Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Wipe a kitten with a wet cloth
• Method 2 of 3: Wash a kitten
• Method 3 of 3: Brushing a kitten
• Necessities
• Tips

Cats usually groom themselves with their tongues, so you don't need to do much to clean them once they are adults. Small kittens, however, have difficulty cleaning certain areas: the head, back and buttocks. A mother cat usually helps her cubs clean these areas, so it is up to you to fill this role until the kitten is old enough to do it yourself. If your kitten is very dirty, consider giving him a full bath. But usually just wiping the spots and brushing the coat is enough.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Wipe a kitten with a wet cloth

1. If your kitten is not too dirty, wipe it off with a wet cloth. Kittens usually clean themselves with their tongue, but there are some areas that are difficult for them to reach - namely, the head, back, and buttocks. Mother cats usually help their young to clean these areas. It is up to you, as a surrogate mother, to clean your kitten regularly to keep it healthy and hygienic.
   • Wiping with a wet cloth also uses less water than a full bath. Therefore, it is a good way to introduce kittens to water and washing gradually and safely.
2. Clean the kitten after each feed. Many cats, especially kittens, are very sloppy eaters. After the kitten has eaten, massage its entire body with a clean, damp cloth. Pay special attention to the abdomen and genital area - this can prompt the kitten to defecate itself.
3. Wet a soft dry cloth with lukewarm water. Make sure the cloth is not too rough to irritate your kitten. If the kitten is very dirty, consider dabbing the cloth with a vet-recommended shampoo. You can find special shampoos for cats in most pet stores.
4. Start washing the kitten's back. Use a cloth wet with warm water. Always follow the direction of the coat to avoid hurting or irritating your cat. Hold your kitten and talk to him in a calming voice to put him at ease. Many kittens are used to being petted on the back, so only wash the kitten in that area until it gets used to the cloth.
   • If your kitten gets nervous or scared at any point during a wash, stop washing for a while and hold him close to you. Keep talking in a calming voice. Your kitten may start to trust you more once he knows you will respond to his symptoms.
5. Gently sweep your kitten from front to back. Start at the face and front legs, move to the back and stomach, and finish with the hindquarters. Do not go past the kitten's eyes, ears and nose! Unless the kitten's head is very dirty, it is better not to touch it at all. Don't worry, though - the kitten will likely clean its head itself after the bath.
6. Pay special attention to the part under the tail. Young kittens have a hard time cleaning this area themselves, and it's probably what their mother helped them with the most. This is why cats often turn and poke their butt in your face when you pet them: it's a sign of trust, as they trusted their mother from a very young age.
   • Consider cleaning your kitten's buttocks every few days, especially if he's not cleaning himself. This will help keep your kitten happier and healthier and keep odors away.
   • If your cat is not bathing, it is a sign that it is overweight.
7. Continue wiping your kitten until it is clean. If there is more dirt on the coat, you can repeat this with another cloth. When your kitten is completely clean, put it in a warm place to cuddle while it dries.
   • Blot up the excess water with a dry towel to make sure your kitten is almost completely dry. If you leave him wet and shivering, he runs the risk of getting sick.

