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Ragdoll Education

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 23:37:59 GMT

Building Awareness About the Breed

The history and special qualities of the Ragdoll are explained in the breed info section of this website. Among those qualities are the fact that they are gentle, affectionate and sociable. They also love to play and have an almost dog-like devotion to their owners. Some people also say they are attuned to emotional needs, a characteristic that makes them a perfect companion animal.

What commitment does this mean for the family of a Ragdoll?

Ragdolls enjoy family time, so they are a good breed for people who enjoy quality companionship with their pets.
Gentle, loving care will deepen the loyalty and devotion of the Ragdoll. Even though they were bred for similar traits, their personalities will vary, so a loving, nurturing home is super important during their formative months and throughout their lifetime. As kittens, carrying them around with you from place to place will further develop this devotion.
They are always nearby, so expect to be followed.
Because of their trusting nature, Ragdolls should only be indoor cats.
Ragdoll cats should not be declawed as it is one of their only defenses if they were to mistakenly find a way outside. They are known to play hard but typically don't extract their claws when playing with people.
Ragdolls are floppy cats who will sprawl themselves out on the floor or in someone's arms, so be prepared for cuteness overload.
Ragdolls need regular play time to stimulate their brains and encourage physical activity.
Many Ragdolls enjoy giving kisses and/or playful bites.
Ragdolls are not highly vocal cats and typically only cry or trill when they need or want something.
They typically enjoy the friendship of other pets and will learn very quickly when a pet is unfriendly towards them.
Research shows that wet food is best for the long-term health of your cat, as Ragdolls are not typically full-grown until about two to three years of age.
Ragdolls should have regular, preventative veterinary care throughout their lives.
With attentive care, Ragdolls have a long life expectancy with some living longer than 17 years old!

Kitten Preparation

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 20:58:46 GMT

Preparing for Your Kitten's Arrival

The arrival of your new kitten is an exciting day, and certain items should be pre-purchased to make the transition as smooth as possible. This includes a cat carrier for the car ride home, a bed/blanket, kitten food, food/water bowls, a litter box, kitty litter, kitten-safe toys, and a safe area for down time. Because the transition to a new home can be stressful to a kitten, it is best to follow the protocols and routines of your breeder to encourage good eating and kitty litter habits. For ideas on what and where to buy, visit the Fun and Essential Purchases section under Kitten Care .

Prior to your kitten's arrival, you will also want to walk around your home and consider how you will create a comfortable and secure space for your itty bitty kitty. Ask yourself these questions:

When not loving on my kitten, where is a good location for the kitty litter, bed, food and water? This includes bed time and other times when your Ragdoll will be unsupervised.

When you pick up your Ragdoll, you will have a tiny, trusting kitten in your hands that needs to feel secure and aware of a safe spot to call home. Though you will regularly love on your kitten, it is nice to have a secure, visible location so that you are not worried about losing sight of your kitten during down times.

During the daytime and when they are not being loved on, it is a good idea to have them in a safe area that is open for them to see you and familiarize themselves with the regular sounds and scents of your home (Note: When something is new and unfamiliar, calmly reassure them as you pet them). It is important that this calm and inviting area have a litter box, a cat condo or bed to rest, a few toys, food and water. Consider the type of area you choose, and remove any potential hazards (fragile decor, glass, plants, etc.). At night, they will likely want to cuddle with you as you sleep, so just make sure they have access to their food, water, and their litter box.

Are there any unsafe areas for my kitten such as a doggy door, slats on a stairwell, or other non-pet friendly areas (a commonly used exit/entrance, stairs, an area where things are not secured, another family pet they will be adjusting to, etc.)?

If any of these potential hazards exist, discuss and brainstorm ahead of time with your family on how you will safeguard these areas prior to the kitten's arrival. Remember that kittens will quickly jump and climb, so make short- and long-term plans for kitten/cat safety as you gradually open the funnel to more freedom.

How can I acclimate my kitty to its new environment so that it will continue to learn desired behaviors?

