is not good for them. Joy
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I believe you can pick up a "dry bath" at your pet store. It is a powder you rub or comb into your cat’s fur the clean it. Maybe that will help with the litter odor! Stacey "Oh, come here and snuggle with mommy… EWWWW you smell like the litter box, get down! <PLOP" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Speaking of bathing cats, is it okay to bathe cats at all? She’s clean now, but doesn’t have the lovely, fluffy, clean-smelling fur as when I used to bathe her. Are kitties self-cleaning or do they need a hand? I think it depends on the cat. Most are self-cleaning, and I’ve heard that frequent bathing dries their skin and therefore is not good for them. Joy Jane, Joy is absolutely correct. Bathing a cat too often removes some of the oils that keep the fur soft, and results in excessive shedding. An occasional bath, when necessary, such as after an encounter with a skunk or to control a flea problem is ok. Generally cats don’t like water on them and would much prefer a nice long brushing. If you need to bathe you cat, use only shampoo which is specifically made for cats. Some shampoos contain chemicals that may be harmful to your cat. As far as a sweet smelling cat goes; you may like it, but your cat definitely doesn’t. Cats generally are fanatical about keeping themselves clean and any scent, other than their own and other familiar scents will often upset a cat. Ever notice how a cat is always rubbing against objects and people? That’s to transfer her scent, to mark it as "checked and approved". 
Phil
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Marcia, There are different types of asthma in cats. One type is "Extrinsic", and another type is "Intrinsic". Extrinsic (from without) asthma refers to "attacks" that follow exposure to substances in the environment – dusts, pollens, and the like. Intrinsic (from within) asthma is inherent. Heavy breathing or panting or labored breathing is all too commonly dismissed as asthma. Your second vet is _very_ wise. What he may be suspicious of is called "Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy". It is more prevalent in older cats, over 7 years old, but is also possible in younger cats. Some older vets tend to rule it out or overlook the possibility because cats did not live as long as do today to develop the disease as they did when he/she was in school. With new medical advancements cats are living longer which presents a host of new illnesses which did not exist a few years ago, simply the result of older age. Just like us. Speak to you vet, and ask him if this is what he suspects. If it is, this disease is best confirmed with ultrasonagraphy, but X-rays and electrocardiograms (ECG) can be helpful. Long term management of this problem, if this is what it turns out to be, is possible through the use of medications if it is _ diagnosed early_. The insidious nature of this disease would cause me to err on the side of caution and opt for the ultrasounds if there was even the slightest possibility of my cat being affected. The "Little Ones" can’t tell us if something is bothering them and usually by the time it becomes apparent, it’s too late. When it comes to my cats, there’s no such thing as "over cautious" or "over reaction" or "foolish". As long as they’re ok, I’m a contented over cautious, over reacting fool. Phil
Me too, Phil. Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately, the second vet doesn’t seem concerned about anything. We did get her x-rayed at our first vet’s. I am going to change to a third, get all her medical records transferred, and ask for a third opinion and get the necessary tests done. She is far too important to me to take any risks. Thanks again, Marcia Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
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Hi Marcia and all, Our 14 yo cat began panting last summer during severe heat waves as well. Taking her down into the basement where it’s at least ten degrees cooler helped a lot, so I figured it was simply the heat and her age. Through subsequent problems and x-rays, however, it turned out she had an enlarged heart and needed meds. I don’t think it ever hurts to err on the side of caution. Regards, april
Thanks, April. I hope your cat is doing well. Marcia Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
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Speaking of bathing cats, is it okay to bathe cats at all? When I first adopted Loree, she used to lie down in the litter box… and used to get stinky! I used to bath her once every two months or so, but have stopped bathing her. She’s clean now, but doesn’t have the lovely, fluffy, clean-smelling fur as when I used to bathe her. Are kitties self-cleaning or do they need a hand?
I think that for the most part they sre self cleaning but sometimes (like when Rosie got the runs) they need a little help, we managed to get her in the bath once, when she was in heat so I think that maybe she was glad of the relief <g but we prefer to shower the cats with luke warm water. As for the lovely soft clean fur, I don’t know how often you brush you cat but I think that brushing makes the fur much softer, to me my cats don’t really have ‘a smell’ so I couldn’t comment on the odour Sally x
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Speaking of bathing cats, is it okay to bathe cats at all? Are kitties self-cleaning or do they need a hand? I think that for the most part they sre self cleaning but sometimes (like when Rosie got the runs) they need a little help,
– After reading several posts about how cats are self-cleaning, never need a bath, etc. I quit bathing mine regularly. Yesterday I got a close look at the curtains they brush against getting in and out of the living room window. They’re all going in the tub tonight. If they give me grief, I’ll toss them in the washing machine with the curtains I’m having to wash because they got them dirty. <evil grin Cheers, Dave If there were dreams to sell Merry and sad to tell And the crier rang the bell What would you buy?
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Speaking of bathing cats, is it okay to bathe cats at all? Are kitties self-cleaning or do they need a hand? I think that for the most part they sre self cleaning but sometimes (like when Rosie got the runs) they need a little help, — After reading several posts about how cats are self-cleaning, never need a bath, etc. I quit bathing mine regularly. Yesterday I got a close look at the curtains they brush against getting in and out of the living room window. They’re all going in the tub tonight. If they give me grief, I’ll toss them in the washing machine with the curtains I’m having to wash because they got them dirty. <evil grin Cheers, Dave If there were dreams to sell Merry and sad to tell And the crier rang the bell What would you buy?
