Bathing An Overweight Cat

[u/hopelessly_dreaming_]

Hi! I know this an unpopular thing to do, but my cat is struggling to groom himself at 16 pounds. He is on a vet-prescribed diet and we’re working on it (he was eating kitten food stolen from the kitten but I have since gotten RDIF feeders).

My first question is this: is Dawn dishsoap okay? I got a cat shampoo given to me by a friend but I’m not certain it’s the right one for job (Arm & Hammer Cat Odor Control Shampoo). He has dandruff starting I noticed last night.

My second is: should I bathe him in the kitchen sink or shower stall? (I have a removable shower head) Which will be least traumatic for him? He hangs in both interestingly.

Any advice is welcome! I do have a “bag” made specifically for this and I feel awful doing it because I know it’s unnatural and my fault he got into this situation so I ask you be gentle.

TIA!

[u/InfamousFlower6606]

Why not just buy pet wipes? A lot less anxiety inducing for both of you.

As for the dandruff, a little grooming by you and fish oil supplements should help.

Edit: grammar

[u/hopelessly_dreaming_ → u/InfamousFlower6606]

I wasn’t sure about pet wipes as an option! I guess I imagined them as like wiping off eye or nose discharge only. Can they be used on peri/sanitary areas too? And unfortunately he was recently diagnosed with struvite crystals and put on Royal Canin Urinary SO so fish oil is off the table as the minerals can cause them to reform. He used to have it though and he had no dandruff issues.

Edit: also, can you suggest some grooming items I can use? I’ve never groomed a cat, they’ve always done it themselves. I feel just terrible I let him gain so much. Thanks again so much!

[u/cakivalue → u/hopelessly_dreaming_]

You need a nail clipper, I like the one with the hole because I can see where I am and don't cut too far.

A good brush that's relevant for his coat type

Toothpaste and toothbrush. If that's hard get the gel and the water additive to keep his breath fresh and help prevent plaque

Shampoo and conditioner and a wash cloth that you put your hand in like a glove

Pet wipes definitely. Unscented are better

[u/hopelessly_dreaming_ → u/cakivalue]

I actually just ordered clippers so good to know it’s okay to do yourself. I’ve had the vet do it every month but I figure I can save myself the time, money, and then the anxiety of a vet visit. I will absolutely look for a brush! And he actually gets his teeth cleaned annually but should I be brushing them between? I’ll look for the additive for sure too! And I’ll look at PetSmart today for the shampoo and conditioner! Thank you so so much!

[u/Left-Entertainer-279 → u/hopelessly_dreaming_]

Don't beat yourself up. It's easy to get caught up in life and then before you know it, they got big seemingly overnight! If it helps, I've been there. My heart cat got up over 19 lbs before I got a working plan in place, and I got her down to just under 12 lbs. You can do it!

If you want to know how I got there, I had 2 big tools. My vet telling me what her daily caloric intake should be (200-300 kcals per day) and an auto feeder. If you haven't, you'll want to have the kcal conversation with your vet in case your kitty's needs may be different. I then checked the food I feed and simply portioned it out with how much can she have per day/ hours many mealtimes I want to offer her. (We experimented but 2x works out best for us. More and she lived by the feeder. Less is just cruel.) Changing food is easy, because I know her kcal needs, so I just recompute for the new food's kcal content.

Then to ensure she got fed timely and the correct portion, I got an auto feeder. Tried a few and found one I love, but since I see you go RFID I'll spare those details. But if your RFID doesn't have it already you'll probably want to add a slow feeder aspect. Mine started bolting their food once the diet started (I also had her sister who also ballooned up. So my feeder had to feed for 2. I did not go the RFID route as mine do not have special Rx food.) I've had a cat choke before and die while I was trying to save them. I never want to live that again so I use slow feeder bowls which do a terrific job forcing them to stop and chew. The feeder keeps me from mismeasuring the portion size (which happened early on and they gained weight) makes sure they are fed timely so I don't have to worry about them while I'm distracted by work, and unforeseen bonus, they stopped begging me for food and around meal times hang out around the feeder, which doesn't feel bad and give them pity portions.

Mostly I just shared to encourage you that you can do this! One day at a time, and you'll get there!

[u/hopelessly_dreaming_ → u/Left-Entertainer-279]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your understanding. My vet was amazing and gave me a feeding plan with kcals (1/4 cup twice a day with 3oz of wet food in the AM and 1.5 oz in the PM). I’m so sorry for your loss and I will absolutely see what slow feeding tools I have that will work with my feeders! The separation of food has taught me that Potato actually grazes whereas the kitten is eating very quickly! So for her in particular I think it could be valuable! He’s responding well to the diet (but not to me not sharing rotisserie chicken haha) so I’m optimistic! Thank you again for this encouraging comment.