When you arrive home, it is a good idea to join your kitten in their new area. Use this time to introduce them to their food/water bowls, kitty litter, cat tree (or bed) and toys. They might be overwhelmed at first and will already have begun the process of bonding with you on the way home, so remember you are their security blanket as they are introduced to new things. Be sure to dig their front paws in the kitty litter so that they are aware of its location. Do not be alarmed if your kitten doesn't eat or drink right away as it may take them a day or two to acclimate to their new home. If you have curtains, it is also a good idea to tie them up for the first several weeks. Always encourage the right behaviors (such as snuggling in your lap) and speak (or sing) to them in gentle tones. This article contains six tips for raising affectionate cats. Be sure to look for blinking, affectionate eyes, as that is a Ragdoll's way of telling you they love you.

How can I structure the first week to help my kitten acclimate to its new home environment?

Ragdoll kittens are playful, trusting, innocent and curious, so they will quickly adapt to their new home environment. Carefully observe your kitten's habits and interests, as each Ragdoll is unique and will like certain things. As newborn kittens, they were acclimated to a variety of household sounds, but they will now be familiarizing themselves with the sounds of your home. A kitten-safe room or area is a great way to subtly introduce new sounds and pets. If you observe them to be uneasy, gradually introduce that sound or pet and always under close supervision. Be sure to regularly place them on their litter pan especially if they are being loved on elsewhere in the home and away from their litter box. Be mindful of your kitten being under foot, as they often quickly run to be near their favorite humans. Before you know it, your kitten will be following you from room to room looking for love!

Fun & Essential Purchases

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 21:02:00 GMT

Making Purchases Like a Cat

This post contains affiliate links, and True Blue Ragdolls will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.

When making purchases, try to think like a cat to make interesting AND finicky purchases. Remember that you have a cat who will likely opt for the random cardboard box that just arrived on the doorstep versus the 100-story cat mansion you just purchased. For most purchases, True Blue's favorite online vendors are Chewy (we love the next day delivery) and Amazon. Be sure to search online items by pictures, customer reviews (or most popular purchases), and to gradually add items as you see a need. For example, if your kitten is regularly scratching a certain area, it might be time to find a scratching post to place near your family room sofa. If your growing kitten is not drinking enough water, you might want to invest in a water fountain to add interest to their drinking time. Another great place to shop are the pet sections of inexpensive stores such as Marshall's and Home Goods.

Here are several lists of items organized by essential, helpful or non-essential categories. Most items also include a link of where it can be purchased.

Essential Purchases

In addition to dry and wet food , food and water bowls , a litter box, a scoop and caddy , gentle pet wet wipes , and some toys , here are some other essentials to care for your growing kitten.

Helpful & Useful Purchases

In addition to the necessities, other useful items such as treats , an unscented and hypoallergenic shampoo , and nail clippers , can be helpful items to have on hand. Here are some other products that may be beneficial when caring for your Ragdoll.

Non-Essential Purchases

The list of non-essential purchases might include items such as food storage containers or even a harness and leash (yes, some Ragdolls have been trained to walk on a leash)! The items listed below might also be fun or helpful for your home!

Nutrition

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 23:35:06 GMT

Nourishing Your Ragdoll With a Nutritious Diet

This post contains Chewy affiliate links, and True Blue Ragdolls will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.

When it comes to feeding your Ragdoll, there are many nutritious and (apparently) delicious options. Beginning at a young age, it is important to introduce your kitten to a variety of foods, flavors and textures to strengthen their finicky palate.

All True Blue Ragdoll kittens are fed:

Wet food: Royal Canin Mother & Babycat with a small portion of Weruva Paw Lickin' Chicken (easily ordered on Chewy.com)
Dry food: Royal Canin Mother & Babycat dry food (supplemental only, and depending on each kitten's level of interest)
Treats: INABA Churu Lickable Wet Treats and/or Sheba Meaty Tender Sticks (depending on each kitten's level of interest)

Please note: If at any time you choose to utilize a different dry or wet food, always mix a portion of the current cat food into the new food to reduce any stomach issues (begin with 3/4 old food to 1/4 new food, then 50:50, and finally 25% old food to 75% new food). At the time of pick up, you will be provided with a small bag of Royal Canin Mother & Babycat dry food as well as cans of wet food to sample (Royal Canin and Weruva).

