Topic: Help please...bathing cats for first time. (Read 11988 times)

cat man do · « **Reply #45 on:** February 04, 2008, 20:17:38 PM »

The vet cant get capstar in.

Thats why im going for the oral program.

As it lasts a month I can do again and break this dam cycle.

My lot are indoor so at some point, One of my friends or Myelf brought a visitor with us I guess..

fleas

Getting it tomorrow.

Millys Mum · « **Reply #44 on:** February 04, 2008, 19:22:00 PM »

If you have used spot on & capstar it may be worth holding off on the program, too much of good thing.
Capstar would kill the fleas on the cat so they must be reinfecting from the house/garden if they go out

Program doesnt kill fleas it just makes them infertile so unless the incomming source is sorted you could still see some.

Frontline and Indorex works best for me. Also important to spray rooms without carpets as the eggs can get down the gaps of skirting

To prevent flea infestations Program should be administered at monthly intervals for at least six months during the flea season, starting two months before fleas become active.
If the cat is already infested with fleas, no viable flea eggs are produced from 24 hours after the first administration. The speed of elimination of the infestation is dependent upon the number of flea larvae and pupae in the environment when treatment starts and climatic conditions.
If cats have a high level of flea infestation at the start of the treatment, it may be necessary to administer a flea adulticide during the first one to two months. In cases of severe hypersensitivity, further use of an adulticide may be needed.

cat man do · « **Reply #43 on:** February 04, 2008, 13:36:14 PM »

Just phoned vet.

£32 each and she wont let me do them (I do subcutaneous fluids on a cat and do injections at work daily),

I really cant afford that. I need 4.

If you know of a cheaper source, please let me know).

Im getting program oral treatments tomorrow (last a month).

Dawn F · « **Reply #42 on:** February 04, 2008, 13:07:13 PM »

not that I know of, I know Liz (with the 37 cats) also uses it

cat man do · « **Reply #41 on:** February 04, 2008, 12:06:30 PM »

No....

Didnt know it existed.

Will look into that thanks.

Any contra-indications ?

Dawn F · « **Reply #40 on:** February 04, 2008, 10:55:51 AM »

have you tried the program jab it last six months

cat man do · « **Reply #39 on:** February 03, 2008, 11:02:57 AM »

Yes.

I have learned to respect the cats' formidable array of weaponry.

Catjane · « **Reply #38 on:** February 03, 2008, 09:27:19 AM »

Awwww look at him!

I live on my own, and don't have a second pair of hands, so when my lot were very young I used to kinda tuck them between my legs on the floor with me kneeling (make sense?) and put one hand on their forehead but facing backwards so the fingers were free to part the fur, and the other applied the spot on. Now they're a bit older they're a bit more docile (resigned?) and I now find it easier to pop them on the kitchen work surface, gently make them lie down using the scruff, and then quickly do it all in a few seconds without actually holding them as such - I guess I am able to do this only because I'm getting better at doing it. I watched the vet do it this way, and figured that if he can, then I can learn too! But I suppose it depends on the cat really. If mine had a mind to, they could shred my arm and run away

cat man do · « **Reply #37 on:** February 02, 2008, 20:33:25 PM »

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Dark Moon · « **Reply #36 on:** February 02, 2008, 09:42:24 AM »

Amazed it is I am...

Way, way back in the long, long ago... I had just 'expanded' to a 2 cat household. Then my friend called. There was this kitten..... (we all know the end of this story...) For some obscure reason (given how 'well' the first introduction went) I went and got him. He became the first of the TRIAD - they of my heart of hearts. But he was loaded with fleas. You must understand. This was at best a 6 week old kitten. I bear the scar on my right hand to this day (and this is (sad to admit) almost 4 decades later.

I never tried to wash cats after that. I may be stupid but even I can learn. I have lived in flea infested places since - and have used every trick in the book to rid them. Short of bathing. Thankfully (?) we have no flea problems here (too cold). Ticks, on the other hand....

But tonight (this morning? Always hard to know what to call it at this time (3:30 a.m. here)) I am looking at my scar and thinking of my beloved Hannibal. Thank you for that.

And good luck!

Catjane · « **Reply #35 on:** February 02, 2008, 09:27:32 AM »

Quote from: Susanne (urbantigers) on February 01, 2008, 19:25:23 PM

Quote from: cat man do on February 01, 2008, 18:52:25 PM
As I said..I shaved a patch off AND PARTED THE FUR on the long haired felines and did apply it like you all have said.

I read the instructions thoroughly and my vet who specialises only in cats also advised me

Sorry, wasn't meaning to criticise. But you said yourself that most of it went on the fur. If they licked it off the fur that could account for why it doesn't seem to have worked.

It is difficult to get the hang of applying it. For years I put it on and the fur would get quite wet (even on my shorthaired cat) and I thought that was normal. Then I applied it one time and must have done something different because I couldn't see any wet fur at all. I still don't get it on right all the time, but I realise now what I have to do to make sure it goes on the skin and not the fur. I thought I was doing it right all along, but I wasn't.

