Advice request: need bathing tips for grumpy old cat

[Freedom]

When I got Crystal as a kitten, she had ringworm and we had to do those baths.

Once the shampoo was on, we would wrap her in a towel and carry her around. I we put her down, I feared we couldn't catch her again! As I did the bathing, Dad did most of the holding / walking around. He had me put on soft music and he'd sing and dance with her (not too many spins, now!) To this day ( 5 years later) she LOVES my Dad! She flirts shamelessly with him, lol.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I sure hope it isn't ringworm. If I lived closer I'd be glad to help you try to bathe him. Whatever it is I hope he'll clear up quickly.

One thing I'll mention, when I first got Storm I was feeding him a lot of cat food that had fish in it. He started losing the fur on his ears and he also started scratching a lot. My vet also thought it might be ringworm but luckily is wasn't. He gave him a cortizone injection to help with his itching. This really helped and his fur began to grow back.

When the cortizone wore off it started all over again. I went back to my vets office and I saw a different vet. This vet asked me if I was feeding him a lot of fish and I said yes. He said that some cats are allergic to fish. I stopped feeding him anything with fish in it and he never had a problem again.

Maybe Cassy has an allergic reaction to something in his food. Just a thought. I'll continue to keep him in my thoughts and prayers. I also hope that your computer will be fixed soon. Take care. (((HUGS)))

[GILL]

I would suggest full body armor, welding gloves and a shower with doors.
Sorry to hear this. Good luck.

[Randi]

Oh dear! When it rains it pours. I really hope it's not ring worm, but it sounds as if you have to go ahead with the baths anyway. If it's something in his food he is allergic to, how long does it take to prove? At least, then you could stop bathing him.

I'll be sending good thoughts to Cassy and hope he'll be better soon.

And good luck with getting your computer fixed!

[catmandu]

I wouldnt know how to give a bath to any Found Cat either.
I would probably have them taken to a professional where they know how to handle scared Cats!!!

[jenluckenbach]

Definitely clip the nails, or make sure the vet does that for you.

Even if Cassy does not wear a collar, getting one and having him wear it while bathing will aid your ability to hold him when he's wet and slippery.

Hopefully your sink or tub has a sprayer, use it, BUT cats hate the sound/sensation of the spraying motion, so keep it close to the skin to prevent that feeling of the water "raining down" on them.

When I need to keep shampoo on a cat for any length of time I close them in their carrier. Easy to rinse out when you are done and you know exactly where they are, not hiding (soaking wet) under the bed.

If all else fails, find a pet groomer that does cats and consider it money well spent.

GOOD luck!

[ginalovesfelines]

WOW, what a tough one! It's not going to be fun for either one of you. If you use a miconazole shampoo it will also help soothe him. But he isn't going to like it. BE PREPARED......have a towel down, keep him comfortable, and make sure that you are mentally prepared for what he is about to do!!! Have treats ready right away and good luck!!!

[Randi]

Amberlee, have you healed up enough to tell us about it?