Below are some long-term suggestions for feeding your Ragdoll wet food, dry food, and/or treats.

Research consistently indicates that wet food (versus dry food) is better for your cat's long-term health for a variety of reasons. Please read this information so that you can make this important decision for your growing kitten. T here are also many more cat food options available through internet searches, pet store visits, or asking a trusted resource such as your local veterinarian.

Wet Food

Weruva wet food (available through Chewy or you can find a store through this handy search tool ) offers a wide variety of wet food flavors and textures. They utilize real ingredients to make protein-rich, hydration-focused, well-balanced meals.
Other good quality canned foods include Fromm , Instinct , Kasiks , Nature's Logic , Nulo , Wellness , and Ziwi Peak .

Dry Food

Kittens: Royal Canin Kitten , Nutro Kitten or Iams Proactive Healthy Kitten
Cats: American Journey , Instinct , Fromm or Nutro
Specific Dietary Needs (consult with vet): Royal Canin , Hill's Science Diet and/or Iams

Treats (fed only in moderation so as not to cause an upset stomach)

Pureed, lickable cat treats such as INABA Churu Lickable Wet Treats
Sheba meaty tender sticks (be sure to break the stick into bite-sized portions for your kitten)

Water

While water dispensaries are a nice option for not having to refill water bowls, your Ragdoll kitten needs a bowl of fresh water every day. A cat water fountain is an amazing way to gain interest, filter water for pet health, and encourage your Ragdoll to regularly drink water. Be sure to read the instructions, as most of these fountains require weekly cleaning maintenance.

Kitten Training

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 22:22:16 GMT

Teaching House Rules to Your Kitten

Whether you realize it or not, Ragdoll kittens are very in tune with your everyday movements and behaviors. From an early age, they know who feeds them, brushes them, cleans their litter box, comforts them, and has an overall gentle approach when handling them. Known as puppy dog cats, they will follow their owners from room to room, so it is important to begin training your kitten into good habits as is developmentally appropriate. This will vary by home and Ragdoll, but consider the following as you prepare for your kitten.

Early Kitten Development (Birth to Around 3 Months): Familiar Sounds, Affection and Love

Understand how Ragdolls think.

Ragdolls have an extremely trusting nature. It is important to cultivate this quality ( read this article for six tips on raising an affectionate cat), as it is a highly endearing trait of the breed. They also love to play hard and often, though they are not known to extract their claws as much. They will playfully bite and many love to give kisses. They enjoy stretching out in your arms or in different sleeping positions. They love human companionship and will follow you from room to room. They trill to lovingly communicate and typically enjoy other pets. They were bred for some amazing characteristics, so you are in for a real treat as you begin to train your cat!

Use gentle, loving voices.

During this stage of development, it is important to find times to regularly play with and love on your kitten. Be sure to use reassuring, loving voices with your kitty as it will deepen the bond you are building. Remember that they are babies and super innocent in their behaviors at this stage of life. This is also a great time to regularly carry them around your house to introduce them to new things while listening to your reassuring voice.

Pre-determine safe, kitten-friendly resting places.

During down times, decide upon a contained, visible area to secure your kitten. It is important that this calm and inviting area have a litter box, a small bed or cat tree, a few toys, food and water. Consider the type of area you choose, as they will quickly learn to climb the rungs to reach their favorite family members. Ensure that plants or other hazards such as stairwells with slats, unsafe toys or fragile home decor are removed or blocked lest they chew or climb on them. At night, your kitten will likely want to sleep with you, so ensure food, water and a litter box are nearby. Before you know it, your kitten will outgrow this protected area and freely roam through your home.