Same here lol! When I first started applying it my cats walked round with a greasy spot on their necks for a couple of days, but now I manage to get it right on the skin - it's a knack, isn't it? One I could never really explain how to do, either.

Catjane · « **Reply #34 on:** February 02, 2008, 09:21:43 AM »

I've found that Frontline has become less effective over time, and I am having to use Stronghold now (on the vet's advice), especially as Meesha has developed a flea allergy

I 'de-flea' my home every three months, even though the stuff is supposed to last for a year, just to be sure, and hoover absolutely everywhere once a week (not an easy job behind the tv!) I'm managing to keep the little fleebies at bay for now, but I'm dreading the summer. Bathing mine would be a last resort, as two of them are not at all docile

I will need a set of combat gear!

alisonandarchie · « **Reply #33 on:** February 02, 2008, 08:55:31 AM »

Have really enjoyed reading this thread

cat man do · « **Reply #32 on:** February 01, 2008, 23:21:14 PM »

They had sunk halfway down the glass (half the water above them) lol.

they sought of swam around struggling.

I used RIP fleas spray which contains the same ingredients as zodiac.

I got that as well.

Might as well use it tomorrow.

Enough for tonight.

I'm still drying off lol.

candyshandy · « **Reply #31 on:** February 01, 2008, 23:14:17 PM »

What did you treat the carpets with?

When I first moved into my house I had a flea infestation and tried everything. In the end I bought some spray called Zodiac (another good one is one from the vets, can't remember the name!) and I had to treat everything in the house - carpets, sofas, bed.... The smell was awful but it worked

Mark · « **Reply #30 on:** February 01, 2008, 23:08:27 PM »

put a couple of drops of washing up liquid in the water to break the surface tension and they sink

cat man do · « **Reply #29 on:** February 01, 2008, 22:33:13 PM »

Forgot to say.

When I flea combed in the beginning, I tried drowning the fleas in water.

I dropped the flea comb into a pint glass of water.

these 2 fleas managed to stay alive in the water for over half an hour.

You could see them still struggling halfway down in the water.

Maybe my lot had super fleas or fleas with tiny underwater breathing apparatus.

fleas.

cat man do · « **Reply #28 on:** February 01, 2008, 22:24:25 PM »

Done that.

They hated the hairdryer

If someone could invent a silent one they would be rich

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #27 on:** February 01, 2008, 22:23:11 PM »

Quote from: cat man do on February 01, 2008, 22:20:30 PM

I have bathed 4 cats
thats all.
Never want to do that again in one day lol.

Ummmm, you havent finished yet - now you have to blow dry them!

cat man do · « **Reply #26 on:** February 01, 2008, 22:20:30 PM »

I have bathed 4 cats

thats all.

Never want to do that again in one day lol.

Had to do them all or risk infestation from one to another again.

dolcetta46 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 01, 2008, 20:56:47 PM »

Quote from: cat man do on February 01, 2008, 20:48:13 PM

4 wet pussies in one day.

What the heck have you been doing I thought you were busy washing your cat... ah, oh, sorry about that, so all finished now?

cat man do · « **Reply #24 on:** February 01, 2008, 20:52:15 PM »

Their coats feel lovely and soft now.

And they seem more comfortable.

cat man do · « **Reply #23 on:** February 01, 2008, 20:48:13 PM »

one more to go.

God im so wet

4 wet pussies in one day.

cat man do · « **Reply #22 on:** February 01, 2008, 19:46:34 PM »

lol

That was satifying in the fact that after shampoo and rinse, I saw all the dead fleas in her coat and could get them all off.

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cat man do · « **Reply #21 on:** February 01, 2008, 19:42:36 PM »

I know hun.

I did it twice in the end (with the right time gap) as I thought the fur thing might have been an issue.

Sorry. didnt mean to be rude myself. This flea problem has been getting to me.

It does take some time to dry (well at least it did on mine lol)

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #20 on:** February 01, 2008, 19:25:23 PM »

Quote from: cat man do on February 01, 2008, 18:52:25 PM

As I said..I shaved a patch off AND PARTED THE FUR on the long haired felines and did apply it like you all have said.

I read the instructions thoroughly and my vet who specialises only in cats also advised me

Sorry, wasn't meaning to criticise. But you said yourself that most of it went on the fur. If they licked it off the fur that could account for why it doesn't seem to have worked.

It is difficult to get the hang of applying it. For years I put it on and the fur would get quite wet (even on my shorthaired cat) and I thought that was normal. Then I applied it one time and must have done something different because I couldn't see any wet fur at all. I still don't get it on right all the time, but I realise now what I have to do to make sure it goes on the skin and not the fur. I thought I was doing it right all along, but I wasn't.

cat man do · « **Reply #19 on:** February 01, 2008, 19:03:08 PM »

Aww Suzie.

Thats what 2 of mine just looked like. Must get a crate. Thats a great idea.
Should have taken pics.

bless her

cat man do · « **Reply #18 on:** February 01, 2008, 19:01:41 PM »

Yes

Im leaving the one I think is going to hate it the most till last

I have written my last will and testament

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #17 on:** February 01, 2008, 19:00:58 PM »

Quote from: cat man do on February 01, 2008, 16:15:42 PM

Im just about to bathe all 4 cats for the first time due to fleas.