Method 2 of 3: Wash a kitten

1. Bathe your kitten if it is very dirty. Again, cats naturally lick themselves clean, so your kitten only needs a bath if he's particularly dirty or has fleas. To clean a very dirty kitten, bathe it instead of just wiping it off. Bathe your kitten immediately after it gets dirty; if you wait too long he may feel uncomfortable and get a rash. Before you bathe your kitten, have the supplies ready:
   • A clean flannel and towel (s).
   • Cat shampoo; do not use human soap or harsh chemicals or cleaning agents.
   • A basin, sink, or other watertight tub. Don't wash your kitten outside - if he tries to escape from the tub, you will have a lot more trouble finding him outside.
2. Make sure to buy a shampoo specifically for cats. Don't use human shampoo or soap or dish soap to wash your kitten! Your kitten's coat and skin are very sensitive, and regular soap will dry out his skin.
3. Plan for after the bath. Once you have chosen a place for the bath, you should also prepare a warm and inviting space for the kitten to rest after the bath. Choose a room in the house that you can close off with a door, a curtain or a fence.
   • Prepare a warm and cozy place under a desk lamp (or other light source). Plug in a pet heating pad, if you have one. Your kitten will be cold and wet after his bath, so he will find a warm place to clean himself.
   • Have a treat (or his food) ready so that you can give it to your kitten after the bath. A tasty treat is a nice reward for your kitten.
4. Fill a shallow basin or sink with warm water. Use lukewarm water, neither too hot nor too cold. The water should feel comfortable on your wrist. It is very important to use moderate water. Kittens' skin is sensitive: hot water can burn your kitten, while cold water can drop its body temperature to dangerous levels. Make sure the water is not so deep that your kitten is completely submerged in it.
5. Gently put your kitten in the sink. Fill the bowl before you acclimate your kitten to the water. Many cats are not so much afraid of water as of the loud sound of running water. Once they get frightened by running water, they learn to fear it. Pet your kitten gently to make it feel safe and calm. Talk to him in a calming voice while washing.
   • First, introduce your kitten to water slowly. Place it in the water and leave it there for a few seconds. Then take him out and dry his feet. Give him a treat to reward his good behavior.
   • If your cat is very reluctant to bathe, you should get them used to it over the course of two weeks. By the end of the second week, you should be able to wash it with no effort, even under the tap.
6. Soap your kitten with cat shampoo. Make sure your kitten is completely wet before you start soaping. Squeeze a small amount of shampoo onto a cloth or your hand and rub it into his fur. Rub the shampoo gently all over the kitten's body from head to tail. Use a wet finger to remove dried urine or faeces from the coat.
   • Never wash the kittens with soap unless you are treating them for fleas. If so, talk to your vet about using a soap that is safe for your kitten.
   • Keep everything, water, soap, etc., out of his eyes and face. This can cause irritation to his eyes and cause him to panic. If he panics, he develops negative associations with bathing.
7. Rinse your kitten completely. Fill a cup with water and slowly pour it over his body. Pour slowly and carefully, and try to be efficient. Rinse off any splashed shampoo. Use a damp flannel or washcloth to wipe the soap from your kitten's face. Speak to him in a calming voice if he resists or seems scared.
   • Have someone else hold the kitten while you pour the water over its body.
   • If your washbasin is equipped with a detachable spray head, you can safely use it. Make sure it is not on a strong setting or you could injure your kitten.
   • Do not rinse tap water directly on the head of a kitten. Doing so can get water in his eyes and startle him.
8. Use as little water as possible. Do not submerge your kitten in water deeper than it can comfortably stand in. Your cat may not be strong enough to pull itself out. Instead, use your hand to wet the kitten's hindquarters and abdomen.
9. Wrap the kitten in a dry and clean towel when you are done. Wash your kitten as soon as possible, then dry his coat with a clean towel. Wrap the kitten in another soft and dry towel and place in a warm place until dry. If possible, stay with him and hug him so that he calms down.
   • Speed ​​up the drying process by rubbing the soft towel in the direction your kitten's hair grows. This way he gets warm faster when he is cold.

Method 3 of 3: Brushing a kitten

1. Brush your kitten's coat when he's not terribly dirty. It may not be appropriate to brush kittens if they are too dirty. Wash first, then brush. However, if your kitten is not very dirty and the coat does not appear soiled, you can easily clean it with just brushing.
   • Brushing is very helpful to get rid of any fleas from rescued street cats. It also helps to stimulate subcutaneous blood flow, and may even improve the condition of your cat's skin.
   • Brushing is especially important with long-haired cats. With a long coat, it's much easier for things to get stuck, smeared, and generally get dirty.
2. Choose the right brush for your kitten. The brush or comb differs for each cat, depending on the length and pattern of her coat. Check your kitten for fleas: If he has fleas, you will need a special fine-toothed comb to remove the pests from the skin.
   • You can purchase specially designed metal combs at most pet stores. Consult your local vet if you are unsure about which brush to choose.
3. Brush your kitten from head to tail, in the direction of its fur. Brushing in the wrong direction can irritate your kitten and cause him to lose some hair. Brush his entire body thoroughly, focusing on the abdomen, back, and hindquarters.
   • Some kittens may resist brushing. Be careful not to force it. When brushing your kitten, talk in a calm and soothing voice and try to make him feel comfortable.
   • Clean the brush regularly during work. Dirt and hair can settle on the bristles, making the brush less effective.
4. Use two brushes in case your kitten resists the first brush. Cats naturally groom themselves, and your kitten may be offended if you try to help him. He can also just be curious. If he starts biting the brush, place it in front of him so he can smell it and then use the second brush to keep brushing it. This gives the kitten a chance to see the brush while being brushed. Eventually he will learn to love brushing and allow you to brush him all the time.
   • Repeat if necessary. Always alternate the brushes. When he takes the brush you're using, just grab the other one and continue brushing.

Necessities

• Sink
• Cat shampoo
• Cloth
• Towel

Tips

• Keep the litter box clean. Your kitten can be in a tough fight if he leaves a bigger mess every time he poops.
• Keep your cat's living area clean. If you have an indoor cat, make sure to clean and maintain the areas where he spends most of his time. Your kittens will get less dirty if they can play in a clean environment.