Remember they are naturally curious.

Much like a baby, kittens are increasingly curious about their surroundings. They will explore pretty much everything they encounter, so it is important to always know where they are and provide a safe area for them to learn and explore. As they develop their climbing and jumping skills, you can expect to see them exploring everything, so it is critical to safeguard your home. This includes protecting them from unsafe corners, slats on a stairwell, access to outdoor areas, and dangerous places where something could fall on them or cut them. If any of these potential hazards exist, discuss and brainstorm ahead of time with your family on how you will safeguard these areas prior to your kitten's arrival. Remember that kittens will quickly become cats that can jump and climb, so make short- and long-term plans for kitten/cat safety as you gradually open the funnel to more freedom. In preparation for more kitten training as they get older and can jump to higher places, you will also want to pre-determine boundaries. For example, will you only allow them on soft surfaces but not countertops or tables?

Familiarize them with everyday life.

Sights and Sounds

Carefully observe your kitten's habits and interests, as each Ragdoll is unique and will demonstrate an affinity towards certain things. As newborn kittens, they were acclimated to a variety of household sounds, but they will now be familiarizing themselves with the sounds of your home. A contained area can be a great way to subtly introduce new sounds (vacuums, children, running water, other pets, etc.). Each day, spend time carrying them around your house while introducing AND gently reassuring them as they adjust to unfamiliar things. All introductions with new pets and small children should be supervised, and young children should not carry small pets on stairs.

Litter Training

Cats and kittens are naturally inclined to cover their waste and tend to instinctively understand the litter box. It should be safe, clean, and accessible at all times. When you first arrive home, put your kitten in their box and run your fingers through the litter or gently run their paws through the box. Allow them time to acclimate to their new setting by placing them in a playpen or a designated, visible area that contains their food, water, toys, bed and litter box. Limit space (do not place bedding or towels near the litter box as they may use them for a substitute) and praise them. As you begin playing with them in other rooms, periodically place them back in their litter box to reduce accidents by reminding them to use it. You might also consider putting out several boxes in every room they are free to roam (they are naturally drawn to corners) while they are acclimating to your home. If they have an accident, be sure to clean up the space well leaving no scent behind and consider putting them back in the familiar space you initially introduced them to until you know they are successfully using their litter box again. Lastly, remember they have the same goal as you: a clean environment, so be sure to clean their litter box daily and it will incentivize them to use it.

Food and Diet

As your kitten transitions to its new home, it is not uncommon for them to stop eating or drinking for a couple of days. It is important to feed them a variety of flavors and textures in order to expand their finicky palate. When transitioning to a new food, it is important to gradually do so by mixing the old and new foods together. For more information on diet, visit the Nutrition section under Kitten Care .

Hygiene

Regular maintenance and care of your Ragdoll's fur, nails and ears are important! Start brushing your cat at an early age so that they become accustomed to this routine. Check their bodies daily to ensure they are comfortable and clean. For more information on brushing and cleaning your cat, visit the Bath Time section under Kitten Care .

Play

Instinctive to a cat is their desire to bite, stalk, pounce, hunt and play. It is important to recognize these behaviors are ingrained in your cat and thus it is important to find regular times throughout the day to play with them. Use toys they can chase, and not your hands. For more information, visit the Play Time section under Kitten Care . Additionally, this YouTube video provides six helpful tips for stopping your kitten from playfully biting you.

Mid-Kitten Development (Around 3 Months to 9 Months): Train Around Your Cat's Curiosity

At this stage of development, your kitten will explore more and more things. With regards to training cats, many people have successfully used spray water bottles (never in the face) and a firm "no", but some cat behaviorists discourage this. Mostly remember that they are cats, so you may need to get creative in your training! Here is a helpful video that provides some interesting ideas on ways to effectively train a cat.