Im thinking of getting in bath with each cat and using shower.

Deffo DON'T get in the bath with 'em!

I always stand mine on an upturned plastic crate with a bath mat on top so they don't slip and then just use the shower head to wet the fur, then shampoo and rinse - no fuss, all quickly and calmly done with everyhthing to hand so you don't suddenly need to dash off and get the shampoo leaving a soggy cat to run around the bathroom LOL!

This was my Suzie sitting on the crate - cats don't like being immersed in water which is why I always stand mine on a crate in the bath. I know she looked grumpy - but she wasnt really, she used to love the warm water!

dolcetta46 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 01, 2008, 19:00:03 PM »

Quote from: cat man do on February 01, 2008, 18:56:09 PM

I have bathed 2 now succesfully.

There is a new treatment Capstar which i have ordered in.

Im getting confident im winning the battle. Now am I winning the war lol.

Well you'd better not speak too soon, you still got 2 to go!!

cat man do · « **Reply #15 on:** February 01, 2008, 18:56:09 PM »

I have bathed 2 now succesfully.

There is a new treatment Capstar which i have ordered in.

Im getting confident im winning the battle. Now am I winning the war lol.

Mark · « **Reply #14 on:** February 01, 2008, 18:55:04 PM »

I wouldn't dare try to bathe any of my cats

I value my life and they hate it. Do you have a mobile groomer in your area?

When one of my cats, Clapton had a bad infestation a couple of years ago, the vet gave him a jab - no idea what it was but dead ones were dropping off him by the time we got home.

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blackcat · « **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2008, 18:52:38 PM »

I found that using blood temperature water and being fairly confident about placing the cat in the basin meant that the cat did not realise it was getting wet. Most problems come when you try to wet down the upper portion and drips form on the coat which irritate and make the cat aware of what is going on. If you can avoid that by using a large sponge to apply the water to the rest of the coat then all the reaction I have ever had was a paw grimly fastened to the edge of the basin (or at times in my flesh) and a pained expression on the cat's face. They usually give you a filthy look when you remove them I and I am amazed yours stuck around long enough to be towelled down - mine generally take themselves off to sulk while dripping over every item of soft furnishing they can find (and preferably your open handbag as well)

cat man do · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2008, 18:52:25 PM »

As I said..I shaved a patch off AND PARTED THE FUR on the long haired felines and did apply it like you all have said.

I read the instructions thoroughly and my vet who specialises only in cats also advised me

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #11 on:** February 01, 2008, 18:49:12 PM »

Erm, good luck! Sorry, I've never bathed a cat so can offer no advice. But yes, Gillian should be able to advise you. She has hundreds

of Persians she bathes regularly and is a professional groomer to boot.

If you got most of the spot on on the fur, then you didn't apply it properly though. You need to part the fur and squeeze it onto the skin. Place the opening of the tube onto the skin and squeeze it until it's empty. Don't lift the tube up even a fraction (eg to see if it's all squeezed out) as that is how you get it on the fur. Don't raise the tube from the skin until you have squeezed it all out and it is empty. I have a semi long haired cat (and had another for 8 years) so I know how hard it can be. I used to get it all over Magpie's fur until I worked out what I was doing wrong.

cat man do · « **Reply #10 on:** February 01, 2008, 18:44:15 PM »

No its fine I dont think you are rude.

They didnt work for me. I am a senior staff nurse and give intravenous drugs and oral drugs every day.

I know I applied them correctly.

I even shaved of a patch of fur on my long haired cats to help.

The flat was completely treated so I am at a loss to where they are coming from.

Maybe I missed somewhere in the flat. Will try again.

fleas lol

Ela · « **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2008, 18:40:49 PM »

Quote

You dont understand...They didnt fully work. I Promise.

Not wishing to be rude, but spot-ons do work if applied properly and if the home is flea free.

cat man do · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2008, 17:35:37 PM »

First one didnt make as much fuss as I expected.

He is nearly dry bless him sititng in front of the fire.

Took 2 egyptian towels to get him nearly there.

He does look like he feels happier.

cat man do · « **Reply #7 on:** February 01, 2008, 16:56:50 PM »

one down 3 to go.

I did part the skin and actually shaved a bit off for the spot on treatments.

You dont understand...They didnt fully work. I Promise.

next cat please lol

Millys Mum · « **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2008, 16:48:07 PM »

Bathing wont sort the problem as the eggs stick much like nits do

You need to seperate the hair and apply the spot on to the skin to make it work. Which it does or all people with LH cats would have a huge problem and big blood loss

Have you got an assistant for the feisty ones? If you fold a towel and wet it and lay this in the bath they wont feel so dodgy, its something for them to hang onto.
I wouldnt get in the bath as cat climing up leg would not be nice

Some dont like a shower head so a cup poured over them may suit better.
Trial and error, good luck

Author Topic: Help please...bathing cats for first time. (Read 11988 times)

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