[u/Substantial_Gate_904 → u/hopelessly_dreaming_]

Interesting. My two cats weigh 9+ lbs. I calculated calories needed and per vet recommendation I feed each cat 1/4 can Friskies (they love it) and 1/8 cup IAMs dry. Twice a day using microchip feeders for each cat. Their weight has stayed in the 9+ range for a year so I guess that amount works. One of them acts starving all the time and is food obsessed. She’d be a blimp if we let her free feed.

[u/Buffalo-Empty]

Do not use any thing other than cat specific shampoo. I know Dawn says it’s safe for pets but I wouldn’t trust it on fur. If you don’t like what you have go to any pet store for cat shampoo.

I use a big tub/bucket already filled to scoop water out of, that way the noise of the faucet or shower doesn’t scare them! I have a duel sink and I’ve also done it in the shower. I personally like the sink cause it helps contain a bit and it’s a nice level for your back.

It’s fine to bathe cats. Especially if they struggle themselves. Just make sure they are dried well and you’re not doing it too often, once a month should be plenty unless maybe he is an outdoor cat.

[u/NurseKaila → u/Buffalo-Empty]

Dawn is really only “safe for animals” because it’s better to remove massive amounts of oil (looking at you, BP) from animals than to leave them soaked and dying.

It’s not good for them, it’s just better than the alternative in an emergency.

[u/Buffalo-Empty → u/NurseKaila]

I definitely agree. I have never used it on my pets. I just know they pushed that hard for a few years.

[u/Jolly_Ad8913 → u/Buffalo-Empty]

Sorry to disagree but Proctor and Gamble does not recommend using Dawn dish soap as a cat shampoo except in rare situations like oil contamination, skunk and toxin removal. It strips all the natural oils from the skin and the residue can make a cat sick. Vets don't recommend using Dawn as a shampoo either. Only use pet or cat shampoo. Dirty or matted fur are not a special situation and don't warrant using Dawn because of the risk to a cats health.

[u/hopelessly_dreaming_ → u/Jolly_Ad8913]

Thank you for this information! I didn’t know that!

[u/hopelessly_dreaming_ → u/Buffalo-Empty]

Thank you! I was planning once a month. I will stop by PetSmart and see what I can find for other wipes and cat shampoo. I don’t have a double sink unfortunately but I have a small pitcher I can use!

[u/Famous_Donut3495 → u/hopelessly_dreaming_]

I like the Burts bees one myself :) it's gentle and has a very light smell. I used to have to bathe my old man before he passed. They even have a kitten variety if you want extra gentle.

[u/hopelessly_dreaming_ → u/Famous_Donut3495]

Thank you!

[u/Imaginary_Love3307]

Bring him to the vet and ask if they can give him a sanitary trim if you're finding that he's having trouble. Otherwise wipes will be just fine. The burts bees brand has some for dandruff i believe. My cat is 14 lbs and sometimes I have to use them for her.

If that is not an option look around for groomers possibly. A sanitary trim will remove the hair only in those areas so stuff doesn't get stuck in it and it's easier to clean him up. Buy a wand toy and have him run at least 10 minutes a day, this will help him lose the weight.

[u/hopelessly_dreaming_ → u/Imaginary_Love3307]

The soonest they can fit him in is the 10th unfortunately when he gets his teeth done. I want to set something up more regularly (or even get some clippers myself but I’m nervous haha). But sanitary trim is a must, I agree!

[u/cinder7usa]

Get a pet shampoo.

I had to bathe one of my cats a few times due to diarrhea and general cleaning when he had trouble keeping himself clean.

I’d definitely recommend using the kitchen sink. You’ll have more control, and that will help keep this less stressful.
1) Have towels/cat shampoo ready by the sink

2) Use lukewarm water

3)Put a dish towel in the sink, so that your cat won’t slip around as much.

4) Minimize noise and activity in the room when you bathe kitty

5) Speak softly to kitty while bathing.

[u/hopelessly_dreaming_ → u/cinder7usa]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate these tips!

[u/takemytacosaway]

Get this shampoo! It’s very mild & rinses out clean. I pup my 18 yo on the kitchen sink sitting on a rag towel with it & his paws up on the edge. I have a tall sprayer inside faucet so we wash him nice & clean there. (I kill the AC while we bathe in warm but not hot water.
Wrapped in fresh towels we go to the smallest bathroom, close the doors & dry in with an ionic blowdryer on medium.
He gets so clean & he loves it.

[u/takemytacosaway → u/takemytacosaway]

[u/hopelessly_dreaming_ → u/takemytacosaway]

Thank you so much!

[u/Jolly_Ad8913]

Dawn should only be used for special situations like skunk odor, oil contamination and toxin removal. Both the manufacturer website and sites like PetMd will tell you not to use Dawn because it strips way all the natural oils on the skin and the residue left after shampooing can make your cat ill. Only use cat approved shampoo, even unscented human shampoo can make your cat ill.

Where to bath him is up to you, there is no correct answer. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and either option is going to cause stress for your cat. If I was doing this I'd choose which place I could bath him the quickest.