Springing Forward Into Adulthood (Around 9 Months Onward): Daily Living

As your cat matures, you will find yourself curious about the different sounds they make and/or why they exhibit a cute behavior at certain times. Animal Planet's Jackson Galaxy has created a YouTube channel that answers many questions surrounding cat behaviors and ongoing training.

Veterinary Care

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 22:17:05 GMT

Caring For Your Four-Legged Family Member

Prior to picking up your kitten, it is always a good idea to have selected a reputable vet in your area. Cats age faster than humans, so their health status can change within a relatively short period of time. Early detection can lead to a cure/resolution of most diseases, so regular, preventative, lifelong care of your Ragdoll kitten is important. As you begin researching local vets, please carefully consider the following:

Ask for Personal Recommendations
One of the best ways to find the right veterinarian is to ask your family and friends for recommendations. The internet is another helpful avenue, as Google searches/reviews, Yelp, social media, and the Next Door app all provide valuable feedback on experiences with local vets in your area.

Find a Nearby Location
Should an urgent situation arise, you will want a short drive to the veterinarian's office. Begin researching local veterinarians to determine if there is a good match in the vicinity of where you live. In case an emergency arises outside vet hours, it is also a good idea to find a local, 24-hour animal hospital. It might also be a good idea to visit the medical facility ahead of time to ensure its cleanliness.

Choose a Licensed Veterinarian With Cat Expertise
Veterinarians specialize in working with different types of animals, and some of them may have more experience treating cats, dogs, or other animals. Since many vet offices have more than one veterinarian, you may want to ask for a veterinarian who has specific expertise in treating cats. You may also ask to see their licenses or contact the state board of veterinary medicine for more information. Veterinary technicians, who frequently work with pets to administer vaccinations and other basic services, should be licensed as well.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) is an organization dedicated to the special needs of cats and feline medicine. The AAFP has a program through which a veterinary practice may earn the designation "Cat Friendly Practice", which means that steps have been taken to create a soothing, low-stress environment for these animals. The Cat Friendly Practice program is relatively new, but you can learn more about it and search for vets with cat friendly practices in your area using this link .

Consider the Vet's Approach

A veterinarian is not just there to administer medication, but to provide care for the entire well-being of your cat. Vets tend to have different approaches when it comes to pets and medication, so having a brief discussion with a potential vet on cat wellness and disease prevention may be helpful when choosing a vet. Unfamiliarity around a vet is normal for most cats, but signs of anger, fear, or distress toward a vet may not be a good sign.

Discuss Vaccinations

At the time of pick up, your kitten will have received its first in a series of vaccinations for feline distemper. It is important to discuss other upcoming vaccinations and determine whether optional vaccinations (such as FeLV) are necessary.

Inquire About Pricing
Costs can also vary depending on the vet, so determine whether their prices fit into your budget before you commit to them.

If you find yourself uncertain about the vet you chose, it is okay to make a different decision. The veterinarian will play a significant role in your pet’s life, so continue researching until you find the right fit. If you decide to switch, simply ask your current vet for your cat's medical records so that the new vet has a full understanding of your cat's medical history.

Play Time

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 22:33:51 GMT

Exploring Playtime With Your Ragdoll

This post contains Chewy affiliate links, and True Blue Ragdolls will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.

Your Ragdoll kitten is naturally curious and very aware of its surroundings. "Everything is a toy!" my sister would excitedly exclaim each time she babysat our Ragdoll kitten. This is very true and is equally adorable to watch as your kitty playfully follows you around your home. Here are some tips and tricks for enhancing playtime.

Playtime is good for your kitten's health.

Much like people and other pets, your Ragdoll will benefit from consistent play/exercise. Playtime supports your kitten's need for activity, encourages the maintenance of a healthy body weight over its lifetime, and keeps its muscles toned and strong. Activities that allow your kitten to express their natural hunting instincts will also keep their mind alert and active. Over time, if kittens (which grow up to be cats) aren't entertained or challenged, they can become lethargic, depressed, or overweight. Boredom or stress could lead to behavioral challenges such as mischief (or otherwise), so regular, interactive playtime of about fifteen minutes several times a day will provide them with the interaction and love they need.

