Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Wash the kitten like the mother cat would
• Method 2 of 3: Dry brush the kitten
• Method 3 of 3: Wash a dirty kitten with fleas
• Tips

An orphan kitten is helpless, vulnerable and unable to provide for its basic needs. As a new owner, it is your job to wash the kitten and make sure it stays clean because the mother cat is not there to wash the kitten. Keeping an orphaned kitten clean reduces the chance of getting sick. Bathing the kitten will also teach him how to wash himself and strengthen the bond with your kitten in an important way. The kitten would normally be bathed by its mother, who licks the fur with her tongue and encourages the kitten to go to the bathroom. Since the mother is not there, you will have to wash and stimulate the kitten in the same way that the mother cat would.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Wash the kitten like the mother cat would

1. Only clean the dirty areas if the kitten is not very dirty. Unless the kitten has been rolling in the mud, you can get the kitten clean by just washing the dirty areas. Orphaned cats are not very clean. Under normal circumstances, the mother cat washes the kitten, but without a mother you will have to wash the kitten. Daily washing of the kitten's body and buttocks will help keep him happy and clean.
   • Wiping your kitten with a damp cloth will make it look like he is being licked clean by his mother.
2. Wet a soft, dry cloth with lukewarm water. Avoid using a rough towel that can irritate the kitten. Wet the towel with lukewarm water. Wring out the towel with your hands before cleaning the kitten with it. The wet towel is then about as warm as the mother cat's tongue.
   • You can buy special cat shampoos at most pet stores, but water is usually enough unless the kitten is particularly dirty. Seek advice from your vet if you are unsure whether it is a good idea to regularly bathe your kitten with a particular shampoo.
3. Gently wipe your kitten with the hair growth direction of the coat. It is best to start with the front legs and muzzle, work towards the back and stomach and then finally clean the buttocks. Make the same short strokes over and over. With each swipe, try to clean 7-8 inches of the kitten's body, wiping each part of the body 2-3 times. So you wash the kitten like the mother cat would do.
   • During the wash, especially clean the buttocks well, because kittens cannot clean that area themselves. This is also the area that gets the dirtiest.
4. Clean all other dirty spots. When you have washed most of the kitten's body, check to see if the kitten has any dirty spots in its fur. For example, the kitten may have caked-on mud or poo in its coat. Use the damp cloth and wipe back and forth over the dirty areas, cleaning 1-2 centimeters at a time. When the kitten is clean, pat the excess water out of his coat with a dry towel to keep him from getting cold and sick.
   • Since the cloth you used to clean the kitten was only slightly damp, the kitten's coat should be mostly dry when you are done.
   • If the coat is still damp, dry it by applying light pressure to the wet areas with a dry towel.
5. Wipe the kitten's buttocks after each feed. In kittens less than 3 weeks old, the anus and genitals should be stimulated to urinate and defecate. Do this just after feeding the kitten. After the kitten has eaten, massage its entire body with a clean damp cloth, focusing especially on the abdomen and genitals.
   • This task would normally be performed by the mother cat. However, since the kitten is orphaned, this is now your responsibility. If you don't wipe the area under the tail with a cloth, the kitten will not be able to do its business.
6. Massage the area under the kitten's tail until he urinates and poops. Make the same short strokes over and over to stimulate the anus and the opening of the urethra. These strokes feel just like a wash of the mother cat. Normally the mother cat would lick the kitten clean with her tongue.
   • Since the kitten will defecate and pee in the cloth you wipe his buttocks with, it's best to use a paper towel that you can throw away afterward.
   • When they are about 3 weeks old, kittens learn to urinate and defecate on their own. You can then teach your kitten to relieve himself on the litter box.