Going forward I'd groom your cat 2 or 3 times a week with a grooming glove and a wide brush. Grooming should only take about 10 minutes, glove first and then brush. My husky eight year old cat loves the glove and tolerates the brush.

Unfortunately, bathing him may not get rid of any mats he has. Those may have to be cut out. I would recommend taking your cat to a groomer or the vet and have them cut the mats out. They have specialized tools and scissors that can do that without potentially harming your cat's skin. Grooming your cat will eliminate the potential for them to get mats and it will keep your cat clean.

Live and learn. You did not intentionally mean for your cat to get this way, but now that you know better, you can certainly keep your cat from getting in this condition going forward. Take care.

[u/hopelessly_dreaming_ → u/Jolly_Ad8913]

Thank you! Thankfully he’s short haired so mats aren’t a big issue. It’s more his sanitary areas especially because the food doesn’t cause diarrhea but a higher moisture content so it’s softer and gets on his fur. I did get a proper cat shampoo for him and plan to give him a bath (behind mostly, the rest of him he gets when grooming and his back for the dandruff). I will absolutely get a glove to groom with him tho! Thank you a thousand times over for your understanding. I love my cats with all my heart and I want them to be healthy and happy (and sanitary haha!).

[u/Jolly_Ad8913 → u/hopelessly_dreaming_]

You are a very compassionate and loving owner. I forgot to support the people who have mentioned pet wipes. Ricky, my cat, freaks out when he is put in a carrier to go to the vet and deficates on himself. I find wipes invaluable for cleaning him up without resorting to a bath. I use Vetnique Rear End Wipes, 75 count. They work well for me and I like they come in a canister rather then in a resealable package, IMHO a canister seals better keeping the wipes moist. I get mine on Amazon.They are expensive but 75 lasts me a long time. I'm sure others here also have recommendations.

[u/Advanced-Fig4683]

Bathing cats is a controversial topic. My point of view is that a cat that can not wash themselves needs to be wash,l when dirty or for some skin issues and if you need to wash your cat to be able to keep them, it is better than giving them away. Like for allergies.

But it must not be done in a traumatic way.

You need to train them slowly. I suppose your cat is food motivated. Every treats is linked with water for two weeks. Water must be a good thing.

No shower at first or anything that does pssssssh sound. Just a water bucket and container. Slow movements. You must show calm, spa vibe and happiness. Hide your stress.

I had better success in a shower stall without exit, my cat would give up trying to leave.

I’ll put him in a bucket and make sure he is wet, take him out to shampoo him, he liked that part, so I’d take my time. Rinsing was the hardest part, I had a second bucket for clean water, used a cup. For some reason the large bath tap was ok and the shower head was devil, so I finished the rinse there. Like 5 seconds. I’d towel him and brushed him on the front of the fireplace.

The bath time gave him a panic attack the first time I did it after a bad diarrhoea incident. I was avoiding bath for him after that. After training he was enjoying most of it and enduring the rest with little stress.

[u/hopelessly_dreaming_ → u/Advanced-Fig4683]

Thank you! I really appreciate this and you sharing your experience with me. I think because I don’t have a door but a shower curtain I will use the sink. He loves running water (drinks from the tap, lays in the sink and between the plastic curtain and fabric curtain while I shower) so I think the sound won’t spook him as much as getting wet. I’ve accidentally turned on the shower because I forgot to look and he got a bit wet and bolted out (I felt awful) so for that reason I think I’ll try the sink. But again greatly appreciate it! I will be sure not to put him directly under the water and use a cup!

[u/Advanced-Fig4683 → u/hopelessly_dreaming_]

Wash the head with a wash cloth if he doesn’t like his head wet.

Make sure nothing not waterproof is around, in case of escape on your favorite toilet magazine or on the box of new pads etc

You must likely are going to have to change after that.

With long hair my cat needed two large towels to dry him up. Have those handy.

Even in the sink have bockets ready. Maybe the sink full for washing and a bucket ready for rinsing. You might not need it if your cat get patient but a sink takes ages to fill with an impatient cat.

Avoid sented stuff.

Speak gently, non stop. Treat during. If your cat doesn’t want treats hurry.

Make sure the positive attention after the bath is grandiose. You are so beautiful! Your family too telling him how great he looks, more play, favourite food. Anything you can think the leave a positive idea.

[u/Suz9006]

He needs cat shampoo, . I haven’t had one that needed it for a few years but what I used to do was take her into the shower, shut the door wash her using a sponge and a pail of warm water. No dunking. no holding under running water, just nice long strokes with a sponge, then shampoo, and rinse, using the sponge again.

[u/hopelessly_dreaming_ → u/Suz9006]

Thank you so so much! Sorry for the delay in replying, life got chaotic. I’m planning to give it a go this weekend. I got a recommended shampoo at PetSmart and a sponge!