The more you play with your Ragdoll, the more energy it will expend on positive play experiences.

Your Ragdoll will enjoy periods of play and rest throughout the day. Spending time with them when they're awake not only further develops your bond, but will also reinforce positive behaviors and allow you to redirect any unwanted behaviors. Cats are natural hunters, so it makes sense that the best way to get your kitten moving and playing is to stimulate their predatory instincts with toys they can chase as you move about the room. As you select toys, ensure they are age-appropriate and that they simulate the hunting, stalking and chasing behaviors of your kitten. Remember to introduce or alternate toys to keep your cat from becoming bored, and always use toys (not your hand) to discourage biting when playing.

When you don't have time to play with your kitten, consider ways to keep your Ragdoll self-engaged.

To keep them entertained and mentally stimulated, Ragdolls need safe toys they can play with on their own. It is always a good idea to watch them with a new toy to ensure it isn't a hazard (for example, if they are trying to chew it up or it could entangle them). They love crunchy, crinkly toys and unusual spaces, and you will quickly learn your kitten's special affinities. These spaces might include cardboard boxes, paper shopping bags, or a crackly tunnel. As your kitten grows, it might also enjoy interactive toy puzzles that encourage it to investigate various spaces with its paws. Always ensure there are toys that your kitten can throw or bat around, such as small mice (with or without catnip), crinkle toys or rattle balls. When they are little, be selective in what toys you leave them with to avoid any hazards such as strings they could get tangled in or crinkle toys they might eat. Some kittens enjoy watching television or videos made specifically for cats such as an aquarium of fish !

Enjoy getting to know your Ragdoll's favorite play experiences and routines, and use the internet as a resource for more playtime ideas!

Bath Time

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 21:06:32 GMT

Bathing Your Ragdoll Kitten with the Utmost Care

Possible Supplies Needed: Hypoallergenic and unscented shampoo (or baby shampoo), pure Epsom salt (no additives), nail clippers , comb or brush , gentle pet wet wipes , two small containers , soft washcloths and/or towels

If you’ve ever seen the humorous internet instructions from the dog on "how to bathe a cat" or googled cat bathing as a martial art, then you know bath time is not a preferred activity for the preservation of your cat’s self-dignity (and even your relationship if you were to overly bathe them). Cats are known for their grooming habits and have been referred to as "little baby car washes" by one cat behaviorist. Using their tongues, teeth, and paws, combined with special enzymes/proteins in their saliva, they are usually able to keep themselves fresh and clean without any outside intervention. On occasion, there will be good reason to bathe your cat (such as for the removal of a smell or other foreign material stuck in their coat). You may prefer to leave this detail to the professionals at the local groomer or vet as they are experienced with cat bathing.

With regards to your cat's overall hygiene, it IS important to regularly brush their coat, trim their nails (please seek expert guidance before doing this), provide fresh food and water, and to clean their litter box on a daily basis. From the time they are little, it is important to regularly scan your kitten's coat for any debris (especially around their bottoms). Kittens can be a little more compliant than cats, so gently brushing and spot cleaning them while they are sleepy can be something they learn to really enjoy moving into adulthood.

Brushing Your Cat

Ragdolls do not have an undercoat, but they can still develop mats, so gently brushing them on a regular basis will help maintain their beautiful coat. Begin brushing your kitten when they are young and always when they are in a restful, cuddly state. Grooming time can be another form of praise for your kitty, as most connect this to cleaning time with their mama. It is also a great way to regularly ensure your cat's fur and skin are healthy through regular inspection of their bodies for injuries or mats. Additionally, you are stimulating the sebaceous gland that makes oil for their coats to be shiny. Brushing discourages the formation of dander and prevents them from swallowing too much hair when they groom themselves. Use loving voices and either place them on your lap or sit on the ground with your legs forming a small enclosure around them. You may find that your cat loves to be brushed in certain areas and not so much in other places. For areas that are preferred, let the brush be their reward. For areas they don't like having brushed, allow them to move away and return to you. Reward them with a treat and quickly brush them in that less-preferred area. Remember that the skin of a cat is thin, so be very careful when shaving or cutting off a larger mat that has formed. It is also a good idea to trim their nails. Before doing so, educate yourself on the safest manner to trim nails by asking a vet, reading instructions, and watching videos online.