They might get through the wash cycle if your using cold water and the cats are very lucky, but they will never get through the rinse cycle. I was watching Discovery Channel a month or so back and on @Discovery.Ca the YAFI segment had a question about how high the G force was from the spinning in a washing machine. After checking with a manufacturer and a little calculation they came up with 280 G’s – poorer quality makes only 260 – 270 G. At that kind G Force, I don’t care how lucky cats are, were looking at a very ugly bundle of fur. Probably would have to send the shredded (from the cats claws in wash cycle) curtains out to the cleaners after that to have the stains removed. Much better to wash them by hand (the cats, that is), preferably by armoured gloved hand. <g Larry Osborne
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Speaking of bathing cats, is it okay to bathe cats at all? Are kitties self-cleaning or do they need a hand? I think that for the most part they sre self cleaning but sometimes (like when Rosie got the runs) they need a little help, — After reading several posts about how cats are self-cleaning, never need a bath, etc. I quit bathing mine regularly. Yesterday I got a close look at the curtains they brush against getting in and out of the living room window. They’re all going in the tub tonight. If they give me grief, I’ll toss them in the washing machine with the curtains I’m having to wash because they got them dirty. <evil grin Cheers, Dave If there were dreams to sell Merry and sad to tell And the crier rang the bell What would you buy? They might get through the wash cycle if your using cold water and the cats are very lucky, but they will never get through the rinse cycle. I was watching Discovery Channel a month or so back and on @Discovery.Ca the YAFI segment had a question about how high the G force was from the spinning in a washing machine. After checking with a manufacturer and a little calculation they came up with 280 G’s – poorer quality makes only 260 – 270 G. At that kind G Force, I don’t care how lucky cats are, were looking at a very ugly bundle of fur. Probably would have to send the shredded (from the cats claws in wash cycle) curtains out to the cleaners after that to have the stains removed. Much better to wash them by hand (the cats, that is), preferably by armoured gloved hand. <g Larry Osborne
Not to mention what the dryer will do to them. Of course, I could get a front-loading washer with a glass door and watch it in living color. The last time I bathed them, I wore heavy leather welding gloves and one of those padded suits they use for training guard dogs; when I finished bathing the Terrible Trio I was wearing a shredded t-shirt and something that looked like Michael Jackson’s gloves. I looked as if I had been trying to massage a tiger’s prostate and mistook Ben Gay for the vaseline. Cheers, Dave — If there were dreams to sell Merry and sad to tell And the crier rang the bell What would you buy?
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It may depend on the breed. My mom has a Devon Rex and he needs a bath after about 2 weeks or he has a funny smell. My cats didn’t need one except when they had fleas and needed to be dipped. Most cats wouldn’t need a bath but some like it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Speaking of bathing cats, is it okay to bathe cats at all? When I first adopted Loree, she used to lie down in the litter box… and used to get stinky! I used to bath her once every two months or so, but have stopped bathing her. She’s clean now, but doesn’t have the lovely, fluffy, clean-smelling fur as when I used to bathe her. Are kitties self-cleaning or do they need a hand? I think that for the most part they sre self cleaning but sometimes (like when Rosie got the runs) they need a little help, we managed to get her in the bath once, when she was in heat so I think that maybe she was glad of the relief <g but we prefer to shower the cats with luke warm water. As for the lovely soft clean fur, I don’t know how often you brush you cat but I think that brushing makes the fur much softer, to me my cats don’t really have ‘a smell’ so I couldn’t comment on the odour Sally x
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Not to mention what the dryer will do to them. Of course, I could get a front-loading washer with a glass door and watch it in living color. The last time I bathed them, I wore heavy leather welding gloves and one of those padded suits they use for training guard dogs; when I finished bathing the Terrible Trio I was wearing a shredded t-shirt and something that looked like Michael Jackson’s gloves. I looked as if I had been trying to massage a tiger’s prostate and mistook Ben Gay for the
Bloodbath! The only way to wash kitty is to use the element of surprise: 1) trim claws 2) fill bucket in bathtub 3) lure kitty into bathroom. I have my kitties conditioned to that four letter word begining w/ ‘F’: FISH! 4) grab kitty by rear and front paws and dunk! up to neck. rub water past neck onto forhead. 5) rinse kitty under fawcett. Pray that kitty will ever forgive you. I did this stuff in the days of living in flea country. Thankfully, fleas can’t live at my altitude (denver). 
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The last time I bathed them, I wore heavy leather welding gloves and one of those padded suits they use for training guard dogs; when I finished bathing the Terrible Trio I was wearing a shredded t-shirt and something that looked like Michael Jackson’s gloves. I looked as if I had been trying to massage a tiger’s prostate and mistook Ben Gay for the vaseline.
My brother’s cat normally did a good impression of a limp rug. He was convinced she’d be equally lethargic when she needed a bath for fleas, so, to avoid getting his clothes soaked, he decided he’d just wear swim trunks. He’s still got scars up one arm and down his back where she used him to climb out of the tub. — Working at Apple for Javasoft
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i would think that their claws would get stuck in the screen and they would tear them out if they got scared. i wouldnt recommend it. then you would have a flailing screen connected to a screaming wet cat and then you would have a mess. i dont think it would work at all.
I am out of estrogen and i am armed and dangerous!”
“Sure guys have feelings . . . but like, who cares!”
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The only way to wash kitty is to use the element of surprise: 1) trim claws 2) fill bucket in bathtub 3) lure kitty into bathroom. I have my kitties conditioned to that four letter word begining w/ ‘F’: FISH! 4) grab kitty by rear and front paws and dunk! up to neck. rub water past neck onto forhead. 5) rinse kitty under fawcett. Pray that kitty will ever forgive you. I did this stuff in the days of living in flea country. Thankfully, fleas can’t live at my altitude (denver). NYET! That’s not a good way to do it. This is what I do, and my cat’s claws are regularly trimmed.
wrong. It is an excellant way. The whole idea is to finish the job in less than a minute.
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