If you’re stuck on how to give a cat a flea bath that hates water, you aren’t alone. The nightmarish thought of flooding the bathroom while your kitten pounces around trying to escape your scrubbing attempts isn’t a pretty sight.
This is one of the reasons why many vets advise against giving your cat a flea bath. Another reason is there are more efficient ways to get rid of fleas, these are listed in our best flea treatment for cats guide which includes options like topical spot on flea treatments and flea tablets.
Of course, clueing yourself up on how cats get fleas is a wise idea, especially if you are a first-time cat owner. But don’t worry if it’s past the point of prevention. If bathing your cat is the only treatment option you can use right now, read on to find out how veterinary surgeon, Rebecca MacMillan, recommends you go about giving a cat a flea bath that hates water.
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation). She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health.
How to give a cat a flea bath that hates water
1. Choose your shampoo
Make sure you select a shampoo that is safe for use in cats, as some products that are safe for dogs can be toxic to felines.
2. Fill the bath to a comfortable level and temperature
Don’t make the water too deep – your cat may panic if his feet don’t touch the floor of the bath. The water level should come up to his belly and be warm (not too hot).
3. Wet the fur gently
Wet your cat’s fur gently and slowly, perhaps using a small cup, sponge, or washcloth. Your cat may become scared if you use a showerhead on him, or suddenly throw a large jug of water over him!
4. Lather in the shampoo
Rub the shampoo gently into his wet fur, creating a lather. Avoid getting the shampoo near his eyes or ears.
5. Rinse
Rinse his fur gently, again using a washcloth or small cup of water. Make sure all the bubbles and soapy residue is rinsed out.
6. Dry your cat
Gently towel-dry your cat, to get rid of excess moisture. Don’t use a hairdryer as the noise is likely to frighten him.
Throughout the process don’t forget to praise your cat and never force him to do anything he doesn’t want to – it could result in him becoming stressed and you getting hurt.
What can I bathe my cat in to kill fleas?
Most veterinarians would advise that you use a licensed flea treatment, rather than bathing your cat. If you do still decide to bathe your cat then make sure you choose a product that states it is safe for cats and that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions properly.
Does Dawn kill fleas?
Vets don't recommend using Dawn or any other dish soap/washing up liquid to wash your cat. It may well help reduce adult flea numbers on your pet, but it is also potentially very irritating to your cat’s skin and will dry out the natural oils in their coat. Get yourself to a veterinarian as soon as possible to pick up some effective flea treatment products instead.
While it is possible to treat your cat with flea shampoo, this method is outdated, and much better products exist. Speak to your veterinarian if you are unsure which would be most appropriate for your cat. Using a preventative flea treatment routinely will also help stop flea infestations from happening in the first place!