Method 2 of 3: Dry brush the kitten

1. Brush the kitten's coat if you don't need to wash it thoroughly. Many people use a comb or brush to clean an orphaned kitten. Brushing helps to stimulate subcutaneous blood circulation and can make the kitten's skin healthier. To the kitten, brushing feels just like a wash of the mother cat that the kitten would normally lick clean with her rough tongue.
   • This method is unsuitable for rescued kittens if they are too dirty and the fur is caked with dirt. However, if your kitten is not very dirty and there seems to be nothing in the coat, you can easily clean it by brushing its coat.
2. Go to a pet store to purchase a brush for your kitten. Take a good look at your orphan's skin and coat to see if it has fleas before choosing an appropriate brush. If the kitten does indeed have fleas, you will have to buy a nice flea comb. If the kitten does not have fleas, you can brush it with a regular brush for cats.
   • Even a few fleas can make a kitten seriously ill, but most chemical flea repellants are too strong for kittens. Ask your vet for advice.
   • Ask your vet for advice if you are unsure which brush to buy for your kitten.
3. Brush your kitten's coat from head to tail in the direction of hair growth. Brushing against the direction of hair growth can cause unnecessary irritation and cause your kitten to lose hair unnecessarily. Brush the coat with short strokes about 2 inches long. The brushing then feels as if the mother cat is licking the kitten clean with her tongue. Thoroughly brush the kitten's entire body, including the stomach, back, and buttocks.
   • Make sure to clean the brush from time to time during the brushing. Dirt particles and hair can remain in the brush, making it difficult to brush the coat.
4. Keep the kitten calm while you brush it. The kitten would feel safe and warm when washed by the mother cat. Imitate the mother cat's behavior by gently holding the orphaned kitten (do not pinch him). Avoid making quick, sudden movements, especially when holding the kitten. Brush him gently and slowly, and talk to him quietly and softly as you brush him.
   • The kitten may be a little scared during the first few brushings, but it will calm down quickly when it starts to trust you.

Method 3 of 3: Wash a dirty kitten with fleas

1. Gather all the items you need to bathe the kitten. Wash the kitten immediately if he is very dirty and his coat is covered with mud, dirt or something else. If you let the kitten walk around with a caked coat for too long, he will feel uncomfortable and may develop a rash. If you want to bathe a very dirty kitten, you should bathe it instead of wiping it with a damp cloth. Gather your supplies before bathing the kitten. You need the following:
   • A clean washcloth and towel (s)
   • Mild hand soap (no harsh chemicals and cleaners)
   • A washbasin or sink
   • Ask your vet which products to use if your kitten has fleas.
2. Run the tap to get the water up to temperature. The water temperature should be about 35 ° C. This temperature ensures that the kitten stays warm and comfortable. To test the water temperature, put your hand and then your wrist under the tap and feel with your own skin how warm the water is.
   • It is important to keep the water at a pleasant temperature. Your kitten's skin is sensitive. The skin can burn easily if the water is too hot, and too cold water can lower the kitten's body temperature.
3. Half fill a sink or sink with warm water. Fill the sink with a layer of water about four inches deep and then put your kitten in it. Do not put your orphaned kitten in a sink with water that is too deep, as it may be too weak to keep it from drowning. Use your hand to wet the kitten's bottom and abdomen instead of dipping it in the water.
   • Gently wet the kitten and use slow, smooth movements when handling it. This way the kitten continues to feel safe.
   • After you have supported the kitten in the sink for a few washes, try to leave it in the water for a few seconds at a time.
4. Wash a flea-free kitten with a mild pet shampoo. Start by squeezing a small amount of shampoo onto a cloth. Rub the shampoo gently all over the kitten's body. Don't forget to clean his muzzle, stomach, legs and bottom. Start by washing its head, then work your way up to the back, stomach and tail. Try to get the dried-on poop and urine out of the coat by rubbing it with the cloth.
   • Avoid getting soap and water in the kitten's eyes, ears, and muzzle. Sensitive areas can become irritated and the kitten can become frightened.
5. Rinse the kitten completely. After rubbing the shampoo on the kitten's body, rinse the kitten thoroughly by slowly pouring a cup of water over the kitten's neck and back. Wipe the soap off the muzzle with a damp cloth. Be careful to make the kitten feel safe and avoid splashing water in its eyes.
   • Do not put the kitten's head under the tap. The kitten will be so scared and will be even more restless during washing.
   • Talk to the kitten in a soothing voice if he seems nervous or scared.
6. Wrap the kitten with a towel when you are done. Bathing your kitten should only take 5-10 minutes. When you're done, wipe your kitten's body with a dry towel. Then wrap a second soft, dry towel around the kitten and place it in a warm place until it is dry. If the kitten appears to be cold and shivering, hold it against your body to keep it calm and warm up.
   • You can rub in the direction of hair growth with the soft towel to help the coat dry faster. The kitten also gets warm due to the friction.

Tips

• It may be a good idea to have a friend help you bathe your kitten. This allows one person to wash the kitten and the other to keep the kitten calm.
• If your kitten has fleas, ask your vet what you can do to get rid of the parasites. Your vet will likely recommend a certain flea-free shampoo that you can use to wash the kitten. Brushing helps to get rid of fleas from sheltered stray kittens. Never wash your kitten with an anti-flea shampoo without talking to the vet first, as the chemicals in the shampoo can be toxic to very young kittens.