Spot Bathing Method (Most Desirable)

If your kitten's face needs to be cleaned, use only water and a warm, soft, damp washcloth to clean their face as the eyes and ears are sensitive. For most kittens and cats, the area that typically needs to be spot bathed is their rear ends. Sometimes, the use of a gentle pet wet wipe will do the trick especially as they sleep .

If more cleaning is needed, it typically helps to have an additional person to assist. Before your Ragdoll enters the room (and so they don't hear running water), pre-fill two small containers with some warm water. To the first container, add a small amount of baby shampoo (or the pet shampoo listed above under supplies) and just enough pure Epsom salt that it emulsifies in the water. Fill the second container with warm water. Have two soft washcloths (one for the first container and the other for the second), and always make sure your Ragdoll has something they can stand on with traction (such as a towel). Use the warm, soft cloth and dip it into the baby shampoo/pure Epsom salt mixture to gently clean the kitten and/or area. Always use reassuring voices throughout and repeat the process with a new washcloth dipped in the second container (water only) to rinse. The second person might even feed a lickable cat treat and/or pet the kitten or cat's face during this time to distract them. Our mama cat does not want to be bathed, yet she will purr during this time because it is very calm and she knows we are taking care of her.

When finished, be sure to wrap them in a towel and keep them warm until they dry. Remember that repeatedly rubbing a towel along their bottom can cause chafing, so allow them to dry naturally while keeping them warm (please refer to the "After the Bath" section below).

Full Bathing Method (Least Desirable and Only as Needed)

Trim your cat’s nails a day or so before bathing. On the day of the bath, prepare the bath by finding an area that promotes a quick and easy bathing procedure. This might include a small bathroom sink and a small kitty litter pan converted into a small bathtub. Pre-fill one with lightly soapy water (remember to use unscented, hypoallergenic kitten or baby shampoo combined with pure Epsom salt) and the other with clean water. Both should be filled a few inches high with lukewarm water. Remember that running water might add to the stress of the unfamiliar event, so try to have everything prepared beforehand including a small plastic cup to pour lukewarm water on them as you remove any excess soap. Cats like traction, so it is nice to have an area with some sort of mat or submerged towel at the base. Be prepared to get wet and wear long-sleeved clothing as a protection from your cat’s claws. You will also want to lay out a towel for drying. Choose to bathe your kitten during a time of day when they are more mellow. It is also nice to have a family member assist with bath time. Always speak in calm voices and be prepared to move gently and quickly through the process. Begin by using a warm, damp washcloth for the face with water only as the ears and eyes are sensitive. Dip them in the soapy water and move quickly through the process using a reassuring voice. Quickly move them to the clean water and use a cup as necessary (never over the face) to remove any excess soap. This is important as your cat could ingest the soap as they lick themselves afterward and/or it will attract dirt and debris (another reason why the spot bathing method is preferred when it comes to your feline). Remember that it is never beneficial to be forceful and that you can always spot bathe or leave any necessary bathing to a professional groomer.

After the Bath

Another important aspect of bathing your cat is drying them off afterward. Keep your cat warm by wrapping them in a towel and place them in a warm location until they have completely dried. Depending on their response, you might also prefer to dry them with a hair dryer on the lowest warmth setting to speed up the process. Be sure to keep the blow dryer 18 inches away at all times and move it around frequently. A family member is always a good helper for drying time as well. Once bath time is over, treats, praise, and playtime may help your cat recognize the post-benefits of bath time. Be sure to brush them after they have dried.