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Most cats may not be outdoors rolling in mud like dogs, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get dirty occasionally. While cats are usually diligent self-groomers, they may neglect this task as they get older or are not feeling well. In those circumstances, their owners must help.
Since most cats aren’t the biggest fans of water, you might be looking for alternative bathing methods. In this article, we’ll teach you how to give a cat a bath without water in 6 simple steps. Read on to learn which materials you’ll need and the most effective methods.
Before You Start
Before attempting a potentially stressful task, including bathing, ensure you and your cat are in the right headspace. Ensure your cat is calm, relaxed, and not hungry or tired. Don’t try to bathe your cat if you’re stressed or hungry yourself because your cat may sense your mood and be less cooperative.
Preparation
When you’re ready to bathe your cat without water, here are the supplies you’ll need to gather:
- Towel
- Pet cleaning wipes OR
- Waterless shampoo
- Brush
- Soft cloth or washcloth
- Treats
Take your supplies and your cat into a quiet, familiar room, and make sure the kitty is relaxed before you start.
For pet parents wanting to clean their pets without necessarily giving them a full bath, we highly recommend these waterless grooming products. The Hepper Waterless No Rinse Dry Shampoo is the ultimate fur refresher and the Hepper Wash Wipes make cleaning eyes, ears, paws, and bums a breeze. Learn more about each product in the table below.
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
For In-Between Baths
 |
Hepper No-Rinse Pet Shampoo |
|
Check Price |
For On-The-Go
 |
Hepper Wash Wipes |
|
Check Price |
At PangoVet, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
How To Bathe Your Cat Without Water
1. Make Your Cat Comfortable
To make the bathing process as stress-free as possible, allow your cat to get comfortable first. If they love to sit in your lap, place a towel down and let your cat snuggle in, petting them until they seem calm. Other cats might be more comfortable sitting on the floor, on their bed, on a cat tree, or a counter.
Wherever their safe space might be, let your cat get comfy before moving on to the next step.
2. Bathe Your Cat With Cleaning Wipes
Pet-safe cleaning wipes can help bathe your cat without water. Most cats dislike strong scents so try to pick a fragrance-free wipe for the best results.
Gently wipe your cat with your chosen product, paying particular attention to areas like the rear or belly that may be soiled with urine or feces. Move slowly as you wipe your cat, making it seem like you are petting or scratching them.
If your cat seems nervous or tries to move away, take a break for reassuring treats or a chin rub.
3. Bathe Your Cat With Waterless Shampoo
Waterless shampoos are usually foam or spray products designed to clean your cat without needing to be rinsed out. Many formulas are available, but again, try to find one without a strong scent.
If your cat is sensitive to noise, the sound of the spray or foam may make them nervous. Consider wetting a cloth ahead of time or squirting some foam into a bowl to use. Then, apply the waterless shampoo to your cat according to the directions on the product label.
Use your hands or a brush to work the waterless shampoo into your cat’s fur. Wipe off any extra product with a cloth.
4. Clean Your Cat’s Face Separately
Take extra care when cleaning your cat’s face, especially around their eyes and mouth. You can use a clean wipe or a cloth soaked in waterless shampoo. Carefully wipe your cat’s face, avoiding contact with their eyes. The area around your cat’s mouth, especially their chin, can get particularly grungy from eating wet food and may need extra attention.
To help your cat tolerate this part of the bath, use your free hand to pet or scratch their face while cleaning with the other. This will distract your cat while holding their face steady for easier wiping.
5. Reward Your Cat For Their Cooperation
Once the waterless bath is complete, reward your cat with treats, catnip, or playtime to help them build positive associations with the process. Offering periodic treats during the bath is also ideal and may keep your cat calm and interested in their bath.
6. Bathe Your Cat Only When Necessary
Bathing your cat too frequently, even without water, can dry out their skin and coat. Many shampoos and wipes interfere with the natural oils your cat produces to keep their skin moisturized. Without them, your cat’s skin may become itchy, flaky, and uncomfortable.
Instead of frequent baths, brush your cat’s coat regularly. You can also use wipes to spot-clean their face or rear rather than performing a full waterless bath.
What If My Cat Needs a Full Water Bath?
In some cases, you may have no choice but to give your cat a full water bath, such as if it is suffering from a skin condition like ringworm.
If you do, many of the same principles we discussed apply to bathing with water. To keep the experience as positive as possible, make sure you work slowly, stay calm, and reward your cat with treats.
Other tips that can make your cat’s bath go more smoothly include:
- Trim their nails before the bath
- Don’t let your cat get too cold; bathe in a warm room and dry thoroughly.
- Use a bath mat or towel on the floor of the tub for traction
- Don’t fully submerge your cat in water
- Don’t pour water on your cat’s face or in their eyes
Having another person the cat knows and trusts on hand to assist you may also make the bathing process easier.
Conclusion
While it is possible to bathe a cat with water, especially if you introduce the concept early in a kitten’s life, the process can be stressful for you and your kitty. Bathing your cat without water can keep them clean and smelling sweet with (hopefully) less hassle. With patience and plenty of treats, a waterless bath can become a favorite routine and an opportunity to bond with your cat.
- Simply Brush - Waterless cat shampoo / dog shampoo means no rinsing required. Forget the bath!...
- No Soap - This fresh-smelling dry shampoo for dogs and cats is free from soaps, glutens, dyes, DEA,...
- Good for Nervous Pets - You don't want your pet to be afraid of getting clean, so this pet waterless...
Featured Image Credit: Irina Borodovskaya, Shutterstock
